Okay, can we just talk about how amazing these buns are? Like, seriously. Soft pillowy bread stuffed with spicy chicken and melted cheese is everything I want in life right now. The “dynamite” part comes from this incredible sriracha honey mayo sauce that gives you just enough heat without making you cry. These are perfect for lazy weekend cooking or when you want to impress your friends without actually being stressed about it.
Ingredients For Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns
For the Buns:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (that’s 2¼ teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (should feel like a nice bath, around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten (save some for brushing on top later)
For the Dynamite Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into small pieces (thighs are so much better than breasts, trust me)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- ¼ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (more if you’re brave)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, chopped up
For the Top:
- Sesame seeds
- That leftover beaten egg
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. Just whisk it all together.
- Make a little well in the middle and pour in your warm milk, melted butter, and most of the beaten egg. Save a little egg for later. Mix everything with a spoon or just use your hands. It’s going to look messy, and that’s fine.
- Dump this shaggy mess onto your counter and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it smooth and a little bouncy. If it’s super sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it chill in a warm spot for an hour. It should double in size.
Make the Chicken:
- While your dough is doing its thing, heat up some oil in a big pan over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with all the spices and some salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring it around until it’s golden and cooked through. You want it at 165°F if you’re checking with a thermometer.
- Mix the mayo, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This is your dynamite sauce, and it’s about to change your life. Toss the cooked chicken with this sauce and add the green onions.
Put It All Together:
- When your dough has doubled, punch it down (so satisfying) and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Roll each ball into a 5-inch circle. Put about 2 to 3 tablespoons of chicken in the center, then add about 3 tablespoons of cheese. Don’t go crazy with the filling or your buns will explode.
- Gather up the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch them tight to seal. Flip it over so the seam is on the bottom and put it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them some space, about 2 inches apart.
- Cover with a damp towel again and let them rise for 30 more minutes until they look puffy and cute.
Bake These Beauties:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the tops with that leftover beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them. They should hit 190°F inside if you’re measuring.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes before you dive in. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me on this
Tips That Matter
Test Your Yeast: If your yeast doesn’t get foamy in the warm milk after 5 minutes, it’s probably dead. Get new yeast and start over. It happens to everyone.
Milk Temperature: Your milk should feel like a warm bath. Too hot kills the yeast; too cold and nothing happens. When in doubt, use a thermometer.
Don’t Stuff Too Much: I know you want to pack these full, but too much filling makes them burst open in the oven. Stick to the amounts I said.
Seal Them Good: Pinch those seams closed. You can even twist them a little for extra security.
Make Ahead: You can make these up to the second rise, then stick them in the fridge overnight. Just let them warm up and get puffy before baking.
Switch It Up
Other Proteins: Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re lazy. Ground turkey or shrimp is also amazing.
Different Cheese: Try pepper jack for more heat, or cream cheese for something rich and creamy.
Less Spicy: Use sweet chili sauce instead of sriracha, or just use less sriracha.
Gluten Free: Use a good gluten-free flour blend. Add xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t have it.
What to Serve With These
Honestly, these are perfect by themselves. But if you want sides, try sweet potato fries, Asian coleslaw, or some pickled veggies to cut through all that cheesy goodness. A cold beer or iced tea is perfect for drinking.
Want to make them party friendly? Make mini versions with half the dough and filling. Perfect for game day.
Storage and Reheating
Keeping Fresh: These are best right out of the oven, but they’ll stay good covered on your counter for 2 days.
Reheating: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. Or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
Freezing: Cool completely, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Prep Ahead: Make the chicken filling up to 2 days early and keep it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
Questions You Probably Have
Can I use bread flour? Yes! It makes them even chewier and more substantial. You might need a little more liquid, though.
My dough isn’t rising. Help! Your yeast is probably dead, or your milk was too hot. Also, if your kitchen is cold, try putting the bowl on top of your fridge or near the oven.
Do I need the egg wash? Not really, but it makes them gorgeous and golden. If you skip it, brush with melted butter instead.
How spicy are these? With 2 tablespoons of sriracha, they’re mild to medium. The honey and mayo balance it out so even spice wimps can handle them.
Can I use a stand mixer? Totally! Use the dough hook and mix on low for 6 to 8 minutes. Way easier if you have one.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are everything you want when you’re craving comfort food. They’re warm, cheesy, and have just the right amount of kick. Yeah, they take some time to make, but every single bite is so worth it. Once you make these, you’re going to want them on repeat. Promise.
