Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Introduction

What if you could capture the fiery kick of spicy chicken, the gooey pull of melted cheese, and the soft comfort of bakery-fresh bread—all in one handheld bite? That’s the magic of Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns. These golden, fluffy buns are filled with creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy chicken, baked to perfection for the ultimate snack or party treat. Inspired by the famous Filipino “dynamite” street food but with a creamy twist, this recipe takes your regular stuffed buns to a whole new level of flavor explosion.


Ingredients List

For the Dough

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour – soft and elastic base.
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Dynamite Chicken Filling

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (250 g) cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp cream cheese
  • ½ cup (60 g) grated mozzarella or quick-melt cheese
  • 1–2 Tbsp sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to spice level)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 green chilies (optional) – for that dynamite kick!

For Topping

  • 1 egg yolk + 1 Tbsp milk – for egg wash.
  • Extra shredded cheese – for melty, golden tops.

Substitutions:

  • Swap chicken with tuna or tofu for a pescatarian/vegetarian version.
  • For dairy-free: use vegan cheese and vegan mayo.
  • Adjust spice level by mixing chili paste with ketchup for milder flavor.

Timing

  • Preparation: 30 minutes
  • Rising Time: 1 hour
  • Filling & Assembly: 20 minutes
  • Baking: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes — still quicker than most stuffed bread recipes because of the fast yeast rise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Add egg, butter, salt, and flour. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Dynamite Filling

Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add shredded chicken, mayo, cream cheese, chili sauce, and mozzarella. Stir until creamy and gooey. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

Punch down the dough and divide into 10–12 equal portions. Flatten each piece, add 1–2 tablespoons of chicken filling, and seal tightly.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down.

Step 4: Proof and Bake

Cover buns for 20 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with extra cheese.
Bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling on top.

Step 5: Serve

Cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. The filling should be creamy, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep you reaching for another!


Nutritional Information (per bun, approx. 12 buns)

NutrientAmount
Calories280 kcal
Protein14 g
Carbohydrates25 g
Fat12 g
Sugar3 g
Sodium360 mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

  • Use whole-wheat flour for fiber-rich dough.
  • Bake with air-fryer settings (320°F/160°C for 15 mins) for lower fat.
  • Replace mayo with Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
  • Add chopped spinach or bell peppers for hidden veggies and color.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic aioli or sweet chili dip for a flavor boost.
  • Enjoy as a snack, packed lunch, or party appetizer.
  • Turn it into a cheesy pull-apart bread by baking buns close together in a round pan.
  • Sprinkle extra chili flakes for those who love the burn!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Under-kneading the dough – results in tough, dense buns.
  2. Overfilling – causes leaks while baking; 1–2 Tbsp filling is ideal.
  3. Not sealing edges tightly – leads to cheese oozing out.
  4. Skipping egg wash – prevents that beautiful golden crust.
  5. Using cold filling – can slow down the dough’s second rise.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

  • Room Temp: Up to 1 day in airtight container.
  • Refrigerator: 3–4 days; reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.
  • Freezer: Freeze unbaked filled buns; thaw and bake fresh when needed.
  • Reheat: Microwave 20 seconds or toast for crisp exterior.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are soft, spicy, and irresistibly gooey—perfect for snacks, picnics, or parties. Each bite brings buttery bread, creamy filling, and a touch of heat. Bake them once, and they’ll quickly become your go-to comfort treat. Try them today, share your creation in the comments, and subscribe for more crave-worthy recipes!


FAQs

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Refrigerate overnight after the first rise; bring to room temperature before shaping.

Q2: Can I air-fry instead of baking?
Absolutely—air-fry at 320°F (160°C) for 15–17 minutes.

Q3: How can I make them spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling.

Q4: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, drain well and mix directly with the creamy sauce ingredients.

Q5: Can I make them smaller for parties?
Yes! Divide dough into 18–20 mini buns and reduce baking time to 15 minutes.

Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Recipe by Sara
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, boiled and shredded

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup bell pepper, diced

  • 1 tbsp chili sauce

  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

  • Prepare the dough:
  • In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. Add egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Knead into a soft dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
  • Make the filling:
  • In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add shredded chicken, bell pepper, chili sauce, mayonnaise, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes. Mix in mozzarella and set aside to cool.
  • Assemble the buns:
  • Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal balls. Flatten each ball, add 2 tbsp of filling, and seal into a bun shape. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Add toppings:
  • Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
  • Bake:
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Serve:
  • Serve warm — gooey, cheesy, and full of spicy chicken flavor!