Bite-Sized Bliss: Mini Buns with Savory Chicken Stuffing

Mini buns – the adorable, single-serving cousins of their larger counterparts. They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick and satisfying snack. But why settle for plain old rolls when you can elevate them to flavortown with a delicious chicken stuffing?

This recipe combines fluffy, homemade dough with a savory chicken filling for a delightful bite in every bun. So, ditch the store-bought variety and get ready to impress your taste buds (and maybe even score some party invites)!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup warm milk (105°F/ 40°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg

For the Chicken Stuffing:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
• ½ cup chopped mushrooms
• ½ cup chopped carrots (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional)

For the Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon milk

Method:

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine warm milk and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Add the egg and knead for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface, until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Chicken Stuffing:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in cooked chicken, mushrooms, carrots (if using), parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• If your mixture seems too wet, you can create a simple slurry by mixing cornstarch and milk in a small bowl. Add a tablespoon at a time to the skillet, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached (thick but spreadable).

3. Assemble and Bake:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Tip: If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet instead.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down on a lightly floured surface.
• Roll out the dough to a ½-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass.
• Place a spoonful of chicken stuffing in the center of each dough circle.
• Pinch the edges to seal the buns, forming a crescent shape.
• Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion.

(Optional) Brush the tops of the buns with egg wash for a golden brown crust. To make the egg wash, whisk together the egg yolk and milk.

• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

These mini buns are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a fun party appetizer.

Tips:

• For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add additional vegetables to the stuffing, like chopped bell peppers or zucchini.
• Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

So, there you have it! With this recipe, you can easily create delicious and adorable mini buns with savory chicken stuffing. Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends with this crowd-pleasing snack!