Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that bursts with flavor and has that perfect combo of spicy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying textures, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns. Imagine biting into soft, golden buns that give way to a juicy, fiery chicken filling, all topped off with a crunchy, cheesy crust that adds just the right kick. These buns are a party in every bite, delivering bold flavors wrapped in pillowy bread that’s impossible to resist. Whether it’s a casual get-together or just a treat for yourself, Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are here to make your taste buds dance and your stomach smile!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building the harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns so unforgettable. From the rich dough to the spicy chicken and zesty sauce, every component is thoughtfully selected to bring out the best in this dish.

• Water (75 ml): Provides hydration to the yeast and dough, ensuring a perfect rise.
• Milk (200 ml): Use lukewarm milk for tender, soft buns with a lovely golden crust.
• Honey (15 g): Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the spice.
• Instant yeast (9 g): The magic behind the dough’s airy and fluffy texture.
• Egg (1 whole + 1 beaten): Enhances richness in the dough and helps bind the chicken mixture.
• Sunflower oil (30 ml): Keeps the dough moist and aids in frying the chicken.
• Flour (600 g): The foundation of the bun’s soft and chewy structure.
• Salt (8 g, plus extra for chicken and cornstarch): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Butter (25 g): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Parmesan cheese (40 g): Provides a sharp, salty topping with a crispy finish.
• Cayenne powder (2 g for topping, 4 g for chicken): Brings the fiery heat that defines the dynamite element.
• Onion powder (1.5 g for topping, 3 g for chicken, and cornstarch): Seasonal savory depth with subtle sweetness.
• Black pepper powder (1 g for topping, 1.5 g for chicken, and cornstarch): Adds a mild pungency that ties the spices together.
• Chicken fillet (700 g): The star protein, juicy and inflated with flavor.
• Sambal oelek (15 g in chicken mix, 20 g in sauce): Indonesian chili paste for authentic spicy punch.
• Soy sauce (10 ml): Umami boost that deepens the chicken’s taste.
• Cornstarch (150 g): Creates a crispy coating for the fried chicken pieces.
• Mayonnaise (120 g): Creamy base for a tangy, spicy sauce to tie it all together.
• Chili sauce (75 g): Adds sweetness and spice to the sauce, perfect for balance.
• Milk (extra for brushing dough): Helps the topping stick and browns the buns beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing lukewarm water and milk (37-40°C) with honey and instant yeast. Letting this mixture sit for 5 minutes wakes up the yeast, setting the stage for that perfect bun rise. Add beaten egg and sunflower oil, then blend in the flour, salt, and butter to form a cohesive dough. Knead vigorously for 10-12 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about an hour – this step makes your buns fluffy and irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Topping

While the dough rises, stir together Parmesan cheese, cayenne powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. This flavorful crunch will coat the buns later, giving them a beautifully spicy and cheesy crust that perfectly complements the filling.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Cut chicken fillets into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and better bun filling. In a large bowl, combine chicken with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne powder, black pepper, sambal oelek, soy sauce, and a beaten egg. Give it a good mix, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight for a more intense flavor burst—trust me, the marination makes a world of difference!

Step 4: Shape and Proof the Dough Balls

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air. Divide into 14 equal portions, around 70 grams each, and roll each into a smooth ball. Roll out each ball into a rectangular shape about 15 x 13 cm, then fold it over to encase the filling better, creating that perfect bun shape.

Step 5: Add the Topping and Let Them Rise Again

Brush the top of each folded dough piece with milk to make sure your cheesy topping sticks. Dip one side into the Parmesan mixture and place the buns on a lined baking tray. Make a few slashes on top to help steam escape during baking. Let the buns proof for another 30 minutes or until they puff up nicely.

Step 6: Bake the Buns until Golden

Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 200 ℃ (392 °F). Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the buns are beautifully golden with crispy edges. Keep a close eye here because ovens vary, and those golden cheeks are what we’re aiming for!

Step 7: Prepare the Crispy Chicken Filling

Mix together cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and onion powder in a bowl. Take the marinated chicken and coat each piece evenly with this cornstarch mixture. Heat sunflower oil to 175 ℃ in a pan and fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

Step 8: Make the Dynamite Sauce and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sambal oelek to create the creamy, spicy sauce that ties it all together. Toss the fried chicken pieces in this sauce to give them that signature dynamite zing.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Slice the baked buns, stuff them generously with the saucy chicken, and add fresh veggies if you like for crunch! The result? A stunning bun that’s crispy, cheesy, spicy, and utterly delicious.

How to Serve Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Garnishes

To make these buns even more irresistible, try sprinkling some fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top, adding a squeeze of lime juice for a bright contrast, or even a few crunchy pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. These little touches elevate the buns from amazing to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Serve your Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns alongside a crisp, refreshing slaw or crunchy cucumber salad to balance the heat and richness. A light but tangy coleslaw or even some simple roasted veggies will pair beautifully without stealing the spotlight from these flavor-packed buns.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, slice the buns into sliders and arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces like extra sambal mayo or sweet chili sauce. You can also wrap them in parchment paper with a colorful sticker for easy grab-and-go snacks that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the chicken filling separate if possible to avoid soggy buns, and reassemble before serving.

Freezing

These buns freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

To bring your Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns back to life, heat them in a 180 ℃ oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the buns soggy and tough.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and will be extra juicy, which works perfectly with this recipe’s bold flavors.

How spicy are these buns really?

The spice level is nicely balanced but definitely present thanks to cayenne and sambal, which you can adjust based on your preference by adding more or less sambal in the marinade and sauce.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While at least 1-2 hours of marinating is good, overnight resting in the fridge really deepens the flavors and makes the chicken tender and even more flavorful.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese in the topping?

Pecorino Romano or a sharp aged cheddar can be used as alternatives, but Parmesan offers the perfect salty, nutty kick that complements the spicy chicken best.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns, they’ll become your go-to recipe for when you want something exciting, comforting, and downright delicious. The combination of soft bread, spicy-saucy chicken, and that irresistible cheesy crust is pure magic. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor every bite of these unforgettable buns—your taste buds and guests will thank you!

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