To start, clean the chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Peel and finely grate the garlic and ginger. Julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin strips. Tip: use a vegetable peeler or mandoline for even slices.
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture and marinate for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is nicely browned and the sauce has slightly thickened, forming a glossy glaze. Tip: avoid stirring too often to allow for proper caramelization.
Steam the bao buns in a bamboo or metal steamer for 5-6 minutes, until they are soft and heated through. Do not over-steam, as they can easily become too soft.
Carefully open the steamed bao buns and fill each one with a portion of the honey-glazed chicken, then top with cucumber and carrot strips. Tip: the crunchy vegetables balance the tenderness of the glazed meat, creating a perfect harmony.
Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, then serve immediately while warm. If desired, serve with extra soy sauce or chili dipping sauce.
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