The aroma of Korean Chicken Bao wafts through the air, a delightful blend of sweet and spicy that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy bun filled with tender chicken, tangy pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of creamy sauce—pure bliss. Ground Chicken Caprese. For more inspiration, check out this Beef Wraps with Creamy Sauce recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I serve with Korean Chicken Bao?
- Can I freeze Korean Chicken Bao?
- How do I make the bao dough?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish brings back memories of bustling street markets where vendors shout out their specials, enticing you with vibrant colors and mouthwatering scents. Whether it’s a casual weekend gathering or a festive celebration, Korean Chicken Bao is always a hit that promises to deliver an unforgettable flavor experience. Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Korean Chicken Bao is surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a savory profile that complements the fluffy bao
- Visually stunning, these bao can elevate any dinner table with their vibrant colors and textures
- Versatile enough for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner party, they are sure to impress any guest
I remember the first time I made these for my friends; their eyes lit up as they took their first bite, declaring me the “Bao Master” of our group.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: One Pot French Onion Pasta.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy during cooking; feel free to swap for breasts if you prefer.
- Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic gem.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and zest; peel it before grating for the best results.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep your dish balanced without overpowering saltiness.
- Honey: This natural sweetener balances out the savory elements; use local honey for added depth.
- Pickled Vegetables: Carrots and cucumbers add crunch and brightness; make them at home or buy pre-pickled.
- Bao Buns: Store-bought works great, but homemade will take your bao to another level of fluffiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep the Chicken Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and honey. This marinade will infuse your chicken with amazing flavors.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Coat them in the marinade and let them rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; longer is better!
Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Sauté Pickled Vegetables: While chicken cooks, briefly sauté your pickled veggies in another pan just until warmed through. This enhances their flavor without losing texture.
Steam the Bao Buns: Prepare your bao buns according to package instructions. A steamer basket works wonders here—steam them until soft and fluffy.
Assemble Your Bao: Take each steamed bun and fill it generously with chicken pieces followed by warm pickled veggies. Drizzle with additional sauce if desired!
Enjoy every bite of these delightful little pockets of joy that are sure to become your new favorite dish!
You Must Know
- This Korean Chicken Bao recipe is a delightful twist on traditional bao buns
- The savory chicken filling pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy bread, creating a mouthwatering experience
- Perfect for gatherings, these baos are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in soy sauce and spices for at least 30 minutes. While it marinates, prepare your bao dough. Once the chicken is cooked, steam the baos while letting them rest for the most flavorful results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Experimenting with different sauces like sriracha or sweet chili can elevate your bao experience and make it uniquely yours. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bao in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a steamer or microwave with a damp paper towel to maintain their softness and avoid drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Korean Chicken Bao, ensure your chicken is well-marinated for maximum flavor
- Use high-quality ingredients to enhance taste and texture
- Lastly, don’t skip steaming; it’s essential for fluffy baos that everyone will love
Sharing this dish at my last potluck was an unforgettable moment—the joy on my friends’ faces as they devoured these baos was priceless!
FAQ
What can I serve with Korean Chicken Bao?
Korean Chicken Bao pairs wonderfully with pickled veggies or a simple salad. Spring Roll Salad with Ginger Dressing.
Can I freeze Korean Chicken Bao?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked baos; just steam them directly from frozen.
How do I make the bao dough?
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and water; knead until smooth and let rise before shaping.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Korean Chicken Bao
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 baos each) 1x
Description
Korean Chicken Bao delivers a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors wrapped in soft, fluffy buns. Each bite is a mouthwatering experience, filled with tender marinated chicken and crunchy pickled vegetables. Perfect for casual gatherings or elegant dinners, these bao are sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 cup pickled vegetables (carrots and cucumbers)
- 8 bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey to create the marinade.
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, coat with marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté pickled vegetables in another pan until warmed through.
- Steam bao buns according to package instructions until soft and fluffy.
- Fill each bun with chicken and warm pickled veggies; drizzle with additional sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying/Steaming
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bao (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg