Imagine biting into a soft, buttery bun packed with tender honey chipotle chicken, smothered in a garlicky glaze, and bursting with sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. That’s exactly what these Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns deliver. They’re the kind of irresistible snack-meets-meal that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance.
These buns are perfect for everything—from casual dinners to game-day feasts or even as a grab-and-go lunch. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation. And the best part? They’re easier to make than you’d think!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: The perfect balance of sweet honey, smoky chipotle, savory chicken, and aromatic garlic glaze will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds).
Customizable: Adjust the heat level, use your favorite bread dough, or even swap the chicken for veggies or tofu.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the components ahead of time and assemble when ready to bake.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a family dinner or a party, these buns are guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Fun to Make: Shaping and glazing the buns is a satisfying process, perfect for getting kids or friends involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients in Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns
Here’s what makes these buns so special:
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Tender, juicy chicken serves as the hearty base of the filling.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: The star of the show! These peppers add smoky heat and bold flavor.
Honey: Balances the smoky spice with just the right amount of sweetness.
Garlic: Essential for the glaze and filling—it adds aromatic depth.
Soy Sauce: Brings a salty, umami kick to round out the flavors.
Butter: Used in the garlic glaze for that rich, indulgent finish.
Bread Dough: Soft and fluffy dough serves as the perfect vehicle for the filling. Store-bought or homemade works great!
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: A sprinkle on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Instructions
Let’s create these drool-worthy buns step by step:
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Shred or dice it into small pieces. Add the chipotle peppers, honey, garlic, and soy sauce to the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken. Set aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Divide your dough into even portions (about 10–12 pieces). Roll each portion into a circle or oval shape, about 3–4 inches in diameter.
4. Assemble the Buns:
Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the bun. Place the buns seam-side down on the baking sheet.
5. Make the Garlic Glaze:
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Brush this glaze generously over the tops of the buns.
6. Bake:
Bake the buns for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown. The tops should be shiny and slightly crisp, thanks to the garlic butter glaze.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the buns with fresh parsley or cilantro for a final touch of flavor and color. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10–12 buns
Calories per serving: Approximately 230
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns
These buns are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with:
Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, or even a creamy chipotle dip for extra indulgence.
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad or coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich buns.
Soup or Chili: Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup or chili for a comforting meal.
As a Standalone Snack: They’re hearty enough to enjoy on their own, straight from the oven.
Additional Tips
Make It Spicy: Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne for a fiery kick.
Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, jackfruit, or your favorite plant-based protein.
Freeze for Later: These buns freeze beautifully. Simply reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftovers.
Play with the Dough: Try experimenting with different types of dough, like brioche or pizza dough, for unique textures.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought dough?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought bread dough or even biscuit dough works great for this recipe.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the buns and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these buns?
A4: Definitely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q5: Can I use a different protein?
A5: Yes! Ground beef, shredded pork, or even tofu work well as substitutes.
Q6: What if I don’t like spicy food?
A6: Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers and add a splash of barbecue sauce for a milder flavor.
Q7: Can I make mini buns?
A7: Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time to 10–12 minutes.
Q8: How do I reheat these buns?
A8: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their soft texture.
Q9: Can I add cheese?
A9: Of course! Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the filling for an extra cheesy surprise.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure to bake in batches or use multiple trays to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns are the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy dinner, or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress. Sweet, smoky, garlicky, and utterly addictive—these buns are a must-try. Grab your apron, and let the magic begin!
PrintTHE RECIPE: HONEY CHIPOTLE CHICKEN GARLIC BUNS
These Honey Chipotle Chicken Garlic Buns are packed with flavor, high in protein, and perfect for a quick dinner! With a spicy-sweet chicken filling, gooey melted cheese, and buttery garlic-topped buns, they’re an absolute treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Makes 4 servings)
- Chicken:
- 400g chicken breast (cut into fillet strips)
- 1 ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 25g runny honey
- 1 ½ tsp chipotle paste
- Buns and Toppings:
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 mozzarella cheese slices
- 10g light butter
- 1 tsp chopped garlic
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Sauce:
- 20g ranch dressing
- ½ tsp chipotle paste
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken strips with smoked paprika, garlic granules, salt, and pepper.
- Pan-fry the chicken until cooked through, then shred it using a hand whisk or two forks.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix ranch dressing and chipotle paste in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Add Flavor to Chicken:
- Once shredded, mix the chicken with honey and chipotle paste until well combined.
- Assemble the Buns:
- Toast the bottom halves of the brioche buns.
- Top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese, the chicken mixture, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch sauce.
- Bake:
- Place the assembled buns in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted.
- Garlic Butter Finish:
- Melt the butter and mix it with chopped garlic. Microwave for 15 seconds.
- Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the cooked buns and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle paste.
- Serve with a side of salad or fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 432
- Sugar: 9.2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14.15g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35.4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39.6g