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Crispy Buffalo Pretzel Chicken Bites Recipe with Creamy Ranch Cheddar Dip

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Crispy Buffalo Pretzel Chicken Bites are a quick and easy snack featuring tender chicken coated in a crunchy pretzel crust and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, served with a creamy ranch cheddar dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels (about 120g)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (60ml)
  • Cooking oil (vegetable or canola) for frying
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (60g)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (30g)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Crush pretzels finely using a food processor or by sealing in a plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin; set aside about 1 cup (120g).
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper; stir well.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
  5. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with crushed pretzels. Press crumbs gently to adhere well. Place breaded pieces on a tray.
  6. Pour about 1 inch of oil into a frying pan or skillet and heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Drain on paper towels.
  8. Place fried chicken bites in a large bowl, pour buffalo sauce over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives if using. Mix until smooth and creamy. Chill for 10 minutes if possible.
  10. Serve chicken bites hot with a bowl of creamy ranch cheddar dip on the side.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before breading to avoid soggy crust. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding. For re-crisping, bake bites at 375°F for 5 minutes. Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother dip. Dip can be chilled for better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken bites, pretzel crust chicken, crispy chicken bites, ranch cheddar dip, game day snacks, easy chicken recipe, fried chicken bites

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