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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites are little pockets of spicy, cheesy goodness wrapped in soft, chewy pretzel dough. Inside, you’ll find a flavorful mix of tender chicken tossed in classic buffalo sauce, combined with gooey melted cheese that makes every bite a perfect balance of heat and comfort.

I love making these for game days or casual get-togethers because they’re super easy to eat and always a crowd favorite. The best part? You get that salty, doughy pretzel crust which pairs so nicely with the tangy buffalo chicken inside. I usually serve them with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance out the spicy kick.

One tip I’ve learned is to not overfill the pretzel bites—too much filling can make them tricky to seal up, but just enough makes them soft and packed with flavor without any mess. They’re a fun twist on classic buffalo chicken and perfect for sharing with friends!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pretzel Dough: The base of these bites is classic pretzel dough, which gets its signature chewy texture from a hot baking soda bath. If you don’t have baking soda, you can try substituting with baking powder, but the crust won’t be quite the same.

Buffalo Chicken Filling: Cooked shredded chicken is key for a tender filling. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. For the buffalo wing sauce, Frank’s RedHot is a great choice, but any spicy wing sauce works well. Feel free to adjust the heat to your taste.

Cheese Blend: A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese gives a creamy, melty texture and balances the heat. You can swap mozzarella for pepper jack to add more spice or use all cheddar for a stronger flavor.

Toppings: The egg wash helps get that deep golden pretzel color, and sea salt adds crunch and saltiness. If you want more flavor, garlic salt is a nice touch, or sprinkle with sesame seeds.

How Do I Get Perfectly Soft, Chewy Pretzels with a Golden Crust?

Soft pretzels get their unique texture and color from a quick boil in baking soda water before baking. This step might seem unusual but it’s essential.

• Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a rolling boil. Don’t skip the baking soda—it raises the pH and helps develop the crust.
• Drop each dough ball into the boiling water carefully. Boil for about 30 seconds; this firms up the dough’s surface.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the dough and place it onto your baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pot to keep the water hot.
• Brush with egg wash before baking to lock in moisture and create a shiny brown crust.

Taking your time with this step ensures the pretzels bake up soft and chewy on the inside, with that classic deep golden-brown crust on the outside. It’s the secret that turns good pretzels into great ones!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl – I like it because it gives plenty of space to mix and rise the dough easily.
• Silicone spatula or dough hook – makes mixing the dough straightforward and mess-free.
• Large pot – essential for boiling water and baking soda bath, which creates that signature pretzel crust.
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
• Slotted spoon – helps gently lift the pretzel bites from the boiling water without breaking them.
• Bristle brush – for applying the egg wash and getting that shiny, golden look.
• Measuring cups and spoons – keep ingredients precise for perfect results.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Cheese twist: Mix in shredded pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra spice or flavor. Great if you love a bit of heat or a richer taste.
• Veggie-filled: Add finely chopped cooked celery or green onions into the buffalo chicken filling to boost flavor and texture.
• Spice level: Increase buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat — perfect for spice lovers.
• Extra toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top before baking for added flavor and visual flair.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pretzel Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For Boiling Water Bath:

• 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 (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt or garlic salt (optional)
• Chopped chives or green onions for garnish

For Serving (optional):

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and 12-15 minutes for baking. Plan for roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes total from start to finish, including mixing, rising, boiling, and baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough:

In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add melted butter, flour, and salt, then mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

In a medium bowl, stir together shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy. Set aside.

3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Soda Bath:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. This will give the pretzels their classic crust and flavor.

4. Assemble the Pretzel Bites:

Punch down the dough and cut into 12-16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place 1-2 tablespoons of buffalo chicken filling in the center, and fold the dough around to seal completely. Shape into small balls.

5. Boil the Pretzel Bites:

Carefully drop the stuffed dough balls into the boiling baking soda water in batches. Boil for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.

6. Bake the Pretzel Bites:

Brush each pretzel bite with beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse sea or garlic salt, if desired. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

7. Serve:

Let the pretzel bites cool slightly. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Enjoy your tasty, cheesy buffalo chicken stuffed pretzel bites perfect for any occasion!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding and mixing it with the buffalo sauce and cheese. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.

Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pretzel bites and refrigerate them on the baking sheet, covered, for up to 24 hours before boiling and baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them soft and warm, or microwave briefly if in a hurry.

Can I Adjust the Spice Level?

Definitely! Use more or less buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference. You can also swap buffalo sauce for a milder wing sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick if you like it spicy.