Description
Korean Chicken Bao Buns are a quick dinner idea that feels fun, flavorful, and better than takeout. These soft steamed buns are filled with sticky Korean-style chicken, then topped with green onions and sesame seeds for an easy recipe that works as a party appetizer, easy dinner, or crowd-pleasing food idea when you want something bold and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 bao buns
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons gochujang
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons oil
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and toss it with the cornstarch until lightly coated.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss the chicken until fully coated.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thick, sticky, and glossy.
7. Steam or warm the bao buns according to package directions until soft.
8. Fill each bao bun with the glazed chicken.
9. Top with sliced cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
10. Serve warm right away.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breast and give the best texture for this recipe.
Warm the bao buns just before serving so they stay soft and pillowy.
For a milder flavor, reduce the gochujang slightly and add a little extra honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bao buns
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: korean chicken bao buns, easy dinner, quick dinner, bao buns recipe, sticky chicken bao, party appetizer, food ideas