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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites with Ranch Dip

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites - featured image

These crispy buffalo chicken pretzel bites are the perfect game day appetizer, featuring a chewy pretzel exterior, spicy buffalo chicken filling, and a cool ranch dip. Quick and easy to make, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb pizza dough, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Make the buffalo chicken filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, blue cheese (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the ranch dip: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in fresh chives if using. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches and 1/4-inch thick.
  5. Cut the dough into squares: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 2-inch squares (about 20-24 squares).
  6. Assemble the bites: Place about 1 tablespoon of the buffalo chicken filling in the center of each dough square. Bring the corners together and pinch firmly to seal. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Prepare the baking soda bath: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add the baking soda (it will foam). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  8. Boil the pretzel bites: Working in batches of 5-6, drop the assembled bites into the simmering water. Boil for 30 seconds, flip, and boil for another 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place back on the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  9. Apply the egg wash and salt: Brush each boiled bite with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or pretzel salt.
  10. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until deep golden brown and slightly puffed. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  11. Serve: Arrange warm pretzel bites on a platter with the ranch dip on the side. Garnish with extra chopped chives or a drizzle of ranch if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden crust. Let the dough rest at room temperature for easier handling. Seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking. Make the ranch dip ahead for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, pretzel bites, ranch dip, game day appetizer, party snack, crispy, easy appetizer