These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are a great party snack! Soft tortillas are filled with creamy ranch, tasty chicken, and crispy bacon—what’s not to love?
They’re super easy to make, and trust me, everyone will want seconds. I like to serve them with extra ranch for dipping—because why not go all in? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: I recommend using large flour tortillas for this recipe as they hold the filling well. If you need a gluten-free option, you can try corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps. Both work nicely for pinwheels!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich and creamy base. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. If you have leftover chicken, that’s perfect too! Alternatively, you could use canned chicken for even quicker prep.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds such a delicious crunch. For a healthier option, consider turkey bacon. You can even use crispy chickpeas or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is great for convenience, but homemade ranch dressing is even better if you have the time! You can also try using other dressings like blue cheese or Italian for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Roll the Tortillas Tightly?
Rolling the tortillas tightly is key for nice pinwheels. Here’s how to do it right:
- After spreading the cream cheese mixture and adding the fillings, start at one edge of the tortilla.
- Use your fingers to gently lift that edge up and begin to roll tightly, keeping the filling tucked in as you go.
- Keep the tension even; don’t roll it too loosely or too tight that it tears.
- Once you reach the other edge, seal it by pressing gently to hold the tortilla closed.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill to help it set before slicing!
This technique ensures your pinwheels hold together well, making for easy slicing and serving!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. It’s a quick and easy snack to whip up before a party or game day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Use a fork or a mixer to mix them until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base for your pinwheels!
2. Season the Mixture:
Add garlic powder, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the cream cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This gives the filling extra flavor!
3. Spread the Mixture:
Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface or plate. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla, making sure to cover it all the way to the edges.
4. Add the Filling:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded chicken over the cream cheese layer. Follow this with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, if you’re using it. Press down gently to help it stick.
5. Roll Up the Tortillas:
Starting at one end, carefully roll up each tortilla tightly to form a log. Make sure to keep the filling inside as you roll! Once done, it’s time to wrap it up.
6. Chill the Rolls:
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help the pinwheels hold their shape when you cut them.
7. Slice and Serve:
Once they’ve chilled, unwrap the rolls and use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with extra parsley if you like.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for dipping in extra ranch dressing. Enjoy your delicious and easy snack!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it finely before adding it to the tortillas.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch, you can use other dressings like blue cheese, Italian, or even a yogurt-based dressing. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the flavor a bit!
How Do I Keep These Pinwheels Fresh?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed chilled, so take them out just before serving!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pinwheels a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve!