Ingredients for the Dough
To make soft, fluffy buns with a tender texture:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 egg (optional, for richer dough)
This dough creates a soft, slightly chewy bun that holds its shape and rises beautifully in the oven.
Ingredients for the Chicken Filling
You can replace chicken with beef or vegetables, but here is the classic version:
- 2 cups cooked, finely shredded chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese OR thick béchamel
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
This gives you a creamy, flavorful filling that stays soft even after baking.
Ingredients for the Cheese Topping
This is the signature look from your picture—the golden cheese dome:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (helps browning)
- 1 egg yolk
Mixing these creates a smooth topping that melts and browns in a beautiful pattern.
Preparing the Dough
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Instant yeast can be added directly without needing to activate.
Adding Wet Ingredients
Pour in warm milk, warm water, and oil. If using an egg, add it now.
Kneading the Dough
Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer until the dough becomes:
- smooth
- elastic
- slightly sticky
This elasticity ensures the buns puff up nicely.
First Rise
Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.
This rising step is crucial for achieving the fluffy height you see in the photo.
Preparing the Filling
Sautéing the Onion
Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and cook until soft and slightly golden.
Adding the Chicken
Add shredded chicken and mix well.
Seasoning
Add garlic, paprika, pepper, and salt.
Adding the Creamy Base
Stir in cream cheese or béchamel until everything becomes creamy.
Adding Cheese
Mix in the mozzarella. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.
The filling should be thick enough to roll into small balls and should not be watery, or it will leak through the dough.
Shaping the Buns
Dividing the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and divide into 10–12 equal balls.
Flattening Each Ball
Take one dough ball at a time, flatten it with your fingertips into a small disc.
Adding Filling
Place a scoop of the chicken filling into the center.
Sealing
Pull the edges together and pinch firmly to seal. Form into smooth balls.
Make sure they are seam-side down on the baking tray.
This gives the buns the smooth dome appearance seen in your photo.
Preparing the Cheese Topping
Mixing Topping Ingredients
In a small bowl:
- whisk the egg yolk
- add mayonnaise
- add both cheeses
Mix until you get a thick, spreadable paste.
Applying the Cheese
Place a spoonful on top of each bun and spread gently across the top.
During baking, this topping melts and caramelizes, creating the golden, bubbly cheese dome.
Second Rise
Cover the buns lightly and let them rise for 20 minutes.
This second rise gives them a softer texture and helps them puff into perfect round domes.
Baking the Buns
Preheating
Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Baking Time
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese topping becomes:
- golden
- bubbly
- slightly toasted
Exactly as shown in your picture.
Cooling Before Serving
Allow the buns to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese settle and makes the inside easier to handle when warm.
Serving Suggestions
These buns pair wonderfully with:
- garlic dipping sauce
- chili mayo
- ranch
- a fresh salad
- hot soup
They make an excellent snack, appetizer, or lunch.
Why These Buns Are So Delicious
The Soft Dough
The milk-based dough creates a soft, tender texture that stays moist for hours.
The Creamy Filling
The combination of chicken, cream cheese, and spices gives a comforting, satisfying flavor.
The Golden Cheese Cap
This is the star – melted cheese forms a crispy, bubbly crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.
Perfect for Any Occasion
They’re ideal for parties, gatherings, or meal prep.
Variations You Can Try
Beef Stuffed Buns
Replace chicken with sautéed ground beef and onions.
Pizza Buns
Add pepperoni, pizza sauce, and mozzarella inside.
Vegetable Buns
Use mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, or mixed veggies.
Spicy Buns
Add hot sauce, chili flakes, or jalapeños.
Breakfast Buns
Stuff with scrambled eggs, cheese, and turkey sausage.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerating
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezing
Freeze individually wrapped buns for up to 2 months.
Thaw and reheat at 160°C for 10 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling can cause the buns to burst.
Keep the Dough Soft
A slightly sticky dough creates the best texture.
Let the Filling Cool
Warm filling melts the dough and prevents proper sealing.
Avoid Overbaking
Remove when the cheese is golden—not dark.
Step-by-Step Summary
1. Make the dough
Mix dry ingredients → add wet → knead → let rise.
2. Prepare filling
Cook onion → add chicken → season → add cream cheese → cool.
3. Shape buns
Flatten dough → add filling → seal → place on tray.
4. Add cheese topping
Mix cheese, mayo, egg → spread over each bun.
5. Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
6. Serve
Enjoy warm, soft, cheesy buns.