© Original recipe by The Spoon Studio ©
🍽️ Easy Crack Chicken Pinwheels: The Cheesy Chicken Snack Everyone Will Love 🥐
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s packed with cheesy, savory flavor, look no further than Crack Chicken Pinwheels. This irresistibly cheesy chicken snack combines tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese, rolled into soft dough and sliced into perfect pinwheels. Not only is it simple to make, but it also offers a crispy edge with a soft, flavorful inside — an ideal dish for parties, family dinners, or quick appetizers.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- One-pan convenience — you can prepare, bake, and serve with minimal fuss.
- Cheesy explosion — a delightful combination of cheese, chicken, and savory seasonings.
- Versatile — easily customizable with your favorite herbs or add-ins.
3. Ingredient Notes
To achieve that perfect crispy yet tender Crack Chicken Pinwheels, selecting high-quality ingredients is essential. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for richness and convenience, or cook your own chicken breast for a fresh touch. Cream cheese adds that irresistible creamy texture—opt for full-fat for the best flavor. Ranch seasoning mix infuses authentic savory taste, but you can also blend fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a homemade twist. For the dough, a good quality puff pastry or sheet may work well, but store-bought pre-made dough makes it even easier for busy cooks.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To craft these delightful pinwheels, you’ll need some handy tools. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is excellent for achieving crispy bites without deep-frying, making health-conscious prep a breeze. Invest in a reliable T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set to ensure your baking pans and utensils glide smoothly and heat evenly. Plus, a sharp Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker will help you refresh with a hot coffee while prepping these cheesy snacks.
5. How to Make Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing shredded cooked chicken with softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and a handful of shredded cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and generously cheesy — a sensory delight. Smell the savory aroma immediately as everything combines into a flavor-packed filling.
Roll Out the Dough
Unroll your puff pastry or prepared dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it gently to form a rectangle about 10×14 inches. The dough should be pliable yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels. The slices should resemble little rosettes, ready to develop a crispy, golden exterior during baking.
Bake to Perfection
Arrange the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy. The cheese will bubble happily, and your kitchen will fill with a cheesy aroma that’s utterly irresistible.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Chill before baking — refrigerate the assembled pinwheels for 10 minutes before baking to help hold their shape during cooking.
- Use a sharp knife — a serrated or sharp chef’s knife makes clean slices, preventing squishing the filling.
- Get crispy edges — brushing the tops with a little beaten egg before baking gives a shiny, golden finish.
- Customize flavors — add bacon bits, chopped green onions, or even hot sauce for a personalized touch.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re seeking dietary adaptations, consider using whole wheat dough or dairy-free cheese options. For a spicy kick, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce. Vegetarian? Swap chicken for cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, combined with the same cheesy filling.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. The oven helps restore a crispy exterior, like freshly baked.
9. FAQ
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Yes, assemble the pinwheels, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a quick, make-ahead appetizer.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all melt well and provide a rich cheesy flavor. Feel free to mix multiple cheeses for extra depth.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Use plant-based chicken alternatives, dairy-free cheese, and vegan puff pastry if available. The flavors remain satisfying with these substitutions.
10. Conclusion
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing, cheesy appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make. With their crispy edges and tender, flavorful center, they’re perfect for parties, game day, or a quick snack. Get creative with your fillings, and enjoy this irresistible treat that combines comfort and flavor in every bite!
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Easy Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Creamy, cheesy crack chicken pinwheels rolled in flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 pinwheels
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cooked chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and buffalo sauce in a bowl.
- Roll out puff pastry sheet on a floured surface.
- Spread chicken mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead for quick assembly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free puff pastry)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 115 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg