If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Fried Chicken Cheese Buns Recipe is absolutely going to blow your mind. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy bun that hides a juicy chicken filling, molten cheese, and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. These golden fried buns are a true comfort food dream, suitable for lunch, dinner, or even as a star snack at your next party. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard to resist coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four photos arranged in a 2x2 grid, each with a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface. In the top left image, a woman's hand holds a small brown bowl with white floral patterns, filled with a white liquid, over the larger glass bowl. In the top right image, a woman's hand holds a small dark wooden bowl containing a light beige powder, above the glass bowl. The bottom left image shows a woman's hand holding a small beige bowl filled with a golden-brown liquid above the glass bowl. The bottom right image shows the three ingredients mixed together in the glass bowl, creating a light beige, slightly bubbly liquid resting at the bottom of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Fried Chicken Cheese Buns Recipe combines simple ingredients that work beautifully together to create unforgettable taste, texture, and color. Each component plays its part, from the tenderness of the chicken thighs to the melty cheese that oozes out with every bite.

150 ml milk: Lukewarm milk helps activate the yeast for a perfect soft dough.
70 ml water: Balances moisture in the dough for ideal texture.
7 g instant yeast: Makes the dough rise delightfully fluffy.
12 g honey: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and helps browning.
400 g flour: The base of the buns, providing structure and chewiness.
7 g salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough and filling.
30 g butter: Brings richness and tenderness to the buns.
25 ml olive oil: For cooking chicken with a light fruity note.
425 g chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for the flavorful filling.
2 g cayenne powder: Adds a gentle kick of heat.
2 g black pepper: Adds subtle spice and depth.
3 g onion powder: Infuses a savory aroma.
2 g garlic powder: Delivers a punch of flavor without overpowering.
75 ml water: Used for thickening the sauce inside the filling.
5 g cornstarch: Creates a sticky, luscious coating for the chicken.
10 g soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness.
15 g ketjap manis: Provides a lovely sweet soy glaze note.
25 g sweet chili sauce: Adds a balanced sweet and spicy flavor.
125 g grated cheese: Melts into the filling for creamy goodness.
100 g spring onion: Freshness and mild onion crunch inside the filling.
Slices of cheddar cheese: Used inside the buns for even cheesier bites.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Fried Chicken Cheese Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing the lukewarm milk, water, instant yeast, and honey in a large bowl. Letting this mixture rest for 5 minutes wakes up the yeast and begins the magic of your fluffy buns. Then add the flour, salt, and butter, kneading it thoroughly for about 10 to 12 minutes until you get a smooth, elastic dough. Cover it and find a warm spot to let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size. This foundation ensures your buns come out soft and airy.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling

While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken thighs seasoned with cayenne powder, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is tender and aromatic, around 5 to 6 minutes. This is where the flavors start coming alive!

Step 3: Create the Sauce Mixture

Mix cornstarch and water separately until smooth. Then add the soy sauce, ketjap manis, and sweet chili sauce to the chicken, followed by the cornstarch mixture to thicken it up. Let everything gently simmer for 5 minutes so the sauce beautifully coats the chicken pieces, creating that perfect juicy filling texture.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Spring Onions

Stir the grated cheese into the hot filling until it melts completely. Then fold in the sliced spring onions for a fresh bite. Let this chicken cheese mixture cool fully to prevent the dough from becoming soggy when filled.

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Buns

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10 equal portions of about 65 grams each, shaping each into a ball. Roll each ball into a flat circle on a floured surface. Place a slice of cheese and about 60 grams of the cooled chicken filling on one half of the dough circle. Carefully fold over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges tightly to seal in all the goodness.

Step 6: Let the Buns Rise Again

Arrange the filled buns on a parchment-lined baking tray and give them a further 30-minute rest in a warm spot to rise slightly. This second proofing ensures lightness in every bite after frying.

Step 7: Frying to Golden Perfection

Heat sunflower oil to 175 °C (350 °F) in a deep pan, making sure you don’t overcrowd it. Fry the buns on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and crispy outside, yet remain fluffy and juicy inside. Drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

How to Serve Fried Chicken Cheese Buns Recipe

In the first part of the image, three dough pieces are frying in hot oil inside a black pan, each piece light beige and puffed, floating in bubbling oil. The second part shows a white plate piled with seven golden-brown fried dough pieces, each with a slightly shiny and smooth surface, resting on a white paper towel on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated cheddar over the warm buns right after frying melts into a decadent topping you’ll love. You can also add a touch of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

These buns pair wonderfully with a fresh yogurt sauce, tangy garlic dip, or spicy chili sauce to complement their rich flavors. A crisp green salad or lightly pickled vegetables perfectly balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these into mini versions for bite-sized snacks or party hors d’oeuvres by dividing the dough into smaller portions. Stack a few with layers of cheese and chutney to create a fun platter everyone will rave about. Wrapping them in colorful parchment paper makes for an inviting presentation too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their softness and keeps the cheese melty inside.

Freezing

You can freeze unfried filled buns by placing them on a baking tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw and fry fresh for that wonderful golden crust.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the buns in a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 160 °C (320 °F) until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, you can use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook it to keep the filling moist.

What cheese works best in this Fried Chicken Cheese Buns Recipe?

Cheddar is a fantastic choice for its strong flavor and melting qualities. You can also mix in mozzarella or cream cheese for a creamier texture.

Can I bake the buns instead of frying them?

Baking the buns is possible, but frying gives that irresistible crispy exterior and golden color that make these buns so special. If baking, brush with butter and bake at 200 °C (390 °F) until golden.

Is it necessary to let the filling cool before stuffing the buns?

Yes, cooling the filling prevents the dough from becoming overly soft or tearing during shaping, resulting in neat, sturdy buns.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

At around 175 °C, a small piece of dough should float to the surface and bubble gently but not aggressively. This ensures even cooking without greasy or burnt buns.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, making this Fried Chicken Cheese Buns Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of crispy, golden dough with a rich and flavorful chicken and cheese filling is truly addictive. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bring a little bit of cheesy, spicy joy to your kitchen today!