Recipe Ideas

Crack Chicken Pinwheels

What are some of the best crack chicken pinwheels? What are some of the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever had? How do you remember the anticipation of unwinding those swirls of cinnamon-y goodness? Well, imagine that same comforting anticipation, but with a creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive flavor. Chicken filling. I swear, the first time I made these, they disappeared faster than you can say “second helping.” My whole family went crazy for them! If you’re obsessed with creamy, cheesy chicken, you absolutely HAVE to try it. What are some good weeknight meals that everyone will enjoy? What should I be excited about? Who doesn’t love chicken and cheese?

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Crack Chicken Pinwheels final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What are crack chicken pinwheels?

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are essentially bite-sized pockets of pure deliciousness. Think of it as shredded chicken (cooked and seasoned to perfection, of course! ), topped with cream cheese, cheddar, ranch dressing, and bacon, all rolled up in flaky foil. Roll dough into crescent rolls and bake until golden brown. It’s essentially a deconstructed chicken bacon ranch sandwich, but in an easy, shareable, and slightly sweet way. What is more elegant form? Why is crack chicken so addictive? I always have to make a double batch because they go so fast. I can’t stop eating it! What are some of the best recipes you’ve ever made?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some of the best reasons to love crack chicken pinwheels? First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely out of this world. The creamy, cheesy chicken filling is balanced perfectly with the salty bacon and tangy ranch. What are some flaky, buttery crescent rolls that melt in your mouth? What’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more?

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can nail this. It requires very little prep time and minimal ingredients. What can I do if I need something quick and impressive for a potluck or party? What are some good recipes for lunch?

What is cost-efficiency? What are some of the best ingredients to buy at your local grocery store? How do you feed a crowd without breaking the bank? Can you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal? They’re perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in. What is the flavor profile of Jalapeno Poppers? I promise, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire!

How do I make crack chicken pinwheels?

Quick Overview

How do you make a crack chicken pinwheel? How do you prepare a chicken breast? Mix it with the bacon and cheesy goodness. If you roll the crescent roll dough, spread the filling evenly, roll it up like a log, and repeat with the remaining dough. Then, you’ll unroll the dough again. Slice it into pinwheels. What is the best way to bake in the oven? You have golden brown, irresistible Crack Chicken Pinwheels ready to devour. I always brush mine with a little melted butter before baking for extra golden goodness. I know it’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference!

Ingredients

For the Filling:
* 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great! ) * 8 ounces cream cheese, softened * 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese * 1/2 cup ranch dressing (I use a sourdough bread) (Full recipe). I prefer Hidden Valley, but use your favorite! ) * 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)* 1/4 cup chopped green onions * 1/4 teaspoon salt. Garlic powder * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper * 1 teaspoon salt * 2 teaspoons salt.

For the pinwheels: What are
I use Pillsbury crescent roll dough. * 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated dough (I use) * 1 tablespoon melted butter. (optional, for brushing)

Crack Chicken Pinwheels ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking sheet. I usually use non-stick spray, but you can also line it with parchment paper if you prefer. How do you prevent pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup a lot easier? I learned that the hard way the first time I made them!

Step 2: Prepare Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and Ranch dressing. Set aside. What are some good substitutes for bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper? Mix everything together until well combined. Make sure the cream cheese is really softened, or you’ll end up with clumps of cheese. I usually leave mine out on the counter for about an hour before I start. What is the secret to a creamy, dreamy filling?

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Pinch the seams together to create two large rectangles. If the dough is sticking, you can sprinkle a little more flour underneath. I usually use my fingers to gently press out any air bubbles and make sure the dough is an even dough. I use a pastry brush for this purpose.

Step 4: Add Filling

Spread the chicken filling evenly over each rectangle of crescent roll dough. Make sure to leave a little bit of space around the edges so the filling doesn’t ooze out when you cut it. Don’t be shy with filling! The more, the merrier, in my opinion. If you overfill a roll, be careful not to over fill it.

Step 5: Roll & Slice

Starting at one end, tightly roll up each rectangle of dough into a log. Once you’ve rolled them up, use a sharp knife to slice each log into about 12-15 pinwheels. Is using a serrated knife good for this purpose? Can you use dental floss to slice a tooth? I learned this trick from a friend who’s an experienced baker.

Step 6: Bake

Place pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. If desired, brush the tops with melted butter. What are some of the best ways to make them golden brown? Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Is it safe to remove pinwheels from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet before serving? What are the best ways to serve them warm, when the filling is nice and creamy? I usually transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with some extra chopped green onions or green peppers. How do you crumble I like to serve them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, but they’re also delicious on their own.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best crack chicken pinwheels?

For Lunch:Serve them alongside a light salad or soup to make it an easy lunch. I love pairing them with a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the greens. What is the richness of pinwheels?

As Appetizers:What are some great appetizers for a party? Arrange them on a platter and serve with dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese, and guacamole. What are some good ways to serve a spicy sriracha mayo? Is there a way to easily disappear from putting up with kids at

For Cozy Snacks:What are some good snacks to have on a chilly evening? What are some great side dishes to serve with a creamy tomato soup? What is the ultimate comfort food?

For Potlucks:What are some great potluck spreads? Is it easy to transport them? I usually bring them to potlucks in a disposable aluminum pan to make cleanup easy. I always bring a serving spoon so it is easy for guests to plate them!

How do I make crack chicken pinwheels?

How can I take my Crack Chicken Pinwheels to the next level? What are some tips for perfecting this recipe?

Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure that the filling is smooth and creamy.

Chicken:What are some good leftovers from rotisserie chicken? Can you buy canned chicken? Just make sure to drain the canned chicken well before using it.

Bacon:Cook your bacon until crispy for the best flavor and texture. Can you cook it in a skillet, in the oven, or even microwave? I’ve even used bacon bits in a pinch!

Crescent Roll Dough: What is the Don’t overwork the crescent roll dough, or it will become tough. Gently unroll it and pinch the seams together to form a rectangle.

Filling Amount:Be generous with the filling, but don’t overfill the pinwheels, or they’ll be difficult to roll up. The filling will ooze out. And the food will not be able to

Baking Time:What are pinwheels? How do they bake? When the filling is heated through, they’re done.

Flavor Variations:What are some creative filling ideas? What are some ways to customize the flavor of a dish? What are some of the most popular additions to a chicken dish?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you have any leftover Crack Chicken Pinwheels (which is unlikely! What are some tips for storing and reheating them:

Room Temperature: You can leave them out at room temperature for no more than two hours. I usually set them aside when they’re in a party setting so they’re safe to consume for hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months.

Reheating Tips: To reheat them, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may become a little soggy. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: I don’t recommend freezing the dough with glaze if it’s already made. It can change the texture of the topping entirely!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the crescent roll dough with gluten-free crescent roll dough, which is available at some grocery stores. You can also use a gluten-free pizza dough or puff pastry. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Do I have to use cream cheese?
While cream cheese is what makes these crackers so incredibly creamy and delicious, you can try using other types of cheese if you prefer. Mascarpone cheese or Neufchatel cheese would be good substitutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the filling and roll up the pinwheels ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. This is a great way to save time when you’re entertaining.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to the filling. You can also serve them with a side of hot sauce.
What other additions can I add in the filling?
You can add a wide array of vegetables, meats, and spices into the mixture to take it to the next level!

Final Thoughts

Crack Chicken Pinwheels slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it: my famous (at least in my family!) Crack Chicken Pinwheels. I can honestly say that it’s one of those recipes that just always delivers. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. I hope you give these a try – I have a feeling they’ll become a new favorite in your house, too! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other delicious chicken appetizers.
I’m always looking for new ways to make cooking easier and more fun. Happy baking! Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your variations, too!

No ratings yet
Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Savory Chicken and Cheese Roll-Ups for Your Next Gathering

These chicken and cheese roll-ups are a perfect appetizer for any gathering. They are packed with flavor, simple to make, and always leave guests asking for the recipe.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked bacon crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning adjust to taste
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 6 flavored tortillas spinach or sundried tomato

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Mix the filling by combining shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, bacon, Italian seasoning, and milk until smooth.
  • Spread 1/2 cup of the mixture evenly over each tortilla.
  • Roll each tortilla tightly and then wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Slice the chilled rolls into 1/2-inch thick pieces and serve.

Notes

For a spicy twist, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Recipes Should You See

As Seen On:

Comments are closed.

as seen on:

as seen on:

Download My FREE Protein Meal Plan!