Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken Bao Buns: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and budget-friendly? Look no further than these Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken Bao Buns! This recipe combines the convenience of Costco’s pre-cooked Garlic BBQ Chicken with the delightful texture of soft, pillowy bao buns for a quick and delicious dinner, lunch, or even appetizer. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Speed and Convenience:** Using Costco’s already-cooked Garlic BBQ Chicken significantly cuts down on prep time. You can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of savory, garlicky BBQ chicken and sweet, fluffy bao buns creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
* **Versatility:** This recipe is easily customizable. Add your favorite toppings, sauces, or vegetables to create your own unique version.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Costco’s chicken is a great value, and bao buns are relatively inexpensive. This recipe won’t break the bank.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The delicious flavor and easy-to-eat format make these bao buns a hit with both kids and adults.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering bao buns:

* **Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken:** One whole chicken, shredded or diced.
* **Bao Buns:** 12-16 frozen or fresh bao buns. (Look for them in the freezer section of your local Asian market or some grocery stores. Steamed buns are best.)
* **Hoisin Sauce:** For extra flavor and a touch of sweetness.
* **Scallions:** Thinly sliced, for garnish.
* **Sesame Seeds:** For garnish.
* **Optional Toppings:** Coleslaw, pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon), cilantro, sriracha mayo, kimchi, cucumber slices.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken Bao Buns:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* If you haven’t already, shred or dice the Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken. Remove the skin if desired. You can do this while the bao buns are steaming or warming up.

**Step 2: Prepare the Bao Buns**

There are several ways to prepare bao buns. Steaming is the preferred method, as it results in the softest and fluffiest buns.

* **Steaming Method:**
* Fill a pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
* Place a steamer basket (bamboo or metal) over the pot, ensuring the bottom of the basket doesn’t touch the water.
* Line the steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the buns from sticking.
* Arrange the bao buns in the steamer basket, leaving some space between them.
* Cover the pot and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the buns are soft and heated through.

* **Microwave Method (Quick but Less Ideal):**
* Wrap each bao bun in a damp paper towel.
* Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough.

* **Oven Method (Acceptable Alternative):**
* Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
* Wrap the bao buns in foil to prevent them from drying out.
* Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.

**Step 3: Assemble the Bao Buns**

* Carefully open each steamed bao bun, creating a pocket for the filling.
* Spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce inside each bun (optional, but highly recommended!).
* Fill each bun with a generous amount of shredded or diced Garlic BBQ Chicken.

**Step 4: Garnish and Serve**

* Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
* Add any desired toppings, such as coleslaw, pickled vegetables, cilantro, or sriracha mayo.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken Bao Buns

* **Don’t Overcook the Bao Buns:** Overcooked bao buns can become dry and tough. Keep a close eye on them while steaming, microwaving, or baking.
* **Use Fresh Bao Buns if Possible:** Freshly made bao buns will always be the softest and most flavorful. However, frozen bao buns are a convenient alternative.
* **Warm the Chicken Slightly:** While the chicken is already cooked, warming it slightly before adding it to the bao buns will enhance the flavor.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations of flavors and textures to find your perfect bao bun creation.
* **Make it a Meal:** Serve these bao buns with a side of Asian slaw, edamame, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Adjust to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of hoisin sauce or toppings to your personal preference. If you like it spicy, add a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Spicy Bao Buns:** Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the bao buns for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian Bao Buns:** Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in a similar BBQ sauce.
* **Hawaiian Bao Buns:** Add a slice of grilled pineapple and a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
* **Korean BBQ Bao Buns:** Use Korean BBQ sauce instead of hoisin sauce and top with kimchi and sesame oil.
* **Pulled Pork Bao Buns:** Use Costco’s Pulled Pork (if available) instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Crunchy Elements:** Add crispy fried shallots, crushed peanuts, or wonton strips for extra texture.

## Serving Suggestions

These Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken Bao Buns are perfect for:

* **Lunch:** A quick and satisfying lunch option.
* **Dinner:** A family-friendly dinner that everyone will love.
* **Appetizers:** A fun and flavorful appetizer for parties and gatherings.
* **Snacks:** A delicious and portable snack on the go.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Chicken:** The chicken can be shredded or diced and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Toppings:** Toppings can be prepared ahead of time and stored in separate containers in the refrigerator.
* **Bao Buns:** While best served fresh, steamed bao buns can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat them by steaming them again for a few minutes.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per Bao Bun)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Where can I find bao buns?**
A: You can find bao buns in the freezer section of most Asian markets and some grocery stores. Look for brands like Wei-Chuan or Ajinomoto. Some stores also sell fresh bao buns in the bakery section.

**Q: Can I use a different type of BBQ chicken?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of pre-cooked BBQ chicken. However, the Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken has a unique flavor that complements the bao buns perfectly.

**Q: Can I make my own bao buns?**
A: Yes, you can make your own bao buns from scratch, but it is a time-consuming process. There are many recipes available online.

**Q: How do I prevent the bao buns from sticking to the steamer basket?**
A: Line the steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.

**Q: Can I freeze leftover bao buns?**
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover bao buns. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them by steaming them again for a few minutes.

**Q: What if I don’t have a steamer?**
A: You can use a makeshift steamer by placing a metal colander inside a pot with about 1-2 inches of water. Make sure the bottom of the colander doesn’t touch the water.

## Conclusion

These Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken Bao Buns are a delicious, easy, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends. So, the next time you’re at Costco, grab a Garlic BBQ Chicken and a package of bao buns, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!

This recipe is a testament to how convenience can meet deliciousness. The Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken provides a rich, savory base, while the fluffy bao buns offer a delightful textural contrast. The customizable toppings allow you to tailor the dish to your personal preferences, making it a versatile and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for a party, or simply a tasty snack, these bao buns are sure to hit the spot. So, get creative, experiment with different flavors, and enjoy the process of creating your own unique Costco Garlic BBQ Chicken Bao Bun masterpiece!

Enjoy your culinary adventure!