Heart-Healthy Chicken Bao

Elevate your weeknight meals with these irresistible Heart-Healthy Chicken Bao, a lighter twist on a beloved classic! These soft, pillowy steamed buns are stuffed with a flavorful filling of tender chicken breast, marinated in low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil, and paired with vibrant greens like baby spinach and crunchy green onions. Featuring a yeast-leavened dough made with olive oil instead of traditional fats, this recipe perfectly blends indulgence with nutrition, making it ideal for those seeking a heart-friendly treat without sacrificing taste. Ready in just over an hour, these homemade bao buns are perfect for family dinners or meal prep and are best served warm to savor every bite of their fluffy texture and savory filling.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 250 grams All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Instant yeast
• 15 grams Sugar
• 150 milliliters Water
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 200 grams Chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 2 Green onions, chopped
• 50 grams Baby spinach, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, instant yeast, and sugar.

Step 2

Gradually add water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 6

In a bowl, marinate the chicken with low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.

Step 7

Heat a non-stick pan and lightly cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are no longer pink. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 8

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped green onions, and baby spinach.

Step 9

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.

Step 10

Flatten each ball into a disc. Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the center of each disc.

Step 11

Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal, forming a bun.

Step 12

Place the buns on parchment paper squares in a steamer basket, leaving space between them to expand.

Step 13

Steam the buns over boiling water on high heat for about 12-15 minutes, ensuring the dough is fluffy and cooked through.

Step 14

Serve the chicken baos warm and enjoy their heart-healthy goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	942.5 grams (942.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1631

Total Fat 38.40g	49%
Saturated Fat 6.30g	32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.10g
Cholesterol 172mg	57%
Sodium 2189mg	95%
Total Carbohydrate 230.80g	84%
Dietary Fiber 14.60g	52%
Total Sugars 20.40g
Protein 92.90g	186%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 280mg	22%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 1744mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.1%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 56.3%