Save to Pinterest Crunchy, spicy chicken bites coated in a zesty pretzel crust and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce make these Spicy Pretzel Crusted Buffalo Bites a punchy, irresistible appetizer. They’re perfect for parties or game days, especially when you want finger food with a fiery kick.
I first made these for a football night with friends, and they disappeared almost instantly. Everyone loved the spicy buffalo flavor mingling with the salty crunch of pretzels, so now it’s a go-to for any celebration where I want a crowd-pleaser.
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
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease with oil.
- Set Up Coating Stations:
- Place flour in one bowl, whisk eggs in a second, and combine crushed pretzels with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper in the third.
- Coat Chicken:
- Toss chicken cubes in flour, dip in egg, then roll in the pretzel mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake Chicken:
- Arrange coated chicken pieces on the tray. Lightly spray with oil and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 74°C/165°F).
- Make Buffalo Sauce:
- Whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a large bowl.
- Toss in Sauce:
- Add baked chicken bites to the buffalo sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and dressing of choice.
Save to Pinterest These spicy bites have become our family’s favorite for birthday parties. Watching everyone grab for seconds is always a highlight, and now even the kids ask for the recipe!
Required Tools
You’ll need a baking tray, parchment paper, three mixing bowls, a whisk, tongs, and measuring cups for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (in butter and dressings). Pretzels and sauces may have traces of nuts or soy, so always check labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 11 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 28 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve these bites hot for the best crunch and flavor. They’re guaranteed to be the hit of your next gathering!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the pretzel coating stick to the chicken?
Dipping chicken cubes in flour, egg, and then pressing into crushed pretzels ensures a crispy coating sticks well.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
You can coat and refrigerate chicken ahead of time, but bake and toss in sauce just before serving for freshness.
- → Is it possible to make these less spicy?
Reduce cayenne or choose a mild hot sauce. You can also serve extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for cooling.
- → Can I use other proteins or make a vegetarian version?
Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian alternative; adjust cooking time if needed.
- → What sides work well with these bites?
Celery sticks, carrot batons, and ranch or blue cheese dressing complement the spicy, crunchy flavors perfectly.
- → How do I ensure the bites stay crispy?
Bake on a lined tray with plenty of space between pieces and turn halfway for even crispness.