It doesn’t get any better than these Cheat’s 30-minute Crispy Chicken Bao Buns. Crunchy, spicy fried chicken nestled in soft and fluffy bao buns… what’s not to love? And the spicy mayo sauce – so so good. The perfect recipe that tricks people into thinking you worked hard on dinner when you only spent 30 minutes!
![chicken bao](https://i0.wp.com/taylahskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/chicken-bao-4.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1)
To say I’m obsessed with bao buns would be a massive understatement. The fluffy buns, the explosive flavours… I just can’t get enough! If you’ve got the time, I definitely recommend making them from scratch. Check out this recipe! But if you’re like me and want all the deliciousness without the effort, this Cheat’s 30-minute Crispy Chicken Bao Bun recipe is for you.
There are three super simple steps to make these delightful bao buns. First, get that chicken cooking. I prefer using the air fryer over the oven… they always come out so so crispy.
Next, steam the buns for about 8 minutes. My steamer basket is small so I can only do 3 at a time. Don’t underestimate store-bought frozen bao buns. They are so easy and so so soft and fluffy.
![chicken bao](https://i0.wp.com/taylahskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/chicken-bao-2.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
The flavour is all in the sweet and spicy mayo sauce. I figure since we are cutting a few corners already, we’ve got some spare time up our sleeve to make a delicious sauce. It’s simply mayo, sriracha and maple syrup. Add as much sriracha as you like depending on your spice preference!
To assemble, spread some sauce over the freshly steamed buns, then add the chicken sliced into strips, some crunchy iceberg lettuce, chillis and fresh coriander. So. darn. good.
![chicken bao](https://i0.wp.com/taylahskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/chicken-bao-1.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
Here are some more 30-minute meals I love:
- Weeknight red curry noodles with toasted coconut
- Healthy green pea pasta
- One pot taco pasta
- Thai basil chicken stir fry
- Sun-dried tomato pesto alla vodka pasta
And finally, if you like these Cheat’s 30-minute Crispy Chicken Bao Buns be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
CHEAT’S 30-MINUTE CRISPY CHICKEN BAO BUNS
Course: DinnerDifficulty: Easy8
buns5
minutes25
minutes30
minutesCrispy fried chicken nestled in soft and fluffy bao buns with a creamy, spicy sauce.
Ingredients
8 pack of frozen bao buns
350g Southern-fried chicken
1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 red chilli, sliced
fresh coriander for garnish
- Sauce
1/4 cup kewpie mayo
1-2 tbsps sriracha (depending on how spicy you like it!)
1 tsp maple syrup
Directions
- Bake the chicken in the oven or air fryer for 20-25 minutes.
- Steam the bao buns for 8-10 minutes in batches of 3 or 4 depending on the size of your steamer.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Assemble and enjoy!
Pingback: 20 WEEKNIGHT DINNERS IN 30 MINUTES - Taylah's Kitchen
Pingback: THE 15 MOST POPULAR SPRING RECIPES - Taylah's Kitchen
Pingback: YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPES FROM 2022 - Taylah's Kitchen
Pingback: CREAMY GARLIC PRAWN UDON NOODLES - Taylah's Kitchen