Pin Crunchy, spicy chicken bites coated in a zesty pretzel crust and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or game day snack.
The first time I made these spicy pretzel crusted buffalo bites, they disappeared from the platter before halftime. Everyone loved the mix of crunch and heat.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1 in) cubes
- Coating: 100 g (2 cups) salted pretzels, crushed into coarse crumbs, 50 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Buffalo Sauce: 60 ml (1/4 cup) hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot), 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted, 1 tsp honey
- For Serving: Celery sticks, cut into batons, Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Tray:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper, lightly greasing with cooking spray or oil.
- Set Up Bowls:
- Arrange three bowls: flour in one, whisked eggs in the next, and crushed pretzels mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper in the third.
- Coat Chicken:
- Toss chicken cubes in the flour, dip in egg, and roll in the pretzel mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
- Bake:
- Lay coated chicken on the tray in a single layer and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 74°C/165°F).
- Make Buffalo Sauce:
- Whisk hot sauce, melted butter, and honey together.
- Sauce and Serve:
- Add baked chicken bites to buffalo sauce and toss to coat. Serve at once with celery sticks and dipping sauce.
Pin This recipe is now a favorite for our family game nights. My kids especially love dipping their bites in ranch while cheering for their teams.
Required Tools
Baking tray, parchment paper, mixing bowls (3), whisk, tongs, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (in butter and some dressings). Pretzels and sauces may be processed with nuts or soy.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 11 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 28 g protein.
Pin Serve these spicy bites fresh from the oven for the ultimate flavor and crunch. Everyone will ask for seconds.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get the pretzel coating extra crunchy?
Crush pretzels into coarse crumbs and lightly spray coated chicken with oil before baking for maximum crunch.
- → Can I use a different protein?
Yes, swap chicken with cauliflower florets or tofu for a vegetarian or meat-free alternative.
- → Is it possible to make these ahead?
Bake the bites in advance and reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness before tossing in sauce.
- → Which dipping sauce pairs best?
Ranch or blue cheese dressings complement the savory heat, but any creamy dip works well.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add more cayenne pepper to the coating or hot sauce in the buffalo blend for increased heat.
- → What sides work with these bites?
Serve with celery or carrot sticks for crunch and freshness, alongside your preferred dip.