Soft Chicken-Stuffed Buns

These soft, homemade chicken-stuffed buns combine fluffy dough with a savory filling of seasoned chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. Perfect for snacks, lunches, or party platters, these buns are delicious fresh out of the oven or warmed up the next day. With a light golden crust and gooey melted cheese inside, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe yields 7 generously sized buns and includes tips for variations and storage so you can enjoy these buns at their best.

Full Recipe:

 

Ingredients

Dough:

  • Flour – 400 g
  • Water – 130 ml
  • Milk – 130 ml
  • Dry Yeast – 1 tbsp (8 g)
  • Sugar – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp (5 g)
  • Oil – 60 ml

Filling:

  • Chicken Breast – 350 g, finely chopped
  • Onion – 1/2, diced
  • Bell Pepper – 1/2, diced
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Parsley/Cilantro – as desired, chopped
  • Spices – salt, pepper, ginger, turmeric, and paprika to taste
  • Olive Oil – for cooking

Topping and Glaze:

  • Sour Cream – for brushing the buns before baking
  • Grated Cheese – to add richness and flavor to each bun
  • Egg Yolk – 1, mixed with 1 tbsp milk (for a golden glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with warm water (not too hot) and sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, milk, and oil.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl, mixing until the dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if it feels too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
  2. Season and Cook: Add the chopped chicken breast, salt, pepper, ginger, turmeric, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and all spices are well combined.
  3. Add Herbs: Stir in parsley or cilantro. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Buns

  1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 7 equal parts.
  2. Flatten and Fill: Take each piece of dough, flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin, and place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center. Add a small amount of grated cheese.
  3. Seal the Buns: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch tightly to seal. Shape into a round bun and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake the Buns

  1. Second Rise: Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
  2. Apply Glaze: Brush each bun with the egg yolk and milk mixture for a golden crust. Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra richness.
  3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
  4. Final Touch: Sprinkle with extra grated cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes if desired.

    Recipe Details

    1. Dough:
      • A soft, enriched dough made with flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk, and butter. Adding an egg enhances softness, while milk or yogurt helps keep the dough moist and tender.
      • Let the dough rise until doubled in size, ensuring light and airy buns.
    2. Chicken Filling:
      • Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is ideal, seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, paprika, or herbs.
      • Vegetables and Add-ins: Bell peppers, carrots, or peas add texture and color, while cheese can be added for a creamy twist.
      • Binding: Add a bit of sauce (e.g., mayo or cream cheese) to keep the filling moist.
    3. Assembly:
      • Roll the dough into balls, flatten slightly, add a spoonful of filling, and pinch closed.
      • Let the buns rise again after filling to ensure a soft texture, then brush with egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
    4. Baking:
      • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve warm with a side of dipping sauce, like garlic aioli, or enjoy plain. They’re great as a snack, lunch item, or addition to a brunch spread.

    Prep and Cook Time

    • Prep Time: 20–30 minutes (plus 1–1.5 hours rising time)
    • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per bun)

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

  • Yes, you can substitute whole-wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrition. However, keep in mind that the texture might be denser.

2. Can I make these buns with a different filling?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fillings such as seasoned ground beef, vegetables, mushrooms, or even a vegetarian cheese filling.

3. Can I freeze the buns?

  • Yes, these buns freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best results.

Tips for Perfect Chicken-Stuffed Buns

  • Pre-Cook the Filling: Always cook the filling before stuffing the buns. This ensures even cooking and enhances flavor.
  • Soft Dough: Don’t skimp on the kneading. A well-kneaded dough yields a soft, pillowy texture.
  • Cool the Filling: Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the buns to avoid soggy dough.
  • Glaze for Golden Color: Brushing the buns with egg yolk and milk before baking gives a beautiful golden crust.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: These buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the buns for up to 5 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5-10 minutes for a freshly baked feel.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place the buns in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or on the countertop, and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Soft, flavorful, and hearty, these Chicken-Stuffed Buns are a satisfying treat with a rich filling and perfectly baked crust. The golden glaze and cheesy top add extra appeal, while the tender dough provides the ideal base. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or an everyday snack, bringing a homemade touch to any meal. Once you try these buns, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy baking, serving, and savoring these irresistible stuffed buns!

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Soft Chicken-Stuffed Buns


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45mins

Description

These soft, homemade chicken-stuffed buns combine fluffy dough with a savory filling of seasoned chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. Perfect for snacks, lunches, or party platters, these buns are delicious fresh out of the oven or warmed up the next day. With a light golden crust and gooey melted cheese inside, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe yields 7 generously sized buns and includes tips for variations and storage so you can enjoy these buns at their best.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough:

  • Flour400 g
  • Water130 ml
  • Milk130 ml
  • Dry Yeast – 1 tbsp (8 g)
  • Sugar – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp (5 g)
  • Oil60 ml

Filling:

  • Chicken Breast – 350 g, finely chopped
  • Onion – 1/2, diced
  • Bell Pepper – 1/2, diced
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Parsley/Cilantro – as desired, chopped
  • Spices – salt, pepper, ginger, turmeric, and paprika to taste
  • Olive Oil – for cooking

Topping and Glaze:

  • Sour Cream – for brushing the buns before baking
  • Grated Cheese – to add richness and flavor to each bun
  • Egg Yolk – 1, mixed with 1 tbsp milk (for a golden glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with warm water (not too hot) and sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, milk, and oil.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl, mixing until the dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if it feels too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan and add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
  2. Season and Cook: Add the chopped chicken breast, salt, pepper, ginger, turmeric, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and all spices are well combined.
  3. Add Herbs: Stir in parsley or cilantro. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Buns

  1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 7 equal parts.
  2. Flatten and Fill: Take each piece of dough, flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin, and place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center. Add a small amount of grated cheese.
  3. Seal the Buns: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch tightly to seal. Shape into a round bun and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake the Buns

  1. Second Rise: Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
  2. Apply Glaze: Brush each bun with the egg yolk and milk mixture for a golden crust. Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra richness.
  3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
  4. Final Touch: Sprinkle with extra grated cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes if desired.
  • Prep Time: 30mins
  • Cook Time: 15mins