Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

If you’ve been craving something that hits all the right notes—spicy, cheesy, and super satisfying—let me introduce you to my Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe. These buns are the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a golden, cheesy crust. They’re perfect as a weekend treat or when you want to impress friends at a casual get-together without fussing over complicated dishes.

What makes this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe truly stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The soft, slightly sweet dough cradles a punchy, spicy chicken filling, and the crispy, cheesy topping seals the deal. When I first made it, I was amazed at how these buns could taste so indulgent yet still be pretty straightforward to prepare. Once you try them, I bet you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient serves a special purpose in this recipe to bring harmony between the dough, chicken filling, and the irresistible topping. I recommend using fresh chicken and good-quality cheeses and spices to get the full effect of those bold flavors.

• Water: Lukewarm, to help activate the yeast gently without killing it.
• Milk: Adds softness and richness to the dough, making the buns tender.
• Honey: Just a touch to balance the savory spice and feed the yeast.
• Instant yeast: The engine that makes these buns delightfully fluffy.
• Egg: Adds structure and richness; used in both dough and chicken mix.
• Sunflower oil: Keeps the dough moist without overpowering flavors.
• Flour: The backbone of the dough; all-purpose works great here.
• Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors.
• Butter: Enriches the dough and helps with browning.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds that sharp, nutty punch especially tasty on top.
• Cayenne powder: For heat in the topping – adjust to your spice tolerance.
• Onion powder: Gives subtle savory depth to the topping and filling.
• Black pepper powder: A gentle peppery kick throughout.
• Chicken filet: I prefer fresh chicken breast for tenderness, diced finely.
• Sambal oelek: Authentic chili paste, super important for that fiery kick.
• Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Helps bind the chicken filling so it doesn’t get watery.
• Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess in the sauce that cools down the spice a bit.
• Chili sauce: Adds sweetness and heat to complement sambal oelek in the sauce.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak the spice level, swap ingredients to suit your diet, or add your own twist with different cheeses or fillings. I encourage you to experiment and make them your own!

• Mild version: I’ve made these with just a bit of cayenne and omitted sambal oelek for family-friendly buns that still have great flavor.
• Cheese swap: Sometimes I use mozzarella or cheddar instead of Parmesan in the topping for a different cheesy vibe.
• Vegetarian: Swap chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers mixed with cornstarch and spices.
• Whole wheat dough: For a heartier bun, I sometimes replace half the flour with whole wheat, which adds a lovely nuttiness.
• Extra crispy: If you want a crunchier crust, brush the buns with egg wash and sprinkle extra Parmesan right before baking.

How to Make Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your water and milk until just lukewarm, about 37°C (98°F) — perfect for activating the yeast without killing it. In a mixing bowl, combine water, milk, honey, and instant yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to bubble up and become frothy. This little step sets the foundation for fluffy buns.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Whisk the egg and sunflower oil into the yeast mixture, then gradually add your flour and salt. Stir everything until it starts to come together. Don’t rush this part — use your hands or a dough hook if you have one. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic; if the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour but be careful not to add too much. This dough should be soft, springy, and a joy to work with.

Step 3: First Rise and Butter Finish

Cover your dough with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size. When ready, gently press in the butter and knead again briefly to incorporate it fully. This added step enriches the dough, making your buns rich and tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Filling

While the dough rises, finely dice your chicken fillets. In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, sambal oelek, soy sauce, and an egg. This combination is what gives the filling its bold, spicy kick. Make sure the ingredients are well incorporated — the egg and spices will help bind the filling and boost flavor.

Step 5: Mix the Cornstarch Coating

In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until coated evenly. This step’s a game-changer — it helps prevent the filling from getting soggy inside the buns and gives a nice texture once baked.

Step 6: Assemble the Buns

When your dough is ready, punch it down and divide it into equal portions (I usually get about 12 buns). Flatten each piece into a small disc, spoon a generous amount of chicken filling in the center, and carefully seal the edges by pinching the dough together. It might take a little practice to get a tight seal, but it’s worth it — nobody wants filling leaking out mid-bake!

Step 7: Add Topping and Bake

Mix Parmesan cheese with cayenne powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Brush each bun lightly with milk to help the topping stick, then sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese forms a slightly crispy crust. The aroma at this point is enough to make you impatient!

Step 8: Prepare the Sauce

While the buns are baking, whisk together mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sambal oelek for the spicy, creamy sauce. I like to serve this on the side so everyone can dip their buns or add a dollop for extra flavor. It’s the perfect cooling complement to the fiery chicken inside.

How to Serve Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh coriander or parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes a little sesame seed sprinkle on the topping adds a nice nutty crunch, too. It’s little touches like these that turn a simple snack into something special.

Side Dishes

These buns are filling, but I love pairing them with a crunchy Asian slaw or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. They balance out the richness of the buns and add a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, a bowl of hot miso soup works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these buns in a circular pattern on large platters with dipping sauce bowls in the center. It makes for a fun communal experience. Another time, I brushed them with a little extra butter right after baking and wrapped them individually in parchment paper tied with string for grab-and-go treats—everyone loved the rustic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, I layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to eat, just warm them slightly and enjoy!

Freezing

I’ve found that these buns freeze brilliantly. After baking and cooling, wrap each bun in cling film and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Freezing ahead means you can have these spicy, cheesy treats ready anytime cravings hit.

Reheating

To reheat, I unwrap the buns and warm them in an oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese topping crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe, it feels like I’m sharing a little comfort and spice wrapped in a golden package with friends or family. It’s one of those recipes that’s approachable yet feels special enough for gatherings or just a cozy night in. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do—seriously, once you try them, they might just become your new go-to for flavorful homemade buns!

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