Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesy dynamite chicken buns recipe is a flavor explosion in every bite. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Bursting with flavor: From the spicy chicken filling to the cheesy, savory topping, every bite of these buns is packed with bold flavors.
• Perfectly balanced: The combination of tangy mayonnaise-chili sauce and the spicy sambal oelek in the chicken mixture creates a deliciously creamy contrast to the spiced-up chicken.
• Satisfying and indulgent: The rich, cheesy topping and the soft, warm dough make each bun irresistibly comforting.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels based on your preferences, adding more or less sambal oelek or cayenne powder to suit your taste.

Ingredients

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

Topping:

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

Chicken Mixture:

• 700 g chicken fillet
• 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

Extra:

• Milk

Cornstarch Mixture:

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

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:

1. In a small bowl, combine water, milk, and honey. Warm the mixture until it’s lukewarm (around 110°F or 43°C), then stir in the instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, and butter. Pour in the yeast mixture, egg, and sunflower oil, and knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the chicken mixture:

1. In a food processor or blender, chop the chicken fillets until finely minced.
2. In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne powder, black pepper, sambal oelek, soy sauce, and egg. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.

3. Prepare the cornstarch mixture:

1. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper powder, and onion powder. Coat the chicken mixture lightly with this dry cornstarch mixture. This will help create a crispy texture once the chicken is cooked.

4. Cook the chicken mixture:

1. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and crispy on the outside.

5. Assemble the buns:

1. Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it out into a disk shape.
3. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each disk. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it tightly.
4. Place the buns seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Make the topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, cayenne powder, onion powder, and black pepper powder. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each bun.

7. Bake the buns:

1. Brush the tops of the buns with a little milk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden and cooked through.

8. Prepare the sauce:

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sambal oelek. Stir until smooth.

9. Serve:

1. Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with the creamy sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 buns
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time for the dough)
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Different fillings: You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even a vegetarian filling like spiced lentils or tofu for a plant-based option.
• Extra cheese: For even more cheesy goodness, you can add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture.
• Adjust spice level: Reduce the amount of cayenne powder or sambal oelek for a milder version, or add more if you like your buns extra spicy.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the buns in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warm and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and chicken mixture the day before and store them in the fridge. The dough will need to rise again before baking.

2. Can I freeze the buns?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled buns before baking. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I make the chicken mixture spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of sambal oelek, cayenne powder, or add some chili flakes to intensify the heat.

4. Can I substitute the sambal oelek with another chili paste?

Yes, you can use sriracha, gochujang, or any other chili paste or sauce as a substitute for sambal oelek, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

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

You can substitute Parmesan with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even mozzarella for a different flavor.

6. How can I ensure the buns stay soft?

Make sure to cover the dough while it rises and after baking to keep the buns from drying out. Brushing the buns with milk before baking also helps with softness.

7. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza or bread dough instead of making your own.

8. How long should I cook the chicken mixture?

Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center and has a slightly crispy exterior, which usually takes 5-7 minutes.

9. Can I make a smaller batch of these buns?

Yes, you can reduce the ingredient quantities to make a smaller batch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

10. Can I add vegetables to the chicken mixture?

Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cheesy dynamite chicken buns are an irresistible combination of soft, warm buns, spicy chicken, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a casual meal, a party, or a snack, these buns will surely become a crowd favorite. With the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory flavors, this recipe is both comforting and exciting.

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