Super Soft Buns with a Fiery Chicken Filling – The Perfect Savory Snack!
🌶️ Introduction
These Spicy Chicken Buns—also known as Chicken Pandesal—are the ultimate fluffy, savory-sweet rolls stuffed with a bold, spicy chicken filling. Inspired by the famous Filipino pandesal, this version takes it up a notch with a tender, buttery dough and a fiery, garlicky chicken filling that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for breakfast, merienda (snack time), or even packed lunches, these buns stay soft for days and are great for meal prep. Plus, the spicy kick makes them extra addictive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ultra-soft, fluffy dough – Like a cloud with a golden crust!
✅ Spicy-savory filling – Packed with garlic, chili, and tender chicken.
✅ Great for make-ahead meals – Stays fresh for days.
✅ Versatile – Adjust spice level or swap fillings (pork, cheese, etc.).
🍗 Ingredients
🔥 Spicy Chicken Filling (Double Batch for Extra Flavor!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g chicken breast, diced
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¾ cup water
🥖 Super Soft Dough
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk (125ml), lukewarm
- 2 tbsp sugar (30g)
- 1 tsp instant yeast (3g)
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (250g)
- ½ tsp salt (2g)
- 3 tbsp butter (42g), softened
For Assembly
- Breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil or butter (for greasing pan)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Spicy Chicken Filling
- Sauté onion & garlic in 2 tbsp oil until fragrant.
- Add chicken, salt, pepper, oyster sauce, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for 2 mins.
- Pour in water, cover, and simmer for 20-25 mins until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Set aside to cool (should be moist but not watery).
2️⃣ Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix milk, egg, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 mins (yeast should foam).
- Add flour & salt, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add softened butter, knead until smooth (~10 mins by hand, 5 in a mixer).
- Let rise for 1 hour (or until doubled).
3️⃣ Shape & Fill the Buns
- Punch down dough, divide into 9 balls (~55g each).
- Rest 10 mins (covered).
- Flatten each ball, add 1-2 tbsp filling, pinch to seal.
- Roll in breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch).
4️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection
- Arrange buns in a greased 8×8-inch pan (or baking tray).
- Proof 30 mins (covered).
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 mins until golden.
- Brush with butter (optional for extra shine).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
✅ Yes! Thighs stay juicier—just trim excess fat.
2. How do I store leftovers?
- Room temp: 2 days (covered).
- Fridge: Up to 5 days (reheat in oven/microwave).
- Freeze: Wrap well, freeze for 1 month (thaw & reheat).
3. Can I make this less spicy?
✅ Yes! Reduce chili flakes or omit them.
4. Can I use a different filling?
✅ Try:
- Cheese & ham
- BBQ pulled pork
- Sweet potato & coconut (vegan option)
5. Why didn’t my dough rise?
- Yeast may be old (check expiry date).
- Milk was too hot (should be lukewarm, not boiling).
6. Can I air-fry these?
✅ Yes! Air-fry at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 mins.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Buns
🔹 Don’t overfill – Or the buns may burst open.
🔹 Seal tightly – Pinch edges well to prevent leaks.
🔹 Use bread flour – For extra softness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- With spicy mayo (mix mayo + Sriracha).
- Dipped in soup (sinigang or chicken noodle).
- As a sandwich (slice and add lettuce & tomato).
🌟 Final Thoughts
These Spicy Chicken Buns are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, fluffy bread with a kick. Whether you’re a fan of Filipino pandesal or just love savory stuffed buns, this recipe is a winner.
Try these twists next time:
- Cheesy Jalapeño – Add cheddar & pickled jalapeños.
- Sweet & Spicy – Drizzle with honey before baking.
Enjoy! 🥯🔥 Where are you baking from? Let us know in the comments!
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” – Psalm 34:8 🙏
