Crack Chicken Pinwheels bring a burst of flavor in every bite! These tasty treats are made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and ranch spices, all rolled up in a soft tortilla.
They’re perfect for game day or any get-together! I love whipping these up because they disappear fast—seriously, it’s hard to have just one! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, which is super convenient. If you prefer, cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs yourself. Canned chicken is also an option if you’re short on time, just drain it well.
Cream Cheese: This gives the pinwheels their creamy texture. You can swap it for Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option, or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist if you’re okay with a tangier flavor.
Ranch Dressing: A classic choice for flavor! If you want something different, try buffalo sauce for a spicy kick or a homemade ranch mix using herbs and yogurt or sour cream.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can replace it with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor. Mix in different cheeses for variety, too!
Bacon: For a healthier option, try turkey bacon or even crispy roasted chickpeas for crunch. You can omit bacon entirely for a vegetarian version.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are typical, but you can use whole wheat or even spinach tortillas for added nutrients and color!
How Do I Roll Tortillas Without Breaking Them?
Rolling tortillas tightly is crucial for nice pinwheels. If you’re worried about tearing, microwave the tortillas for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. This makes them more pliable and easier to work with.
- Lay down the tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly, leaving space at the edges.
- Start rolling from one edge, keeping it tight but not so tight that it tears.
- Secure the ends to hold everything inside.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill to firm up—that really helps with slicing too!
With these tips, you’ll have perfect Crack Chicken Pinwheels every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to chill in the refrigerator. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and makes the pinwheels easier to slice.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Creamy Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Using a fork or a hand mixer, mix until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the base for your filling, and it adds a delicious flavor!
2. Mix in the Goodies:
Add the cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions or parsley to the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. This filling is packed with flavor and texture!
3. Assemble the Tortillas:
Take one flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Using a spatula or a spoon, spread about 1/4 of the chicken filling evenly over the tortilla, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.
4. Roll It Up:
Starting from one edge of the tortilla, carefully roll it up tightly into a log shape. Make sure it’s snug, but not so tight that it tears. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas and filling until everything is rolled up!
5. Chill the Pinwheels:
Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. This protects them while they chill! Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up. You can also prepare them the night before and let them chill overnight.
6. Slice and Serve:
After chilling, unwrap the rolls and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheel pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving plate, and for an extra touch, sprinkle some crumbled bacon or chopped parsley on top.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Crack Chicken Pinwheels chilled or at room temperature. They make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or party dish that will wow your family and friends! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor. Just shred it and use it in the recipe as directed.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover Crack Chicken Pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste great cold, or you can let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can make the filling and roll the pinwheels a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just slice and serve when you’re ready!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
You can customize your pinwheels by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, jalapeños for some spice, or different herbs such as dill or cilantro. Get creative with your additions!