Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites are a fun and tasty twist on classic game day snacks. You get soft, chewy pretzel dough hugging spicy buffalo chicken filling, with just the right kick of heat and a little gooey cheese inside. They’re perfect bite-sized treats that are both comforting and exciting.
I love making these when I want something a little different but still full of familiar flavors. The combination of the warm, salty pretzel dough with that buffalo chicken mix always gets a thumbs up from my family and friends. Plus, they’re super shareable, so they’re great when you’ve got a group over and want everyone to grab a few bites at a time.
One of my favorite ways to eat these is with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping — it balances out the spice so perfectly. They’re also great fresh out of the oven but still just as good if you pop them in the microwave later. Whenever I make a batch, I end up sneaking a few before anyone else even gets a chance!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active dry yeast: This helps the dough rise and become soft and chewy. If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast can work too—just mix it right with the flour without proofing first.
Buffalo wing sauce: The heart of the filling’s flavor. Use your favorite brand or make your own with hot sauce and melted butter for a fresh taste. Adjust amount to control spice level.
Cream cheese & mozzarella: These cheeses add creaminess and meltiness to the filling. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese and shredded cheese substitutes.
Blue cheese crumbles: Optional but bring a tangy bite that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce. Skip or swap with feta if you prefer a milder tangy flavor.
Baking soda bath: This is the secret to that classic pretzel crust. It gives the dough its golden color and chewiness when baked.
How Do You Make Sure the Pretzel Bites Stay Stuffed & Don’t Leak?
Sealing the dough around the filling is key. Here’s how to nail it:
- Flatten the dough evenly so there are no thin spots that tear easily.
- Use about a tablespoon of filling—too much can cause leakage.
- Pinch all edges tightly together and roll gently in your hands to form a smooth ball.
- Make sure the dough completely covers the filling with no gaps or holes.
- When boiling, handle gently to avoid breaking the dough.
These steps help the filling stay inside during boiling and baking, giving you neat bites full of cheesy buffalo goodness!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use this to combine and knead the dough easily.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) – Makes kneading the dough less tiring and ensures it’s well mixed.
- Permanent marker or small bowl – For measuring warm water and yeast before mixing.
- Chocolate chip or cookie scoop – Helps portion out filling evenly for each pretzel bite.
- Large pot – For boiling the pretzel bites to get that classic chewy crust.
- Parchment paper and baking sheet – Keeps baked pretzels from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Pastry brush – To evenly coat the pretzel bites with egg wash for a shiny finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap buffalo chicken for cooked shredded turkey or pulled pork for a different twist on flavor.
- Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a sharper, spicier bite.
- Add chopped jalapeños or green chiles into the filling for extra heat and flavor.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits or crispy fried onions for added texture and smoky notes.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Boiling:
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh chopped chives or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes: 15 minutes for preparation, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and 15-18 minutes to bake the pretzel bites. Plus, a few extra minutes for boiling and assembling. Perfect for a fun and tasty snack to enjoy fresh and warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter and the yeast mixture to the flour. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, and blue cheese crumbles if using. Stir until well combined and creamy.
4. Shape and Stuff Pretzel Bites:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces about the size of a golf ball. Flatten each piece of dough and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the buffalo chicken filling into the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth ball, making sure no filling is leaking.
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Boil the stuffed dough balls in batches for 30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the Pretzel Bites:
Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and sesame seeds on top, if you’d like. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken stuffed pretzel bites!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain the chicken before shredding. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker prep.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and stuffing for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzel Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep them soft and warm.
What Can I Use Instead of Buffalo Sauce?
If you want a milder flavor, try barbecue sauce or a mixture of hot sauce and honey for a sweet and tangy twist. Adjust to your heat preference!