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Savory Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites Recipe with Easy Ranch Dip

buffalo chicken stuffed pretzel bites - featured image

These savory Buffalo chicken stuffed soft pretzel bites combine chewy pretzel dough with a spicy buffalo chicken filling and a creamy ranch dip, perfect for game days and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one 0.25-ounce packet)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
  • 10 cups water (for boiling)
  • ⅔ cup baking soda (for boiling)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for topping)
  • Ranch dip (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water (110°F / 43°C) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let dough rise: Lightly oil the bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the buffalo chicken filling: Mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, and green onions until well combined.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot.
  6. Shape the pretzel bites: Punch down the dough and roll into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut into 1 ½-inch pieces. Flatten each piece, add about 1 tablespoon of filling, pinch closed, and roll into a ball.
  7. Boil the bites: Drop 4-5 pretzel bites at a time into boiling baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Salt and bake: Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the bites. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  9. Prepare the ranch dip: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, dried herbs, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Chill until serving.
  10. Serve warm with ranch dip on the side.

Notes

Do not overfill the bites to avoid bursting during boiling. For extra cheesy bites, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top before baking. Use water at 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough well for chewy texture. Boil pretzels in baking soda water for signature crust and color. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, stuffed pretzel bites, soft pretzels, game day snacks, finger foods, ranch dip, easy appetizer