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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Easy Game Day Recipe

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These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites are the ultimate game day snack, featuring a soft, salty pretzel exterior and a spicy, creamy buffalo chicken filling. They’re dippable, portable, and disappear faster than the first quarter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

  1. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar, crumbled blue cheese (if using), chopped celery, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined and creamy. Cover and refrigerate while making the dough.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large mixing bowl), combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Make the Pretzel Dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until dough comes together. If too sticky, add remaining 1/2 cup flour, a tablespoon at a time, until smooth and slightly tacky. Knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes (or by hand for 8-10 minutes) until elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 12-inch long log. Cut each log into 12 equal pieces (24 total). Flatten one piece into a disc, place about 1 heaping teaspoon of cold filling in the center, pinch edges tightly to seal, and roll into a smooth ball. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
  5. The Baking Soda Bath: Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large stockpot. Carefully add 1/2 cup baking soda (it will fizz). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Working in batches of 4-5 bites, gently drop them into the simmering water. Boil for 30 seconds on each side using a slotted spoon. Remove and place back on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until deep golden brown and puffed. Immediately brush hot pretzel bites with melted butter. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cold filling is key to prevent leaking. Work in small batches during the baking soda bath to avoid sticking. For make-ahead, assemble bites, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Boil and bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to bake time. For reheating, use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/crispy-buffalo-chicken-stuffed-pretzel-bites-easy-game-day-recipe/