Gua Bao with Crispy Taiwanese Chicken

Introduction

Gua Bao with Crispy Taiwanese Chicken is an irresistible fusion of pillowy steamed buns, succulent fried chicken, and bold flavors from classic Taiwanese street food. Each bite is a perfect balance of tender, crunchy, sweet, and savory, making these handheld sandwiches a total crowd-pleaser.

Why make it? Gua Bao delivers complex flavor and addictive texture in every mouthful, and, with shortcuts for modern kitchens, you can enjoy authentic Taiwanese street eats from the comfort of home—no steamer street vendor required.

The Magic of Crispy Taiwanese Chicken Gua Bao

This recipe stands out for its double-layer of delight: ultra-light, fluffy bao buns cradling juicy, crispy chicken, doused with sweet chili sauce and topped with crisp, quick-pickled veggies. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, game night, or a casual party, these Gua Bao are guaranteed to wow.

Vegetable Prep for Tangy, Fresh Toppings

Brighten up your Gua Bao with quick-pickled carrots and cucumber. Cut your vegetables into matchsticks swiftly and safely using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—you’ll have perfect pieces in seconds. Toss with a simple mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then let sit while you prepare everything else.

Crisping Up Perfect Taiwanese Chicken

Start with skinless chicken thighs or breasts for juiciest results. Marinate in garlic, five spice, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine for bold, deep flavor. For maximum crunch, dredge the chicken in sweet potato or cornstarch.

For fuss-free, healthier frying, use an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1—it creates a crisp, golden coating with far less oil, keeping clean-up simple. Line your basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for non-stick, effortless chicken removal.

Fluffy Steamed Bao—the Shortcut Way

You can find frozen bao at many Asian grocery stores or make your own. To get perfectly steamed results at home, use parchment to keep buns from sticking. Steam buns just until soft and pillowy.

Assembly & Showstopping Serving Tips

When all components are ready, layer each bao with crispy chicken, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions. Serve on a platter lined with a Socomi Pink Easter Cheesecloth Table Runner for a festive look, and keep napkins handy for happy, messy bites.

Pair with cold teas or sparkling water—store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to preserve every crisp, fluffy, and tangy element.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 sizable gua bao sandwiches. Each contains approximately 350–400 calories, with protein from the chicken, carbs from the buns, and a helping of fiber and vitamins from the veggies.

Gua Bao with Crispy Taiwanese Chicken—A Bite Above

With every element made easy by modern tools, these Gua Bao bring irresistible Taiwanese flavors and textures to your dinner table. Soft, crispy, tangy, and spicy, they’ll satisfy cravings and create unforgettable mealtime moments.

Instructions

1. Combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, five spice, and garlic in a bowl. Slice chicken into pieces about the width of the bao. Add chicken to marinade and let rest 20–30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, prepare your quick pickle: Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to cut carrots and cucumber into matchsticks. Toss with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set aside to pickle while you cook the chicken.
3. Coat marinated chicken pieces evenly in sweet potato (or corn) starch. Arrange in a single layer in your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 basket lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. Mist lightly with oil spray. Air fry at 390°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
4. While chicken cooks, steam bao buns according to package instructions, placing each on a small square of parchment to prevent sticking.
5. If desired, mix mayonnaise and sriracha for a spicy mayo spread.
6. To assemble, open each bun and spread with spicy mayo. Add a piece of crispy chicken, a pile of pickled veggies, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, and herbs. Serve immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the ultimate flavor-packed Taiwanese street food at home, made simpler and crunchier with the right modern tools!