These Spicy Fried Chicken Bao are crispy, tender, and packed with bold Asian flavors. Soft steamed buns cradle juicy fried chicken with a spicy kick, tangy slaw, and a touch of creamy sauce. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or quick dinner, this recipe brings restaurant-quality bao right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Fried Chicken Bao
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Crispy and juicy chicken – perfectly fried with a spicy coating.
- Soft steamed buns – fluffy and light, holding all the delicious fillings.
- Quick and easy – ready in under an hour with store-bought or homemade buns.
- Customizable – add pickled veggies, extra sauce, or slaw to suit your taste.
Whether you’re hosting a party or cooking a fun weeknight dinner, these Spicy Fried Chicken Bao buns will impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8–10 bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating chicken)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha or other chili sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (for slaw)
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
How to Make Spicy Fried Chicken Bao
Preparing the Bao Buns
If using store-bought buns, steam them according to package instructions until soft and fluffy. For homemade bao, follow your preferred recipe for soft, pillowy buns. Keep them covered to prevent drying out while you prepare the chicken.
Making Crispy Spicy Chicken
- Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to keep them tender.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Assembling the Bao
- Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl to make a spicy sauce.
- Prepare a quick slaw by tossing shredded cabbage and carrot together.
- Open each bao bun and layer: fried chicken, slaw, spicy mayo, and a few cilantro leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Tips for the Best Bao
- Don’t overfill the buns to avoid tearing.
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing cayenne and sriracha.
- Fry chicken in small batches to maintain a crispy texture.
- For a lighter option, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
What to Serve with Spicy Fried Chicken Bao
The Spicy Fried Chicken Bao buns are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with:
- Steamed rice or fried rice
- Pickled vegetables
- Extra spicy dipping sauce
- Asian-inspired slaw or salad
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover chicken separately from the buns and slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken in a skillet or oven to keep it crispy. Steam the buns briefly to warm before assembling again. Avoid microwaving assembled bao, as the buns will become soggy.
