Crack Chicken Pinwheels are fun and tasty bites filled with creamy chicken, cheese, and ranch flavors, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a party or a cozy snack at home!
These little rolls are like a party in your mouth! I love making them ahead of time and watching everyone munch away. Trust me, they disappear faster than you can say “yum!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for these pinwheels. It’s tender, flavorful, and saves time. If you prefer, poached or baked chicken breast works too. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded easily.
Cream Cheese: This gives the filling its creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative. It’ll change the flavor slightly, but it will still hold everything together nicely.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for the extra flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack for a milder taste or even a pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds crunch and richness. Turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon can be good substitutes if you want a lighter option or are avoiding pork.
Flour Tortillas: I use large tortillas to hold all the fillings. Whole wheat or spinach tortillas can add extra nutrition and a pop of color!
How Do I Get My Pinwheels to Look Neat and Tidy?
Rolling pinwheels well can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Here are my tips:
- Spread the filling evenly, but don’t overload it. A quarter of the filling per tortilla works well.
- Start with one edge and roll tightly, keeping everything together. A firm grip helps!
- Wrap them in plastic wrap to chill, which makes slicing easier and gives them structure.
- Use a sharp knife for cutting to get clean edges. A gentle sawing motion works best!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly neat and delicious pinwheels ready to impress your friends and family!
How to Make Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. After assembling, you’ll need to refrigerate the pinwheels for at least 1 hour to allow them to set and make slicing easier. So, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, start by mixing together the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend everything until it’s smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will be the star of your pinwheels!
2. Add the Chicken and Bacon:
Next, fold in the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions into the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This gives you a delicious filling full of flavor!
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
Take one flour tortilla and lay it flat on a cutting board or another clean surface. Spread about one-fourth of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, making sure to leave a small border around the edges, so it doesn’t leak when you roll it up.
4. Roll It Up:
Now, starting from one edge, carefully roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape. Keep it snug but not too tight, or the filling might squish out. Make sure the edges are tucked in nicely as you roll!
5. Repeat and Chill:
Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and filling. Once you have all your rolled tortillas, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps them firm up for easier slicing.
6. Slice and Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy the pinwheels, take them out of the fridge and unwrap them. Use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them on a serving plate and sprinkle with extra chopped green onions for a beautiful garnish.
7. Enjoy!
These Crack Chicken Pinwheels can be served chilled or at room temperature. They make the perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just make sure to shred it into small, manageable pieces for easy mixing.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. For the best taste and texture, eat them within a couple of days!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels a day in advance. Simply roll them up, wrap them, and refrigerate. They will be ready to slice and serve when you need them!
What Can I Serve with Crack Chicken Pinwheels?
These pinwheels pair well with a variety of dipping sauces! Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo make great accompaniments. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or veggie platter.