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Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Easy Game Day Appetizer

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These Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites combine soft, salty pretzel dough with creamy, spicy buffalo chicken filling for the perfect game day appetizer. They’re easier to make than you’d think and disappear in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ⅓ cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix (dry powder)
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 10 cups (2.4 liters) water
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with a dough hook (or by hand) until combined. Gradually add remaining 1 cup of flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 6-8 minutes with mixer (8-10 minutes by hand) until smooth and elastic.
  3. Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 30-40 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. While dough rises, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, buffalo sauce, ranch powder, and green onions in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch log. Flatten slightly and create a shallow trench down the center. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling along the trench, then pinch edges together to seal, forming a stuffed rope. Cut rope into 1-inch pieces. Repeat with remaining dough (makes about 24-28 bites).
  6. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add ½ cup baking soda (it will bubble vigorously). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Working in batches of 6-8, drop pretzel bites into water and boil for 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  7. Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda bath—it gives pretzels their distinctive flavor and dark brown crust. Keep the water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent bites from breaking apart. Work in small batches (6-8 at a time) for even cooking. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. If bites burst during boiling, pinch them shut before baking. For a glossy finish, brush with melted butter after baking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/ultimate-buffalo-chicken-stuffed-pretzel-bites-easy-game-day-appetizer/