Description
Cheesy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites are a flavorful and fun appetizer combining tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, wrapped in soft pretzel dough, boiled briefly for texture, then baked to a golden crispy finish. Perfect for game day, parties, or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pretzel Dough and Assembly
- 1 package refrigerated pretzel dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt, for sprinkling
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy clean-up.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and blended.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the pretzel dough on a clean surface and cut it into small squares or rounds approximately 2 inches in diameter, suitable for bite-sized portions.
- Fill Pretzel Bites: Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Carefully fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal, forming small pocket shapes to encase the filling.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the stuffed pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step helps create the characteristic pretzel crust. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash evenly and sprinkle a pinch of salt on top to enhance flavor and color during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pretzel bites turn golden brown and achieve a crispy exterior.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter, then serve warm with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Boiling the pretzel bites before baking is essential for the authentic pretzel texture and crust.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a homemade dough, use a classic soft pretzel dough recipe.
- Ensure the bites are sealed well to prevent filling leakage during boiling and baking.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture, though leftovers can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
