Description
These Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites feature a soft, chewy pretzel exterior with a creamy, spicy Buffalo chicken filling. Perfect for game day, they come together in about 45 minutes and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- ½ cup baking soda
- 10 cups (2.4 liters) water
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix on low speed with dough hook until combined, then add remaining 1 cup flour. Knead on medium speed for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- While dough rests, make filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar. Fold in blue cheese crumbles if using.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12-inch log. Cut into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each into a 3-inch circle. Place about 1 tablespoon filling in center, fold dough over, pinch edges to seal, and roll into a smooth ball. Place seam-side down on prepared sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Fill a large pot with 10 cups water and add baking soda. Bring to a rolling boil. Boil 4-5 bites at a time for 30 seconds, flip, and boil another 30 seconds. Return to baking sheet.
- Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush each bite with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Brush immediately with melted butter. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overfill the bites; 1 tablespoon is perfect. Seal edges well to prevent leaking. Work in batches for the baking soda bath. Use a timer for exactly 30 seconds per side. Keep unused dough covered to prevent drying. Double the batch for a crowd. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in oven or air fryer. Unbaked bites can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Buffalo chicken pretzel bites, game day appetizer, Buffalo chicken, pretzel bites, easy appetizer