Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns combine the best of both worlds: soft, pillowy dough and a flavorful, spicy chicken filling. The dough itself is slightly sweet and rich, creating the perfect base for the spicy and savory chicken mixture. The Parmesan topping, with a touch of cayenne and onion powder, adds an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor. Drizzle the homemade spicy mayo sauce on top for a creamy finish that balances the heat perfectly. It’s the ideal treat for anyone who loves bold flavors with a bit of spice.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 75 ml water
• 200 ml milk
• 15 g honey
• 9 g instant yeast
• 1 egg
• 30 ml sunflower oil
• 600 g flour
• 8 g salt
• 25 g butter

For the topping:

• 40 g Parmesan cheese
• 2 g cayenne powder
• 1.5 g onion powder
• 1 g black pepper powder

For the chicken mixture:

• 700 g chicken filet
• 5 g salt
• 3 g onion powder
• 3 g garlic powder
• 4 g cayenne powder
• 1.5 g black pepper powder
• 15 g sambal oelek
• 10 ml soy sauce
• 1 egg

For the extra:

• Milk (for brushing)

For the cornstarch mixture:

• 150 g cornstarch
• 2 g salt
• 1.5 g black pepper powder
• 3 g onion powder

For the sauce:

• 120 g mayonnaise
• 75 g chili sauce
• 20 g sambal oelek

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the water, milk, and honey. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the egg, sunflower oil, flour, salt, and butter to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the chicken mixture:
   While the dough is rising, cut the chicken into small cubes or mince it. In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne powder, black pepper powder, sambal oelek, soy sauce, and egg. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Prepare the cornstarch mixture:
   In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper powder, and onion powder. Toss the chicken mixture in this cornstarch mixture to give it a crispy texture when cooked.
4. Cook the chicken:
   Heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the chicken mixture until it is fully cooked through and browned, around 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, set aside to cool slightly.
5. Shape the buns:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions, depending on the size of the buns you prefer. Flatten each portion into a small circle, place a spoonful of the cooked chicken mixture in the center, and fold the dough around the filling, sealing the edges. Place the buns seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Top the buns:
   In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, cayenne powder, onion powder, and black pepper powder. Sprinkle this topping mixture generously over each bun.
7. Bake the buns:
   Brush the tops of the buns with milk and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and fully cooked.
8. Make the sauce:
   While the buns are baking, prepare the sauce by combining the mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sambal oelek in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
9. Serve:
   Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle or serve with the spicy mayo sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 buns (depending on size)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (excluding dough rising time)
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1.5-2 hours (including dough rising)

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative. You can still add the same seasonings and sauces for a flavorful vegetarian version.
• Cheese variation: Add more cheese to the chicken mixture for an extra cheesy flavor inside the buns.
• Extra spicy: If you love spice, increase the amount of sambal oelek or cayenne powder in the chicken mixture and sauce for a fiery kick.
• Herb additions: Add finely chopped cilantro or parsley to the chicken mixture for a fresh herbaceous note.

Storage/Reheating

These Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking the buns.

2. Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken filet?

Yes, ground chicken works just as well as chicken filet in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the dough.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses, but Parmesan provides a unique sharpness that complements the spicy chicken filling.

4. Is the sambal oelek sauce necessary for the recipe?

Sambal oelek adds a great amount of flavor and heat, but if you prefer a milder taste, you can omit it or substitute with another chili sauce.

5. Can I freeze these buns?

Yes, you can freeze the buns either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, simply shape the buns, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

6. Can I make these buns without yeast?

If you prefer to make a quicker version, you can substitute the yeast dough with a biscuit or scone dough, but the texture and flavor will be different from the traditional yeast-based dough.

7. How can I make these buns more kid-friendly?

To make them less spicy, reduce the amount of cayenne and sambal oelek in the chicken mixture and sauce. You can also skip the spicy topping and serve the buns with a milder sauce like ketchup or BBQ sauce.

8. Can I use a different sauce instead of the spicy mayo?

Yes, you can substitute the spicy mayo with a ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a garlic butter sauce for a different flavor profile.

9. Can I bake these buns without a topping?

Yes, you can bake the buns without the Parmesan topping. They will still be delicious but will lack the cheesy crunch on top.

10. How long do these buns stay fresh?

These buns will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge. However, they are best enjoyed within the first day or two for the optimal texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are a bold and flavorful snack or meal that combines everything you love about comfort food with an exciting kick of spice. With the rich, fluffy dough, spicy chicken filling, and cheesy topping, these buns offer a perfect balance of heat, flavor, and texture. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a weeknight dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

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