CHICKEN THIGH BAO BUNS

CHICKEN THIGH BAO BUNS

Charcoal Grilled Chicken Thigh Bao Buns are packed with smoky grilled chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy pineapple kimchi sauce, then tucked into soft steamed bao buns. Finished with scallions, cilantro, and roasted peanuts, this easy grilled chicken recipe is perfect for BBQs, summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, and entertaining. Ready with simple ingredients and bold Asian-inspired flavors, these bao buns are guaranteed to impress.

Tag IconMain Course, Sandwiches & Wraps, Asian, Grill, Boneless Skinless Thigh Fillet, Dinner Party, Family Friendly, Quick and Easy

Ingredients for Chicken

1 pack Sanderson farms Boneless, Skinless thighs

1 tbsp sesame oil

8-12 3.5" bamboo skewers

salt and pepper, to taste

charcoal

Ingredients for PINEAPPLE KIMCHI GLAZE

1 cup honey

1 cup diced pineapple, roasted

1 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp gochujang

1 cup kimchi

8-12 each bao buns

scallions, minced

cilantro, chopped

roasted peanuts, chopped

Directions for Chicken

  1. Dice chicken thighs 1"x 1" and place in a food safe bowl.
  2. Toss chicken with sesame oil, salt and pepper to coat evenly.
  3. Skewer chicken and reserve covered and refrigerated up to 24 hours before use.

DIRECTIONS FOR PINEAPPLE KIMCHI GLAZE

  1. Lay pineapple on a sheet pan lined with parchment and roasted in a 425F oven until caramelized, golden brown and soft.
  2. Heat honey in a sauce pan over low heat until it starts to bubble.
  3. Fill blender with roasted pineapple, gochujang, kimchi, and lime juice. Pour warmed honey over all and puree until a smooth glaze forms. Strain and reserve refrigerated until needed.

TO FINISH

  1. Light a charcoal grill and ready coals before putting chicken on to grill.
  2. Grill chicken quickly, turning once to develop char.
  3. Lightly brush the Pineapple Kim Chi glaze on the chicken as it cooks. Continue to baste and coat with each turn (approx every 2-3 minutes) until chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature is greater than 165F as measured by a calibrated thermometer.
  4. Quickly steam bao buns to reheat, place a skewer of chicken in each and top with some additional glaze, scallions, cilantro and roasted peanuts.
  5. To eat, just close the bun with one hand and pull the skewer out clean with the other!