Let me tell you about one of my current kitchen obsessions — the Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe. These buns are everything I look for in comfort food: soft, pillowy dough filled with a spicy, cheesy chicken mixture that just melts in your mouth. What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of flavors — the creamy cheese, the kick from the sambal oelek, and just the right amount of sweetness in the bread. I love making these when I want a crowd-pleasing snack or a fun dinner that’s a little different but always satisfying.

If you’ve been hunting for a recipe that’s both adventurous yet approachable, this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe is a winner. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps, but the results are incredibly rewarding. Whether you need party food, a yummy packed lunch, or just a cozy weekend treat, these buns tick all the boxes. Plus, I’ll share some personal tips so you can nail the dough and spicy filling every time without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe plays a crucial role — from building the soft, airy dough to delivering that bold spicy, cheesy punch inside. When you shop, aim for fresh chicken and real Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Don’t skip the sambal oelek — it’s the secret to that dynamite heat!

Water: Luke warm helps activate the yeast properly.
Milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
Honey: Just a touch balances the heat with gentle sweetness.
Instant yeast: For that reliable rise and fluffy texture.
Egg: Keeps the dough moist and binds ingredients well.
Sunflower oil: Neutral flavor and keeps buns soft.
Flour: The backbone of your buns; I recommend all-purpose or bread flour.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it.
Butter: Adds that lovely richness to the dough.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, essential for that cheesy top.
Cayenne powder: Delivers warmth and heat that wakes up the palate.
Onion powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering.
Black pepper powder: Freshly ground is best for bright spice notes.
Chicken filet: The hearty filling star; I use skinless breasts for lean meat.
Sambal oelek: This chili paste is your bold flavor lifeline.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and a hint of saltiness to the chicken.
Cornstarch: Helps bind the chicken mixture perfectly.
Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the spicy sauce.
Chili sauce: Kicks the sauce up a notch with sweet heat.

Variations

I love experimenting with the Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe to keep things fresh. It’s so versatile that you can easily adjust the heat level, swap cheeses, or go vegetarian without any stress. Play around and find your perfect combo — after all, recipes are only guidelines, right?

Variation: I’ve tried swapping sambal oelek with sriracha for a slightly sweeter spice that my kids enjoy more. Still delicious!
Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and shredded mozzarella — it makes the filling super gooey and hearty.
Cheese swap: Using sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan on top gives the buns a different cheese pull experience that’s equally tasty.
Milder spice: Reduce cayenne and sambal oelek if you want the buns kid-friendly but keep the onion and garlic powders for flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the water and milk until lukewarm to activate the yeast properly. In a large bowl, mix these liquids with honey and instant yeast. Give it 5 minutes to froth up — you’ll want it bubbly but not foamy like a cappuccino. Next, add the egg, sunflower oil, and salt. Gradually incorporate the flour and knead until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly tacky but not sticky. From my experience, kneading by hand for about 10 minutes works wonders if you don’t have a stand mixer. Finish by kneading in the butter, and then cover the bowl with a clean cloth to rise for about an hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture

While your dough is rising, it’s a great time to prep the chicken filling. Dice the chicken filets finely or pulse them a few times in a food processor for a nice, even texture. In a bowl, toss the chicken with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, sambal oelek, soy sauce, and one egg. This mixture will bind nicely when cooked, giving you that irresistible filling. Pro tip: don’t skip the egg here — it truly helps keep the filling juicy and together during baking.

Step 3: Assemble Your Buns

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly. Spoon a generous scoop of the chicken mixture onto the center, then carefully fold the dough around it and pinch the edges tightly to seal. I find dampening my fingers a little helps seal better without tearing the dough. Place the buns seam-side down on a lined baking tray, cover, and let rest for another 20 minutes so they puff up slightly.

Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake

Before slipping the buns into the oven, brush them lightly with milk for a golden crust and sprinkle the parmesan cheese combined with cayenne, onion powder, and black pepper on top. This spicy cheesy topping is what makes these buns stand out in a crowd. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes until the buns are puffed and beautifully golden. Once out, let them cool slightly — that filling will be hot, but so worth it.

How to Serve Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love garnishing these buns with a sprinkle of freshly chopped spring onions or some chopped cilantro to add a fresh, herby contrast to the spiciness. A squeeze of fresh lime just before serving also adds a brightness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, I often serve these buns alongside a crisp cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw. Some roasted sweet potato fries make a crispy, sweet pairing too if you’re looking to impress. The combo really complements the spicy, cheesy profile perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the buns stacked on a platter with small bowls of extra spicy mayo or soy dipping sauce on the side. You can also slice them in half and stuff with extra cheese or avocado for a fun twist. I once turned these into mini sliders for a game day gathering — total crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover buns in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days without drying out. You can also wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap to keep them extra moist.

Freezing

I freeze leftover buns with great success. Just wrap each bun tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer bag. When I want some later, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat — they come out almost as fresh as day one.

Reheating

Reheating is best done in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the filling hot without drying. Microwaving works but can make the buns a little soggy, so if you use it, try a quick zap and then a few minutes uncovered to crisp up.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time for this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just shape the buns the next day and allow them to come to room temperature before baking. This slow fermentation enhances the dough’s flavor and texture.
Is the filling spicy, and can I adjust it?

The filling has a noticeable kick thanks to sambal oelek and cayenne powder, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. If you prefer milder buns, simply reduce or omit the sambal oelek or cayenne. You can always add a side of hot sauce if you want to spice it up at the table.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

While you could, I recommend using raw chicken for the best texture and flavor. The baking process fully cooks the chicken inside the buns, keeping it juicy. Using pre-cooked chicken may result in a drier filling unless you add extra moisture.
How do I know when the buns are done baking?

The buns should be golden brown on top, and when tapped on the bottom, they should sound hollow. The cheese topping will be bubbly and lightly browned. If you have a thermometer, an internal temperature of about 75°C (167°F) confirms the chicken inside is cooked through.
What’s the best way to serve leftover buns?

Reheat them gently in the oven to regain that fresh-baked texture. Serve with fresh garnishes like herbs or a dipping sauce like extra mayo mixed with chili sauce for an extra flavor boost. They’re perfect as a quick snack or paired with a simple salad for a meal.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together simple ingredients into something truly exciting and comforting. Whether it’s a lazy weekend bake or a party snack, these buns never disappoint. I really hope you’ll give them a try — once you taste that cheesy, spicy chicken wrapped in soft bread, I have a feeling you’ll be making these over and over, just like me.