Soft, pillowy bao buns stuffed with crispy Korean-style chicken and coated in a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze are the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Each bite delivers tender chicken, bold gochujang flavor, fresh crunch from quick slaw, and a sprinkle of sesame and green onions for the perfect finish.

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are ideal for casual dinners, game nights, or when you want restaurant-style street food at home. The balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth makes them completely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Crispy chicken with a flavorful Korean-inspired glaze
Soft steamed bao buns that melt in your mouth
Fresh, tangy slaw for the perfect contrast
Easy to prep ahead for gatherings
Customizable spice level

What Makes Korean Chicken Bao Buns So Flavorful?

The magic comes from gochujang, a Korean chili paste that brings heat, sweetness, and umami all at once. Combined with honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, it creates a glossy glaze that coats every piece of crispy chicken beautifully.

Ingredients for the Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture.

Bao buns – Soft, fluffy steamed buns that hold the filling.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Juicy and tender, perfect for frying.
Buttermilk – Helps tenderize the chicken and adds subtle tang.
Cornstarch – Creates a light, crispy coating.
All-purpose flour – Adds structure to the coating.
Salt – Enhances flavor throughout the chicken coating.
Black pepper – Adds gentle warmth.
Vegetable oil – Used for frying the chicken.
Gochujang – The base of the bold Korean glaze.
Honey – Balances the heat with sweetness.
Soy sauce – Adds savory depth.
Rice vinegar – Brightens the sauce and slaw.
Sesame oil – Adds nutty aroma to the glaze.
Garlic – Brings bold savory flavor.
Fresh ginger – Adds warmth and freshness.
Green cabbage – Provides crunch in the slaw.
Shredded carrots – Adds color and mild sweetness.
Sugar – Lightly sweetens the slaw.
Green onions – Fresh garnish with mild bite.
Sesame seeds – Finishing touch for texture and presentation.

How To Make the Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cut 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl with 1/2 cup buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, mix 1 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the coating mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Make the Korean Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:

1/3 cup gochujang
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger

Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Add all the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss until evenly coated with the glaze.

Step 6: Prepare the Slaw

In a bowl, mix:

2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar

Toss until evenly combined.

Step 7: Steam and Assemble

Steam 8 bao buns according to package instructions.

Fill each bun with glazed chicken, a spoonful of slaw, sliced green onions (2 total), and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.

This recipe makes 8 Korean Chicken Bao Buns.

Serving and Storing Korean Chicken Bao Buns

This recipe yields 8 bao buns and serves 4 people (2 buns per person).

Serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and the buns are warm. If storing, keep the chicken and slaw separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness before assembling.

What to Serve With Korean Chicken Bao Buns?

Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

A fun fusion option with similar bold flavors. Try these here: https://chocowink.com/korean-bbq-meatball-tacos/

Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Gochujang Glaze

Perfect if you love the same sweet-spicy glaze in a bite-sized appetizer: https://chocowink.com/sticky-korean-bbq-meatballs-with-gochujang-glaze/

Thai Basil Chicken

A fragrant, savory dish that pairs beautifully with bao buns: https://chocowink.com/thai-basil-chicken/

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Crispy and fresh on the side: https://chocowink.com/vegetable-spring-rolls/

Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

A hearty option for bigger appetites: https://chocowink.com/garlic-chicken-stir-fry-with-rice/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.

Can I make them less spicy?

Reduce the gochujang to 1/4 cup and increase honey slightly if you prefer a milder glaze.

Can I use chicken breast instead?

Absolutely. Chicken breast works well, though thighs remain juicier.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes. Fry the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day ahead. Reheat and toss together before serving.

Where can I buy bao buns?

Most grocery stores carry them in the frozen section. Asian markets typically offer fresh varieties as well.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice? Maybe some pickled cucumbers? I love seeing how everyone adds their own twist.

For more easy and flavorful recipes, visit my Pinterest here: https://www.pinterest.com/easydinnerrecipesbychocowink/ — Choco Wink | Easy Dinner, Breakfast, Chocolate Recipes + more!

Conclusion

Korean Chicken Bao Buns bring together crispy, saucy chicken and soft, pillowy buns in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a fun gathering, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Once you try them, they just might become your new favorite homemade street food.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Author: Rosa Martinez
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 bao buns

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Korean-style chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, tucked inside soft steamed bao buns and topped with crunchy slaw, sesame seeds, and fresh green onions. These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are perfect for an easy dinner, fun dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or impressive food ideas for gatherings. The balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch makes this easy recipe taste just like your favorite street food at home.

Instructions

1. Place 1 pound chicken pieces in a bowl with 1/2 cup buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl combine 1 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allow excess to drip off, and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to paper towels.

5. In a saucepan over medium heat combine 1/3 cup gochujang, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

7. In a bowl mix 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar to make the slaw.

8. Steam 8 bao buns according to package directions.

9. Fill each bun with glazed chicken, slaw, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces rest for 5 minutes before frying so the coating adheres better and doesn’t fall off during cooking.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying and Steaming
Cuisine: Korean Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 bao buns
Calories: 520
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Korean chicken bao buns, easy dinner, dinner ideas, street food, bao recipe