Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fluffy homemade bread filled with juicy, crispy chicken
A creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together
Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a fun family snack
Customizable spice level to suit your taste
Make-ahead friendly with easy reheating options

Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup warm milk
2 tbsp honey
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
1 egg
3 tbsp sunflower oil
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, softened
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp cayenne powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
500 g chicken filet, cut into pieces
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne powder
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
1 tbsp sambal oelek
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 egg
2 tbsp milk (for brushing)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp chili sauce
1 tbsp sambal oelek

Directions

Warm the milk slightly (37–40°C) and mix with water, honey, and yeast. Let sit until frothy.
Add the egg, sunflower oil, flour, salt, and butter. Knead for 8–10 minutes in a stand mixer or 10–12 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic. Let rise until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, marinate the chicken with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, sambal oelek, soy sauce, and egg. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, preferably overnight.
Mix cornstarch with seasonings. Coat the marinated chicken pieces and fry at 175°C until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Shape the risen dough into 14 portions. Flatten each and place a piece of chicken inside. Seal and shape into buns.
Brush tops with milk, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and spice mixture.
Bake until golden and cooked through.
Mix mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sambal oelek for the dipping sauce. Serve with hot buns.

Servings and timing

Servings: 14 buns
Prep time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Add shredded mozzarella inside the buns for extra cheesiness.
Swap chicken for shrimp or beef strips for a twist.
Use sriracha or hot sauce instead of sambal oelek for a different flavor.
Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños to the chicken mix.
Make them mini-sized for bite-sized party snacks.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked buns for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 160°C until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the buns soggy.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping.

Can I air fry the chicken instead of deep frying?

Yes, coat the chicken well and air fry at 180°C until golden and crispy.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, but homemade dough provides the best texture and flavor.

How spicy are these buns?

They have a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust the sambal or chili sauce to your liking.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken with seasoned vegetables or plant-based protein.

What type of cheese works best for the topping?

Parmesan gives a sharp, salty flavor, but you can also use cheddar or a cheese blend.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze shaped buns before baking. Let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 200°C until golden and cooked through, but frying gives a crispier result.

What can I serve with these buns?

They pair well with fresh salad, fries, or even a light soup.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Make sure the chicken is drained of excess oil before stuffing and avoid overfilling with sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy dynamite chicken buns are the ultimate combination of soft, fluffy bread, crispy spiced chicken, and a creamy, spicy sauce. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, family meals, or whenever you want a comforting yet exciting snack. With make-ahead options and easy variations, these buns are a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and cheesy goodness.

Lily