Korean Chicken Bao Buns – Sweet, Spicy & Totally Addictive

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are the ultimate street-food-inspired comfort meal.
Soft, fluffy bao buns are filled with crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy
gochujang glaze, then topped with crunchy pickled vegetables and creamy mayo.

Every bite is bold, addictive, and packed with Korean-inspired flavor. Whether you’re making them
for a casual dinner, a party platter, or meal prep, these bao buns always impress.

If you love sweet heat, crispy textures, and pillowy bread, this recipe is for you.

Korean chicken bao buns with crispy chicken and gochujang sauce

Why You’ll Love These Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory
Ultra crispy chicken with a sticky glaze
Soft, fluffy bao buns that melt in your mouth
Great for dinner, parties, or meal prep
Street-food vibes at home

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crispy Chicken

Chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder
Eggs
Oil for frying

For the Korean Gochujang Sauce

Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Soy sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Garlic, minced
Sesame oil

For Assembly

Steamed bao buns
Shredded carrots
Pickled cucumbers or radish
Mayonnaise or spicy mayo
Green onions
Sesame seeds

Ingredients for Korean chicken bao buns laid out on a table

How to Make Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip each piece into beaten eggs,
then coat in a mixture of flour and cornstarch. This combination ensures extra crispiness.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.

Crispy fried chicken pieces golden and crunchy

Step 3: Make the Gochujang Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and
sesame oil. Simmer until thick and glossy.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. The glaze should cling to the
chicken beautifully.

Crispy chicken coated in glossy gochujang sauce

Step 5: Assemble the Bao Buns

Steam the bao buns until soft and fluffy. Spread mayo inside each bun, add glazed chicken, top
with pickled veggies, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Assembling Korean chicken bao buns with crispy chicken and vegetables

Tips for the Best Bao Buns

Use chicken thighs for juicier results
Do not overcrowd the fryer
Adjust spice level by adding more or less gochujang
Serve immediately for maximum crispiness

Storage & Meal Prep

Store leftover chicken separately from bao buns in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to
3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy. Assemble fresh before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bao buns the same as steamed buns?

Bao buns are a type of Chinese-style steamed bun, usually folded and filled, with a soft and fluffy texture.

Can I make these less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the amount of gochujang and add more honey to balance the heat.

Can I air-fry the chicken?

Absolutely. Spray coated chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.

Korean chicken bao buns served on a plate with sesame seeds and green onions

Final Thoughts

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are sweet, spicy, crispy, and completely irresistible.
They bring bold street-food flavor straight to your kitchen and are guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to save it, share it, and add it to your weekly dinner rotation!