If you love buffalo chicken, soft pretzels, and cheesy goodness, then these Cheesy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites are going to be your new favorite snack! They’re crispy on the outside, gooey and flavorful on the inside, and perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you’re craving a fun, spicy bite.
Each bite-sized pretzel pocket is stuffed with a creamy buffalo chicken filling, then baked until golden brown and served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate flavor explosion. The best part? They’re super easy to make using refrigerated pizza dough!
Why This Recipe Works
- Spicy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor – The perfect balance of buffalo heat, creamy ranch, and melty cheddar.
- Baked, not fried – Crispy and golden on the outside without the hassle of frying.
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Perfect for parties – These bite-sized snacks disappear fast at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Total Time: 30 mins)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning until well combined.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into small squares (about 2×2 inches).
4. Stuff & Seal the Pretzel Bites
- Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each dough square.
- Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal, forming a small ball.
5. Brush with Egg & Sprinkle with Salt
- Place the stuffed bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each bite with beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt for a classic pretzel touch.
6. Bake Until Golden Brown
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crisp on top.
7. Serve & Enjoy
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
🔹 Want an extra pretzel-like finish? Dip the stuffed bites in a baking soda water bath (1 cup hot water + 1 tablespoon baking soda) before baking to mimic traditional pretzels.
🔹 Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling or drizzle with extra hot sauce.
🔹 Try different cheeses – Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
🔹 Make them ahead – Prepare the bites, store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve.
🔹 Want a crunchier crust? Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning instead of coarse salt before baking.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites
These cheesy, spicy bites pair perfectly with:
- Celery and Carrot Sticks – A fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Extra Buffalo Sauce – For those who love extra heat.
- Garlic Parmesan Dip – A creamy, cheesy alternative to ranch.
- Crispy Fries or Onion Rings – For the ultimate game day spread.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make these in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Q: Can I use crescent dough instead of pizza dough?
A: Absolutely! Crescent dough will give a softer, fluffier texture but still works great.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or air fryer for 3-4 minutes to keep them crispy.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Ranch Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites are the perfect snack, appetizer, or party food, delivering bold flavors and melty goodness in every bite. With their crispy pretzel crust, creamy spicy filling, and cheesy texture, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for game days and gatherings.
Try them out and let me know—are you team ranch or team blue cheese for dipping?
Spicy, Cheesy, and Addictive: Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add hot water and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small pieces and flatten each piece into a circle.
- Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each flat dough piece and fold it over to seal.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add baking soda. Boil each pretzel bite for about 30 seconds, then remove and drain.
- Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the egg wash.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.
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