Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites are little pockets of spicy, cheesy goodness wrapped in soft, chewy pretzel dough. Inside, you’ll find tender chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce paired with melted cheese, making every bite a perfect mix of bold flavors and fun textures.
I love making these for game days or casual get-togethers because they’re easy to eat with your hands and always a crowd-pleaser. The combo of the warm, salty pretzel outside and the zesty buffalo chicken inside just hits the spot every time. I usually keep extra ranch or blue cheese dressing nearby for dipping, which adds a cool, creamy touch that balances the spice perfectly.
If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy how these bites bring a little excitement to finger food. They’re great fresh out of the oven while still soft and warm, but also hold up well if you need to make them ahead of time. Trust me, these buffalo chicken stuffed pretzel bites will quickly become a go-to snack when you want something tasty and a little different.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe because it’s already cooked and tender. If you don’t have rotisserie, grilled or boiled chicken breast shredded finely also works well.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds the classic tangy, spicy flavor. If you want less heat, reduce the amount or mix with a bit of melted butter to tone it down.
Cream Cheese & Mozzarella: Cream cheese makes the filling creamy, while mozzarella adds a nice melty texture. If you want, you can use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for more flavor.
Dough: Pizza dough or soft pretzel dough can be used. Pretzel dough will give a chewier texture. If you don’t have either, you could try refrigerated biscuit dough for a softer bite.
How Do You Get That Perfect Pretzel Crust on Stuffed Bites?
The baking soda bath is key! It creates the classic chewy pretzel crust and deep color.
- Bring water to a boil, then carefully add baking soda—it’ll bubble a lot, so add slowly.
- Dip each stuffed dough ball into this hot bath for 20-30 seconds before baking.
- This step is important to get the right texture and flavor on the outer crust.
- Carefully handle the dough to not burst the seams, or filling might leak during boiling.
After boiling, brush with egg wash and sprinkle salt to get a shiny, tasty finish. This technique makes these bites stand out from regular stuffed dough snacks.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use this to boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda bath, which gives them that authentic pretzel flavor and texture.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the filling ingredients and mixing the dough if needed.
- Rolling pin & knife – to roll out and cut the dough into squares for stuffing.
- Slotted spoon – makes it simple to transfer the stuffed pretzel bites to the boiling water without splashing.
- Pastry brush – to brush the egg wash on the pretzels before baking for a shiny finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese Boost: Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack with the filling for extra cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the buffalo mixture for more heat.
- Meat Alternatives: Swap shredded chicken with cooked ground turkey, beef, or even cooked beans for a different protein option.
- Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions on top after baking for fresh flavor and color.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or pretzel dough
- 8 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the filling and dough, then about 15 minutes for boiling and baking the pretzel bites. So, expect a total of around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making this a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Mix everything well until smooth and evenly mixed. Set it aside so it’s ready to stuff.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly add the baking soda to the water — be careful, it will bubble up! This bath will give the pretzels their chewy crust.
3. Prepare and Cut the Dough:
Roll out your pizza or pretzel dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into about 12 equal squares, perfect for stuffing and shaping into bites.
4. Stuff the Pretzel Bites:
Place about 1 tablespoon of the buffalo chicken filling in the center of each dough square. Carefully bring the dough corners together and pinch to seal tightly, forming a small ball. Make sure the seams are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking out.
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Using a slotted spoon, gently dip each stuffed dough ball into the boiling baking soda water for 20-30 seconds. This step is key to getting that classic pretzel texture and color.
6. Bake the Pretzel Bites:
Transfer the boiled pretzel bites to the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for that salty kick.
7. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzels turn golden brown and look deliciously done.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the pretzel bites cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped chives or green onions if you like. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Dig in and enjoy these warm, cheesy, spicy bites!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed things up.
Can I Make These Pretzel Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the bites, then refrigerate them raw for up to 24 hours before boiling and baking. This makes for easy meal prep or party planning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep them soft and warm.
What Can I Use Instead of Buffalo Wing Sauce?
If you want a milder flavor or don’t have buffalo sauce, try mixing hot sauce with melted butter or using your favorite barbecue sauce. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking!
