This Korean Chicken Bao Buns recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknight meals that your family will love! We’re cooking them all in one pan for super minimal cleanup yes, please! And the best part is you can switch up the fillings based on what you have on hand, making it a terrific way to clean out the fridge!
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need to put your apron away just yet! Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this quick and easy Korean Chicken Bao Buns shine!
- Frozen Steamed Buns
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- Honey (Optional)
- Purple Cabbage
- Carrots
- Sesame Seeds
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or Mint
- Cooking Oil
- Salt and Pepper
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
We’re about to create some crispy, gooey, delicious bao buns that will have your family raving! And the best part? It comes together all in one pot! Let’s dive in!
Prepare the buns: Grab those frozen buns and start steaming them according to the package instructions, this usually takes about 10 minutes. Glutenous goodness!
Cook the chicken: While your buns are steaming, you can multitask! In a skillet, heat a couple tablespoons of your oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped chicken, sprinkle a couple pinches of salt and pepper, and cook for about 7-8 minutes or until the chicken is golden and crispy. Your kitchen should be smelling AMAZING by this point!
Add the sauce: Now here comes the magic. Stir in the gochujang with your cooked chicken, and let it bubble away for about 2-3 minutes until the chicken is beautifully coated and sticky. Everything should be combined beautifully, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom just adds to the deliciousness, trust me.
Assemble your buns: By the time you’re done with the chicken, your buns should be all fluffy and warm. Carefully peel them open and fill each bun generously with that sticky, flavorful chicken.
Top it off: Add the crunchy slaw, purple cabbage and shredded carrots. This adds such a wonderful texture! You can also sprinkle fresh herbs on top, my cilantro is calling my name!
Serve and enjoy: These bao buns are best served warm. Call the family to the table; they won’t be able to resist!
Why I Love This Recipe
Okay, let me share a little secret. This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something hearty yet comforting that also puts a big smile on my family’s faces. I’m a real sucker for anything that’s loaded with flavor and comes together that quickly! Plus, it’s a ridiculously versatile recipe. You can mix it up according to what you’ve got in the fridge, and honestly, every time feels like a new dish.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my delicious Honey Gochujang Chicken my comforting Asian Sticky BBQ Chuck Roast, or my Sticky Beef Noodles! You can find more family favorites by visiting my recipe page.
Why This Recipe Works
Speedy Cooking
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for those chaotic weeknights! Who doesn’t need a quick and easy meal in their back pocket?
One-Pan Wonder
Minimal cleanup required! You’ll have one pan and a steamer (or a pot) to tidy up afterward, which is perfect for busy families. (I mean, does anyone enjoy doing the dishes? Ha!)
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients means you can whip these up without breaking the bank! Those frozen buns and chicken thighs won’t stretch your budget.
Kid-Friendly
Honestly, kids love bao buns. They’re cute, fun to eat, and you can let the little ones help assemble their own! Just wait until they see their creations; it’s a win-win for parents.
Customizable
You can throw in whatever you have on hand, whether it’s different veggies or proteins. This means you won’t waste leftovers, and the recipe can morph based on your pantry.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These delicious bao buns are terrific on their own, but you can serve them alongside a light side salad or some steamed broccoli for added nutrition, talking about balance here!
Storage
These bao buns will generally stay good in the fridge for about 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat, simply steam them again for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, just don’t forget to wrap them in a damp paper towel to keep them moist!
Freezer Friendly
Absolutely! If you want to make a double batch, store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready for a quick bite, just heat it up, steam some buns, and you’re set!
And there you go! Quick, easy, and so satisfying. Korean Chicken Bao Buns are not just any meal; they are a delightful experience you don’t want to miss out on! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Food is about bringing people together, and there’s something so special about sitting down to enjoy these delicious buns with the ones you love. I hope this becomes a cherished recipe in your home as much as it is in mine! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Korean Chicken Bao Buns
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Balanced
Description
An unbelievably quick and easy recipe for Korean Chicken Bao Buns perfect for busy weeknight meals, customizable and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- Frozen Steamed Buns
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- Honey (Optional)
- Purple Cabbage
- Carrots
- Sesame Seeds
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or Mint
- Cooking Oil (Canola or Vegetable)
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Steam the frozen buns according to package instructions (about 10 minutes).
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chopped chicken, salt, and pepper; cook for 7-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Stir in gochujang with the cooked chicken and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until sticky.
- Peel open the steamed buns and fill each with the chicken mixture.
- Top with purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great way to clean out the fridge. Store leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat by steaming or microwaving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
