Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites are the perfect little snacks that combine soft, chewy pretzel dough with a spicy, tangy buffalo chicken filling. The mix of salty pretzel crust and zesty buffalo sauce makes every bite just the right kind of exciting. These bite-sized treats are great if you like a little heat and a lot of flavor all wrapped up in an easy-to-hold package.
I love making these when I want something fun to share with friends during game night or a casual get-together. The best part is how simple they are to eat—you don’t have to worry about mess because everything’s neatly tucked inside. I usually like to serve them with a cool ranch or blue cheese dip to balance the spicy kick. It always gets everyone reaching for seconds!
One of my favorite things about these pretzel bites is how they bring together two favorites—buffalo chicken and pretzels—in a way that feels fresh and homemade but also totally approachable. If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken wings but want something a little different, these bites hit the spot every time. Plus, they look super inviting, which makes them perfect for sharing and showing off your cooking skills without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is the heart of the filling. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. For a vegetarian option, swap with shredded jackfruit or cooked chickpeas mixed with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This gives the filling its signature spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount or use your favorite buffalo sauce brand. For less heat, mix with a little ranch dressing.
Pretzel Dough: The soft, chewy pretzel crust is crucial here. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough and add a baking soda bath to achieve the pretzel-like crust.
Cheeses: Cream cheese keeps the filling creamy, mozzarella adds stretch, and blue cheese gives that tangy punch. If you don’t like blue cheese, substitute with cheddar or omit it altogether.
How Do You Make Soft, Chewy Pretzel Bites with a Perfect Golden Crust?
The secret lies in the baking soda bath before baking. This step gives the dough its classic pretzel texture and the beautiful dark crust.
- Boil water and add baking soda (be careful, it foams up!).
- Drop dough balls in batches for about 30 seconds — not too long or they get mushy, not too short or the crust won’t develop.
- Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and drain well to avoid soggy bites.
- Brush immediately with egg wash to give shine and help the coarse salt stick.
- Bake hot and fast (425°F) so the bites cook through while getting that golden crust.
Taking your time to seal the dough well around the filling helps prevent leaks. If you find the dough sticky, lightly flour your hands and the work surface. With practice, you’ll get perfect, puffy bites every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I love using a large bowl for making and kneading the dough, so everything stays together.
- Large pot – a sturdy pot makes boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water safe and easy.
- Slotted spoon – helps lift the pretzel bites out of boiling water without breakage.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – keeps the pretzels from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Pastry brush – for applying the egg wash to get a shiny, golden crust.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensuring your ingredients are just right for the perfect texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the blue cheese for shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder, melty alternative.
- Mix in chopped green onions or cilantro into the buffalo filling for extra flavor and color.
- Use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a smoky, sweet spin.
- Add crumbled cooked bacon on top before baking for extra crunch and savoriness.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Topping:
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Fried onions or crispy bits (optional)
- Fresh chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 1 hour 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and mixing, 1 hour rising time for the dough, plus 30 minutes boiling and baking the pretzel bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pretzel Dough
In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Then add the flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
2. Knead and Rise
Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for about 7 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella, and blue cheese. Stir everything together well and set it aside.
4. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Shape the Pretzel Bites
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into about 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disk, place about a tablespoon of the buffalo chicken filling in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the filling. Pinch the edges to seal and roll into a ball shape.
6. Boil the Pretzel Bites
In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a boil. Boil the stuffed dough balls in batches for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting excess water drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Add the Finishing Touches
Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash to give it a nice shine. Sprinkle coarse salt on top, and if you like, add some fried onions or crispy bits for extra crunch.
8. Bake
Bake the bites in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
9. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle fresh chopped chives or green onions on top. Serve your delicious buffalo chicken stuffed pretzel bites warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain the chicken before shredding it. This prevents extra moisture from making the filling soggy.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and stuffing.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Substitute the Buffalo Sauce?
Of course! Feel free to use BBQ sauce, a milder hot sauce, or even a garlic butter sauce depending on your preference.
