Step-by-Step Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns Recipe Everyone Will Love

Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are the ultimate spicy, cheesy, and satisfying snack or meal idea that your family will love. Packed with flavorful chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce and wrapped in soft, golden buns, they’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or even a fun weeknight dinner.

This dish combines bold flavors with a cozy, homemade touch — think of it as a spicy twist on stuffed buns with loads of melty cheese. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking pro. With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can make these delicious buns right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

These buns are more than just tasty — they’re a total crowd-pleaser. The chicken is spicy and flavorful, balanced perfectly with creamy cheese and soft bread. They’re ideal for meal prep, easy to customize, and kid-approved too.

You’ll love how versatile they are. Serve them as snacks, light dinners, or appetizers. They freeze and reheat well, so they’re great for busy schedules. Plus, making them from scratch means no preservatives and full control over the ingredients and spice level.

What You’ll Need

To make these cheesy dynamite chicken buns, you’ll need a handful of everyday ingredients. Everything can be found at most grocery stores, and there’s plenty of room to swap based on what you already have.

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar

For the Dough (or use store-bought dough to save time):

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chili flakes, extra cheese on top.

How to Make Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Making cheesy dynamite chicken buns is simpler than it looks. Here’s how to bring them together in a few steps:

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm milk, water, and softened butter. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in tomato paste, hot sauce, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded chicken and mix well. Turn off heat, then mix in cream cheese and shredded cheese until creamy and thick.

Step 3: Assemble the Buns

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal balls. Flatten each ball, add a spoonful of the chicken mixture, and seal well. Place seam-side down on a baking tray.

Step 4: Bake

Brush each bun with egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds or cheese if desired, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.

You Must Know

Before you get started, here are a few must-know tips to help you nail this recipe:

• Adjust the Spice: These buns are spicy, but you can control the heat. Use mild hot sauce or add extra chili for a kick.
• Use Moist Chicken: Dry chicken will make the filling less creamy. Mix in a little broth if needed.
• Seal Well: Make sure each bun is tightly sealed to avoid any messy leaks while baking.
• Rest Before Baking: Let shaped buns sit for 10–15 minutes to get a better rise and texture.
• Soft Dough is Key: Your dough should be smooth and elastic—not too sticky or dry.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Cooking these buns just right makes all the difference. Here’s how:

• Preheat Your Oven: Always start with a hot oven (375°F) for even baking.
• Fill Evenly: Don’t overstuff the buns. About 1 tablespoon of filling is perfect.
• Watch the Bake Time: Bake for 18–20 minutes. Overbaking can dry them out.
• Egg Wash for Shine: A quick brush of beaten egg gives a beautiful golden finish.
• Let Them Cool Slightly: Rest 5–10 minutes before eating so the filling settles.

Add Your Touch Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily make it your own:

• Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
• Extra Veggies: Add finely chopped bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños to the filling for texture and color.
• Herbs & Spices: Sprinkle in dried oregano, Italian seasoning, or fresh parsley for added flavor depth.
• Mini or Jumbo: Make smaller buns for party snacks or bigger ones for a full meal option.
• Toppings: Add sesame seeds, grated cheese, or chili flakes to the top before baking for a fun finish.

Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers? No problem! These buns store and reheat like a dream:

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• To Store: Let buns cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• To Freeze: Wrap each bun individually in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
• Avoid Sogginess: For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

These make a great make-ahead option for lunchboxes, snacks, or busy weeknight dinners.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Want to get the best results every time? These pro tips will help:

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• Use Warm Liquid for the Dough: Warm milk and water (not hot) help activate the yeast for a fluffy bun.
• Don’t Skip Kneading: Kneading the dough for 8–10 minutes gives it that soft, bakery-style texture.
• Cool the Filling: Let the chicken mixture cool before filling the buns — it helps the dough stay easy to seal.
• Line Your Tray: Use parchment paper or a greased baking tray to avoid sticking.
• Let Them Rest After Baking: A few minutes of cooling time makes the buns easier to handle and enhances flavor.

These small steps make a big difference in taste and texture!

FAQ for Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Ready-made pizza or dinner roll dough works great if you’re short on time.

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What if I don’t eat spicy food?

Just reduce the hot sauce or swap it for mild BBQ sauce for a flavorful but gentle version.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace chicken with mashed chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or tofu for a tasty meat-free option.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked buns for up to 12 hours, then bake when ready.

How do I serve them?

They’re great as snacks, party appetizers, or served with a fresh salad for a light meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns are the perfect blend of comfort food and bold flavor — soft, golden buns packed with spicy, creamy chicken and melty cheese. Whether you’re hosting guests, feeding the family, or just craving something special, these buns check all the boxes: easy to make, fun to customize, and impossible to resist.

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can bring this bakery-style treat to life in your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to get creative with fillings, spice levels, and toppings — it’s a recipe that invites your personal touch.

Give them a try and watch them disappear fast — they’re that good!