Description
Get ready to wow your taste buds with this Korean Chicken Bao—a handheld masterpiece perfect for a quick dinner, party bites, or even a satisfying snack. With tender glazed chicken nestled inside soft, fluffy bao buns, this easy recipe is a fantastic option when you’re craving bold flavors without a fuss. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, impressive food ideas for guests, or a healthy snack packed with flavor, these bao buns deliver every time.
The juicy chicken is marinated and then tossed in a sticky, savory-sweet Korean sauce that’s balanced with just the right amount of heat. Topped with crisp green onions, sesame seeds, and optional pickled cucumbers, every bite is loaded with texture and rich umami flavor. These Korean Chicken Baos are a guaranteed hit for weeknight meals, lunchbox heroes, or dinner party standouts.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
For the glaze:
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (for slurry)
Bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings:
Sliced green onions
Thinly sliced red onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Pickled cucumbers (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Cook the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, and honey. Bring to a simmer, add cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened.
- Glaze the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the glaze and simmer for 2 minutes to coat thoroughly.
- Steam the Bao Buns: Steam according to package or homemade instructions until soft and fluffy.
- Assemble: Open each bun and fill with glazed chicken. Top with green onions, red onions, sesame seeds, and optional pickles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner