Crunchy Chicken Cheese Buns
If you love golden, crispy bread filled with juicy chicken and melted cheese, these Crunchy Chicken Cheese Buns will become your new favorite recipe. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavorful, cheesy chicken filling that makes every bite irresistible.
Perfect for family dinners, lunchboxes, party snacks, or even meal prep, this easy chicken bun recipe is beginner-friendly and budget-friendly. Whether baked or air-fried, these buns turn out beautifully golden and delicious every single time.
Why You’ll Love These Crunchy Chicken Cheese Buns
✔ Crispy, golden exterior
✔ Gooey melted cheese filling
✔ Easy homemade dough
✔ Freezer-friendly
✔ Perfect for snacks or dinner
✔ Kid-approved recipe
If you’re searching for:
- crispy chicken stuffed buns
- chicken and cheese bread rolls
- savory stuffed buns
- easy chicken snack recipes
This recipe checks every box!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
- 1 cup warm milk (or water)
- 1 egg
For the Chicken Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Crunchy Coating:
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
Add warm milk, egg, and oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and slightly golden.
Add shredded chicken, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes to combine flavors.
Turn off heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, mix in mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Your cheesy chicken filling is ready!
Step 3: Shape the Buns
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions (about 10–12 balls).
Flatten each ball into a circle. Add 2 tablespoons of chicken cheese filling in the center.
Carefully seal the edges and shape into a bun. Make sure it’s tightly closed to prevent cheese from leaking.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Coating
Dip each bun in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.
Place on a lined baking tray.
Let them rest for 15–20 minutes for a second rise.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Air Fryer Option
Want a healthier version?
Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Air fry for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Spray lightly with oil before cooking for extra crunch.
Tips for Perfect Crunchy Chicken Cheese Buns
1. Use Warm (Not Hot) Liquid
Too hot milk can kill the yeast. It should feel warm to the touch.
2. Seal the Dough Properly
If the dough isn’t sealed tightly, cheese may leak out during baking.
3. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Fresh cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
4. Don’t Skip the Second Rise
This makes the buns fluffy and light.
Variations You Can Try
Spicy Chicken Cheese Buns
Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Creamy Chicken Version
Mix in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for extra richness.
Veggie Add-In
Add finely chopped bell peppers or corn for extra texture.
Fried Version
Instead of baking, deep fry until golden for ultra-crispy buns.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze baked buns for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
- Oven: 10 minutes at 180°C
- Air fryer: 5–7 minutes
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes (less crispy)
These buns are perfect for meal prep!
What to Serve with Chicken Cheese Buns
- Garlic sauce
- Spicy mayo
- Tomato ketchup
- Fresh salad
- Creamy soup
They also pair perfectly with tea or fresh juice.
Nutritional Benefits
These chicken cheese buns provide:
- High protein from chicken
- Calcium from cheese
- Energy from homemade bread
- Balanced carbs and fats
You can make them healthier by:
- Using whole wheat flour
- Reducing cheese amount
- Baking instead of frying
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It saves time and adds extra flavor.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature before shaping.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely! Try gouda, provolone, or pepper jack.
Why are my buns not fluffy?
Possible reasons:
- Old yeast
- Not enough rising time
- Too much flour
Why These Are Perfect for Parties
Crunchy Chicken Cheese Buns are:
- Easy to hold
- Not messy
- Loved by kids and adults
- Great for gatherings
- Budget-friendly for large batches
They look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make!