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Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a shallow bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the buttermilk, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they’re fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness and flavor. Marinating the chicken helps tenderize it while infusing it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Bao Buns
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
- Let it rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the bao buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each piece into a ball. Then, flatten each ball into an oval shape. Brush one side of the dough with a little oil, then fold each oval in half to create the signature bao bun shape. You can also use a small piece of parchment paper to help shape the buns and prevent them from sticking together during steaming.
- Steam the bao: Prepare a bamboo steamer or a regular steamer and bring water to a simmer. Place the bao buns on parchment squares or a clean cloth in the steamer, making sure they are not touching. Steam the buns for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are puffed and fully cooked through. Remove them from the steamer and set them aside while you prepare the fried chicken.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Dredge the chicken: After marinating the chicken, remove it from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess drip off. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, five-spice powder (optional), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C). Dredge the chicken thighs in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat the chicken evenly. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil and fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Bao
- Make the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha (or chili garlic sauce), and honey. Adjust the amount of sriracha depending on your preferred spice level.
- Assemble the bao: Gently open each steamed bao bun and spread a small amount of the spicy mayo on the inside. Place a piece of crispy fried chicken in each bao, followed by a few slices of pickled cucumber for a refreshing contrast.
- Garnish and serve: Top each bao with fresh cilantro leaves, a slice of red chili (if you like heat), and a drizzle of extra spicy mayo if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these crispy fried chicken bao hot, as a delicious appetizer, lunch, or dinner. The combination of crispy chicken, fluffy bao, spicy mayo, and tangy pickles will make each bite a burst of flavor. These bao are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for enjoying all to yourself!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken Bao
1. Choose the Right Chicken
Chicken thighs are the best option for crispy fried chicken bao because they stay juicy and tender, even after frying. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, feel free to use them; just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and moist.
2. Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness
For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture. After dipping the chicken in the buttermilk, coat it in the flour mixture, dip it back in the buttermilk, and then coat it in the flour mixture again. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
3. Make the Bao Ahead of Time
If you’re short on time, you can make the bao buns ahead of time. Once steamed, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, steam them for a few minutes to get them back to their fluffy texture.
4. Customize the Sauce
Feel free to adjust the spicy mayo to your liking! You can add a little more honey for sweetness or use different types of hot sauce to customize the heat level. For a tangier sauce, you could mix in a little rice vinegar or lime juice.
5. Use Store-Bought Bao Buns
If you’re pressed for time or want to simplify the process, you can use store-bought bao buns. Many Asian supermarkets sell ready-to-steam bao buns, which can save you time on the dough-making process without compromising on taste.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Fried Chicken Bao
1. Irresistible Flavor
The crispy fried chicken, paired with the soft bao bun and creamy, spicy mayo, creates a flavor explosion in each bite. The sweetness of the pickled cucumbers balances the richness of the chicken, making for a perfectly harmonious dish.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, planning a weekend feast, or looking for a fun way to serve chicken, these bao are a crowd-pleasing choice. They’re easy to share, customizable to taste, and sure to be a hit.
3. Satisfying and Fun to Eat
There’s something incredibly satisfying about holding a soft, fluffy bao filled with crispy fried chicken. It’s comfort food with a twist, offering both texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
4. Customizable
This dish is highly customizable. You can swap out the crispy chicken for other proteins like pork, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also adjust the toppings, like adding spicy kimchi, pickled onions, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Crispy Fried Chicken Bao is a delicious and fun fusion dish that combines the best of both worlds—crispy, juicy fried chicken and fluffy, pillowy bao buns. With a spicy mayo sauce, crunchy pickles, and fresh garnishes, this dish
is bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of street food, a bao lover, or just craving something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Gather your ingredients, fry up some chicken, and enjoy these incredible Crispy Fried Chicken Bao with friends and family. It’s comfort food at its best—crispy, savory, and totally irresistible!
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