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Easy Loaded Buffalo Chicken Dip with Pretzel Bites

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A creamy, spicy, loaded buffalo chicken dip paired with soft, chewy homemade pretzel bites. Perfect for game day, gatherings, or a cozy night in, this crowd-pleaser comes together in about 45 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 6 cups water
  • Coarse sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C) with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  4. While the dough rises, cook 4 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add 8 oz softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce and 1/4 cup ranch dressing, stirring until fully combined.
  6. Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella. Stir until cheese is fully melted and chicken is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half the crumbled bacon and half the sliced green onions. Keep warm over low heat.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  8. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 12 inches long and 1 inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  9. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add 1/4 cup baking soda (it will bubble up vigorously). Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  10. Working in batches of 8-10 pieces, drop the pretzel bites into the baking soda water bath. Boil for 20-30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt while still wet.
  11. Bake the pretzel bites for 12-15 minutes, until deep golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and immediately brush with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
  12. Transfer the warm buffalo chicken dip to a serving dish. Top with remaining crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Arrange warm pretzel bites around the dip and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese from a block. The baking soda bath is crucial for the pretzel bites’ chewy crust. The dip can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated. Pretzel bites are best fresh but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken dip, pretzel bites, game day appetizer, loaded dip, buffalo chicken, party food, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/easy-loaded-buffalo-chicken-dip-with-pretzel-bites/