Description

Cheesy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites are a delicious appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with zesty buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped in soft pretzel dough. Boiled briefly to get the classic pretzel crust, then baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized pockets are perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Dough

1 package refrigerated pretzel dough (or homemade dough)

Topping and Finishing

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Salt, for sprinkling
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Make Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined to create a flavorful filling.
Prepare Dough Pieces: Roll out the pretzel dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into small squares or rounds approximately 2 inches in diameter for easy handling and perfect bite size.
Fill and Seal Pretzel Bites: Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each dough piece. Fold the edges over the filling, pinching to seal completely and form a compact bite-sized pocket.
Boil Pretzel Bites: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Gently drop the filled dough bites into the boiling water and blanch for about 30 seconds to develop the signature pretzel crust. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Add Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg wash to help achieve a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle lightly with salt for authentic pretzel flavor.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the pretzel bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately brush the pretzel bites with melted butter for added richness. Serve warm, accompanied by extra buffalo sauce for dipping.

Notes

Make sure to seal the dough edges well to prevent filling from leaking during boiling and baking.
If you prefer a spicier bite, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
You can substitute the shredded cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor.
For homemade dough, use your favorite soft pretzel dough recipe and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Leftover pretzel bites can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.