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Korean Chicken Bao

Deliciously Fluffy Korean Chicken Bao for Your Next Party

Deliciously fluffy Korean Chicken Bao filled with crispy chicken and a sweet-spicy glaze for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Proofing Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 20 buns
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Bao Buns
  • 4 cups plain flour or substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture
  • 1/4 cup caster sugar standard granulated sugar can work as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant dried yeast adjust if using fresh yeast
  • 1 cup whole milk or replace with non-dairy milk for a vegan option
  • 1/2 cup warm water vegetable broth can be used for flavor
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter for a dairy-free version
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or any neutral oil
For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 pound chicken breasts or swap with crispy tofu for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup buttermilk or homemade with milk and vinegar
  • 1 cup plain flour for coating; cornstarch for gluten-free option
For the Gochujang Glaze
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang paste or substitute with sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for vegan alternative
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or white sugar if needed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 clove garlic fresh or powdered
  • 1 tablespoon ginger fresh or powdered
Seasonings and Garnishes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional pickled vegetables or slaw

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Steamer
  • Deep fryer or large pot
  • Saucepan
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, caster sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm milk and water, along with melted butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Transfer the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it prove in a warm space for approximately 90 minutes, until it has doubled in size.
  3. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces and shape each into an oval. Lightly brush each piece with olive oil.
  4. Using a chopstick, place it vertically in the center of each oval and fold the dough around it to create a pleated bun shape. Let them prove for another hour.
  5. Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  6. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each piece in seasoned flour. Deep-fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
  7. In a saucepan, combine gochujang, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Add minced garlic and ginger, then simmer until thickened.
  8. Prepare a steamer and steam the bao buns for 10 minutes until soft and slightly sticky.
  9. Fill each bun with crispy chicken and drizzle with gochujang glaze. Optionally add garnishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the dough to rise fully for best texture. Store buns and chicken separately to maintain freshness.

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