Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the best of both worlds: a fluffy, buttery bun packed with crispy, spicy fried chicken coated in a creamy chili mayo sauce. The cheesy, slightly spicy topping adds an exciting twist that sets these buns apart. Ideal for sharing, these buns are satisfying, bold, and packed with flavor.

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

Extra:

Milk (for brushing)

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

Combine lukewarm water, milk, honey, and yeast in a bowl. Mix and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add beaten egg and sunflower oil, mix well. Add flour, salt, and butter. Knead dough for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Mix Parmesan, cayenne, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl for the topping and set aside.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine chicken with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, sambal oelek, soy sauce, and egg. Mix well and refrigerate to marinate.
Punch down the dough and divide into 14 equal pieces (about 70 g each). Shape each piece into a ball.
Roll each ball into a rectangle roughly 15 x 13 cm. Fold in half and brush the surface with milk.
Dip one side of each folded dough into the Parmesan topping mixture, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make slashes on top of each bun. Let rise for 30 minutes until doubled.
Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake the buns for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and onion powder in a bowl. Thoroughly coat the marinated chicken pieces with this mixture.
Heat sunflower oil to 175°C (350°F) and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sambal oelek. Toss the fried chicken in this sauce until fully coated.
Slice open the baked buns and fill them generously with the sauced chicken and fresh vegetables of your choice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 14 buns
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours for rising and marinating)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

Mild version: Reduce or omit the sambal oelek and cayenne for less heat.
Extra veggies: Add shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, or pickled carrots inside the buns for freshness.
Cheese filling: Add shredded mozzarella inside the bun with the chicken for a gooey surprise.
Different protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the buns gluten-free, adjusting liquids as needed.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until warm.
Keep the chicken sauce separate if possible to maintain the bun’s texture.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight. Bring it to room temperature and allow it to rise before shaping.

What if I don’t have sambal oelek?

You can substitute with other chili pastes or hot sauce, adjusting quantity to taste.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, coat the chicken and bake at 200°C (392°F) for 15–20 minutes until cooked and crispy.

How spicy are these buns?

They have a moderate spice level, but you can adjust the amount of cayenne and sambal to suit your preference.

Can I make these buns vegan?

The dough and filling would require substitutions like plant-based milk, egg replacer, and tofu or a vegan chicken substitute.

How long does the dough take to rise?

About 1 hour at room temperature until doubled in size; rising time may vary depending on ambient temperature.

Can I freeze the buns?

Yes, bake the buns, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in the oven before serving.

What vegetables work well in the buns?

Lettuce, cucumber, shredded carrots, or pickled radishes add a nice crunch and freshness.

Is Parmesan essential for the topping?

Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy crust, but you can substitute with other hard cheeses or omit if desired.

How do I keep the buns soft?

Brush the buns with milk before baking and avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.

Conclusion

Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are a flavorful, spicy, and cheesy treat that will impress any crowd. The combination of soft buns, crispy chicken with a spicy kick, and a creamy sauce makes this recipe a winner for snack time, parties, or a fun dinner. With some prep and a bit of patience, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying dish everyone will love.