Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

I absolutely love making this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe because it brings together the best of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors in one handheld treat. Whenever I have friends over or a casual family night, these buns always steal the show – everyone goes crazy for that melty cheese combined with the vibrant, zesty chicken filling. You’ll find that it’s a surprisingly approachable recipe that delivers restaurant-quality vibes right from your own kitchen.

One thing I adore about this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re planning a fun snack, game day bites, or a party appetizer, it works beautifully. Plus, it’s comforting and filling, so it doubles as a great lunch or dinner option when you’re craving something satisfying but not too heavy. Once you learn the steps, this recipe becomes a trustworthy favorite you’ll revisit again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe plays a role in creating that balance of flavors and textures. I always recommend using fresh and good-quality basics like shredded chicken and mozzarella to really make it shine.

• Cooked shredded chicken: Leftover roast chicken works great here and saves time.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness when sautéing the aromatics.
• Small onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings a gentle punch; don’t skip it!
• Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor that boosts the filling’s richness.
• Hot sauce: Adjust to your preferred spice level; I love something with a bit of tang.
• Smoked paprika: Provides a lovely smoky warmth that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthy, slightly nutty flavor to round out the spice mix.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to make the flavors pop.
• Cream cheese: Makes the filling ultra creamy and helps everything stick together.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts to gooey perfection inside the buns.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the soft dough that holds it all.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Instant yeast: For a reliable and quick rise.
• Salt: Strengthens gluten and balances dough flavor.
• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough.
• Warm water: Complements the milk to hydrate the dough adequately.
• Softened butter: Enriches the dough for that tender crumb.
• Egg: For brushing on top, which gives the buns a gorgeous golden finish.

Variations

I love tinkering with the Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe to fit my mood or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to swap ingredients or tweak the heat level to make it your own – it’s surprisingly forgiving!

• Variation: I sometimes replace chicken with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist, and my family absolutely loves it.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms and peppers, and use a plant-based cheese to cater to vegetarians.
• Mild Spice: Reduce the hot sauce to half or leave it out entirely, replacing it with a mild tomato sauce if you want less heat.
• Extra Cheesy: Add sharp cheddar along with mozzarella for an even bolder cheese punch.

How to Make Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare a Soft, Fluffy Dough

Start by mixing the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Warm your milk and water to about body temperature — this helps activate the yeast without killing it. Pour the liquids and softened butter into the dry ingredients, then knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. I usually do this by hand because you really feel when it’s ready, but a stand mixer works great too. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This step is key for those soft, pillowy buns you’ll love.

Step 2: Make the Dynamite Chicken Filling

While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Sauté your finely chopped onion until translucent and soft — this builds that base flavor. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, mix in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and hot sauce. I adjust the hot sauce depending on how wild we’re feeling that day! Stir in the shredded chicken and cook until everything is heated through. Finally, remove the pan from heat and fold in cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. This is the magic that makes the filling creamy and cheesy — just the way I like it.

Step 3: Assemble Your Buns

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air bubbles and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each piece on a clean surface, spoon a generous amount of the cheesy dynamite chicken filling onto the center, and then carefully seal the edges by pinching the dough together. It’s important to seal well so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking—a trick I learned after a few messy tries! Place the buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to relax the dough before baking.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before popping the buns in, brush the tops with a beaten egg to get that shiny, golden crust everyone loves. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until deliciously golden brown. Keep an eye on them near the end; ovens vary, and you want that perfect bounce-back texture without over-baking. When they’re done, let them cool just slightly so the cheese inside sets but is still warm and gooey.

How to Serve Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the buns right after baking. It adds a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony crunch that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, a light drizzle of extra hot sauce or garlic aioli on the side makes for a fun dipping experience.

Side Dishes

Pair these buns with a simple crisp salad or coleslaw to balance the spice and richness. A refreshing cucumber-yogurt salad or even some pickled vegetables boosts the freshness. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or a light soup work wonderfully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the buns in a circular pattern on a large platter, garnished with colorful sliced chilies and fresh herbs. You can also skewer two smaller buns with decorative picks for party-friendly finger foods. Wrapping each bun in parchment or cute cupcake liners is a lovely touch for gifting or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftover Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste great warmed up the next day. This makes them a perfect make-ahead snack or quick lunch option.

Freezing

If you want to prep in bulk, freeze the buns before baking by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. This trick saved me tons of time during busy weeks!

Reheating

To reheat, wrap each bun in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This preserves the melted cheese and moist filling without drying out the dough. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the crust less crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that brings comfort and excitement in every bite. I love sharing it with family and friends because it’s approachable but feels like a treat. Once you try making these buns, you’ll have a new go-to recipe that’s perfect for both casual snacking and impressing guests. Give it a shot — I promise you’ll be hooked!

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