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Easy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Best Game Day Snack

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These Easy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites are the ultimate game day snack, featuring a chewy, salty pretzel exterior and a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken filling. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 45 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer that turns a happy kitchen accident into a delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of onion powder (optional)
  • 8 cups water
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should be slightly sticky but not wet.
  2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
  3. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  4. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, cheddar (if using), ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a pinch of garlic and onion powder. Stir until well mixed and creamy. Set aside.
  5. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil, then carefully add the baking soda. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Shape the bites: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch long rope. Cut each rope into 8 equal pieces (32 total). Flatten each piece into a 3-inch circle. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Gather edges and pinch firmly to seal. Roll gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat with all pieces.
  7. Boil the pretzel bites: Working in batches of 5-6, drop the stuffed dough balls into the simmering baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, flip, and boil for another 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  8. Egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and filling is bubbly. Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter.
  10. Cool slightly and serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

Don’t overfill the dough—use a level teaspoon of filling. Seal edges tightly to prevent leaking during boiling. Work in batches for boiling (5-6 at a time). Boil for exactly 30 seconds per side for best texture. Brush with butter immediately after baking while still hot. Make ahead: assemble, boil, then refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. For freezing, freeze unbaked boiled bites for up to 2 months; bake from frozen at 425°F for 15-18 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, stuffed pretzel bites, game day snack, appetizer, buffalo chicken recipe, pretzel bites, easy snack

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-buffalo-chicken-stuffed-pretzel-bites-best-game-day-snack/