Chicken and Vegetable Siopao With Seasonal Greens
A Filipino-inspired recipe featuring tender poached chicken wrapped in soft steamed siopao dumplings filled with a medley of seasonal vegetables and classic Asian seasonings. Served alongside sautéed seasonal greens for a balanced weeknight meal.

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Servings
Originally developed for 4 servings.
Ingredient checklist
Method
- 10:00Combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl; stir and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- No timer neededIn a large mixing bowl, sift 350 g all-purpose flour with salt. Add yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 10 minutes, adding extra flour if sticky.
- 45:00Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- 02:00While dough rises, poach chicken thighs: in a large pot, heat 2 tsp vegetable oil, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 20:00Add chicken broth and chicken thighs. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and poach for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and let cool.
- No timer neededStrain broth and reserve. Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- 05:00In a pan, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil, sauté carrots, napa cabbage, mushrooms, and peas for 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 10:00Add reserved broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper; cook until sauce slightly thickens and vegetables are coated. Stir in shredded chicken and mix well. Cool filling before assembling.
- No timer neededPunch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a 10 cm (4 inch) circle on a floured surface.
- No timer neededPlace about 2 tbsp of filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather edges and pleat to seal, pinching tightly at the top.
- 15:00Place siopao buns on parchment paper squares. Let rest for 15 minutes before steaming to slightly proof.
- 15:00Steam siopao over boiling water in a steamer basket for 15 minutes until buns are puffed and cooked through.
- 01:00Meanwhile, prepare seasonal greens by heating 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 04:00Add seasonal greens, season with salt and pepper, and toss for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender but still vibrant.
- No timer neededServe freshly steamed siopao warm alongside sautéed seasonal greens.
Chef tips
- Ensure the milk used for the yeast mixture is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Do not overfill the siopao to prevent bursting during steaming.
- Use a steamer with a tight fitting lid and keep water at a rolling boil for even steaming.
- Store cooked siopao in an airtight container and reheat by steaming to maintain softness.
Equipment check
- large pot
- steamer or steaming basket
- mixing bowls
- rolling pin
- frying pan or wok
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons and cups
Nutrition per serving
- Calories390
- Protein28 g
- Carbs45 g
- Fat7 g
Tags
Behind the dish.
Overview
This Chicken and Vegetable Siopao recipe combines the softness of steamed dumplings with juicy poached chicken and a vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables. The dish captures the essence of Filipino comfort food and offers a wholesome weeknight dinner option when paired with tender, sautéed seasonal greens.
Why you’ll love it
- Soft, pillowy siopao dough that steams to perfection.
- Juicy and flavorful poached chicken infused with aromatic seasonings.
- Seasonal vegetables add texture, color, and nutrition.
- Quick sautéed greens complement the dumplings for a balanced meal.
- Perfect for preparing ahead and steaming on demand.
Ingredient notes
- Chicken: Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Seasonal vegetables: Good options include carrots, napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and green peas. Adjust according to availability.
- Siopao dough: Traditionally made with all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and milk for soft and slightly sweet buns.
- Seasonal greens: Choose tender leafy greens like bok choy, kai lan, or spinach to sauté as a side.
Serving & storage
Serve the siopao warm alongside the sautéed greens. For storage, keep steamed siopao in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Unsteamed siopao dough can be refrigerated or frozen before steaming.


