California Love Fried Chicken Bao

California Love Fried Chicken Bao is a mouthwatering fusion of Asian street food and West Coast flavors. These bao buns are filled with crispy, golden fried chicken, fresh veggies, and a bold, zesty sauce that brings everything together in one soft, fluffy bite. With a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and spice, these bao are great for a fun dinner, party appetizer, or an elevated food truck-style treat at home. Whether you're a fan of Korean fried chicken or classic American comfort food, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

• 2 boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  
  

• 1 cup buttermilk
  
  

• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
  

• 1 tsp paprika
  
  

• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

• 1 cup flour (for dredging)
  
  

• Oil for deep frying
  
  

For the Bao Buns:

• Store-bought or homemade bao buns (steamed and warm)
  
  

For the Slaw:

• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
  
  

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  
  

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  
  

• 1 tsp sesame oil
  
  

• Salt to taste
  
  

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  
  

• 1 tbsp sriracha or spicy chili sauce
  
  

• 1 tsp honey
  
  

• 1/2 tsp lime juice
  
  

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
  
  

• Toasted sesame seeds
  
  

• Fresh cilantro leaves
  
  

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
   
   

2. Prepare the Slaw:
   In a small bowl, mix shredded cabbage and carrots with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to marinate lightly while you fry the chicken.
   
   

3. Make the Sauce:
   Stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
   
   

4. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Dredge the marinated chicken in flour, shaking off excess, then carefully fry in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 5–6 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
   
   

5. Steam the Bao Buns:
   If using store-bought frozen bao, steam according to package instructions until soft and fluffy.
   
   

6. Assemble the Bao:
   Gently open each steamed bao and layer with a spoonful of slaw, a few pieces of crispy fried chicken, a drizzle of spicy mayo sauce, and optional toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
   
   

Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 6 bao buns, serving 2–3 people as a main dish or 4–6 as appetizers/snacks.

Nutritional Information (Per Bao, estimated)

• Calories: 280
  
  

• Protein: 14g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 22g
  
  

• Fat: 15g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 3g
  
  

• Sugar: 4g
  
  

• Fiber: 1g
  
  

• Sodium: 450mg
  
  

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used and portion size.