Pretzel Crusted Buffalo Chicken Bites.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect game day snack or a delicious appetizer that packs a punch, look no further than these Pretzel Crusted Buffalo Chicken Bites. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, drizzled with spicy buffalo sauce, and served with a creamy dipping sauce. These bites are the ultimate combination of flavor and texture, making them a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Crunchy and flavorful pretzel coating
– Spicy buffalo flavor that’s just right
– Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing
– Versatile dipping sauce options
– Great for parties, game days, or a cozy night in
What We’re Using
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show—tender and juicy.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for flavor.
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists, crushed: For that perfect crunchy coating.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory flavor.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Acts as the binder for the coating.
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce: For that fiery kick.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: To enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Chives: For a fresh and vibrant topping.
- Fresh cilantro: To sprinkle on top for added flavor.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: A creamy base for the dipping sauce.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds richness to the dip.
- ½ cup milk: To thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro: For a burst of freshness in the dip.
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives or 1 tablespoon dried chives: For extra flavor in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried dill weed: Adds a lovely herbal note.
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: More garlic flavor in the dip!
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: To add depth to the dipping sauce.
- Kosher salt and pepper: To taste in the sauce.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Baking sheet: For baking the chicken bites.
- Mixing bowls: To prepare the chicken and the dipping sauce.
- Whisk: For beating the eggs and mixing the sauce.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin: To crush the pretzels into fine pieces.
- Cooking spray: To prevent sticking on the baking sheet.
Pretzel Crusted Buffalo Chicken Bites.: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare your chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with kosher salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Pretzel Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed mini pretzel twists and garlic powder. This will be the crunchy coating for your chicken bites.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dipping Station
In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are lightly frothy. This will help the pretzel coating stick to the chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Take each piece of chicken, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll it in the pretzel mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres well. Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Bites
Once all the chicken bites are coated, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the buffalo wing sauce. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 7: Toss the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Step 8: Make the Dipping Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, milk, chopped fresh cilantro, chives, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Pretzel Crusted Buffalo Chicken Bites hot, garnished with chopped chives and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget the creamy dipping sauce on the side for the perfect balance!
Quick Replacement Ideas
- Greek yogurt: Swap for buttermilk or a dairy-free alternative if desired.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Use a homemade hot sauce or a milder sauce for less heat.
- Mini pretzels: Try crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Unsalted butter: Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter replacement.
Cook’s Notes
For extra crunch, consider double coating the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and then again in the pretzel mixture. If you love a bit more spice, add extra buffalo sauce to the chicken before serving. Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the dipping sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
These Pretzel Crusted Buffalo Chicken Bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for that crispy texture.
Quick Questions
Can I make these buffalo chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and coating ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Bake them right before serving for the best results.
What if I don’t have pretzels?
You can replace pretzels with crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even cornflakes for a different texture and taste.
Are these chicken bites spicy?
They have a nice kick from the buffalo sauce, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. For milder bites, use less sauce or a milder hot sauce.
Can I freeze the chicken bites?
Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked, coated chicken bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Next Steps
Now that you have the recipe for these mouthwatering Pretzel Crusted Buffalo Chicken Bites, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something delicious, these bites are sure to impress. Enjoy the crunchy texture, the spicy flavor, and the creamy dip that brings everything together. Happy cooking!
Pretzel Crusted Buffalo Chicken Bites.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with kosher salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed mini pretzel twists and garlic powder.
- Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs until lightly frothy.
- Step 4: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then roll in the pretzel mixture.
- Step 5: Bake the chicken bites for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Step 6: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan and stir in the buffalo wing sauce.
- Step 7: Toss the baked chicken in the buffalo sauce.
- Step 8: Combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, milk, cilantro, chives, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Step 9: Serve the chicken bites hot, garnished with chives and cilantro, with the dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Double coat the chicken for extra crunch!
- Adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
