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Roasted Chicken with Bacon-Ranch Drizzles There’s just something about the trio of chicken, bacon, and ranch that makes hot and cold magic. It’s creamy, savory, a little smoky and utterly irresistible. These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are the perfect quick bite for any occasion—you could be hosting a game night, prepping food for the week, or just want an easy appetizer.

Best of all? They take no effort and I can prepare ahead of time so they’re a go-to recipe for busy days.

Why You’re going to Love These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – These pinwheels disappear quickly at parties!
Fast & Simple – You simply mix it, spread it, roll it up, chill it, and slice. That’s it!
Super Flavorful — Cheesy, creamy, crispy bacon goodness.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for prepping ahead.
Flexible — swap in other cheeses, or tortillas, or throw in some veg, if you like.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Key Ingredients:

Shredded Cooked Chicken – Rotisserie chicken is lovely, but any cooked, shredded chicken is perfectly fine.
Cream Cheese – Easy mixing with softened cream cheese.
Grated cheddar cheese — Sharp cheddar has great flavor, but Monterey Jack or a cheese blend will do.
Cooked Bacon – Crispy cooked and crumbled bacon will provide the best texture, but store-bought bacon bits can provide a shortcut.
Ranch Seasoning – Homemade or store-bought ranch seasoning works great for that classic tang you think of.
Milk (Optional) – Helps to smooth the filling for even spreading.
Flavored Tortillas — You can use spinach, sun-dried tomato, or just basic flour tortillas.

Substitutions & Variations:

Make it Spicy — Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños.

Go Low-Carb — use low-carb tortillas or wrap in large leaves of lettuce.

Swap the Protein – Use turkey or even canned chicken for convenience.

Amp Up the Veggies — Add in diced bell peppers, green onions or chopped spinach.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning and milk in a large bowl. Stir gently until well-blended and smooth & evenly imparted.

Step 2: Lay Out the Tortillas

Place one tortilla on a clean work surface. Keep the tortilla double layers tight to avoid wrinkles for proper paste spreading.

Step 3: Spread the Filling

Spread some of the chicken mixture across the tortilla, smoothing it out and leaving about a 2cm/1 in border at the outer edges of the tortilla so that the filling does not spill over the edges when you roll it up.

Step 4: Roll the Tortilla

Beginning with one edge, roll up the tortilla tightly. Lightly pack the filling into the dough and keep the roll tight so everything inside stays put and doesn’t spill out when you cut across your spiral.

Step 5: Repeat for Remaining Tortillas

Continue spreading and rolling with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 6: Wrap and Chill

One of the following: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, to keep them together and to keep them from drying out. Leave in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. This period of chilling gives the flavors a chance to meld and makes you much more likely to successfully slice the pinwheels.

Step 7: Slice into Pinwheels

Chill, unwrap the rolls and cut into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife. Try to make them even sizes so they look nice when they are served.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pinwheels to a serving platter. If you need a little something extra, garnishing with finely chopped green onions or herbs such as parsley or cilantro can do the trick. Serve hot and you will see them disappear!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve: These pinwheels can be served chilled or at room temperature and make a great appetizer or snack. They are a perfect accompaniment to a fresh veggie platter, chips or dips.

Storage: Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will ensure freshness; if you plan to store them in the fridge, consider leaving them whole and slicing them just before serving.

Freezing: If you’d like to make them ahead of time, freeze the rolled-up tortillas (but not sliced) wrapped in plastic wrap, then foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge and slice to serve.

Helpful Notes

Get Creative: You can really customize these pinwheels! Substitute the shredded cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for an entirely different flavor profile. For more texture and flavor, stir in chopped green onions, bell peppers, olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.

Spice It Up: If you like a bit of fire, add a splash of hot sauce or finely diced jalapeños to the filling. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works.

Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken for roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Leave off the bacon or swap in crispy fried shallots or vegetarian bacon bits.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: Use a light hand when spreading the filling for each layer, to avoid tearing the tortillas and ensure your pinwheels roll up smoothly. And do your best to distribute the filling evenly to avoid any empty spots in the cut pieces.

Chef Ina Garten: Always allow your cream cheese to soften to room temperature before combining. This will create a smooth, creamy filling.

Chef Bobby Flay: For added flavor, grill your tortillas quickly beforehand, before putting them on a fire. This contributes a slight charred note that works well with the smoky bacon and rich cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?
And yes, these pinwheels are great for making ahead! They can be made a day in advance. Just tightly wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled tortillas (pre-slicing) in plastic wrap and foil. Defrost in the refrigerator, then slice and serve.

What other cheeses can I substitute?
And, of course, add whatever cheese you would like — pepper jack, gouda, mozzarella, even a crumbly feta, for different tasting possibilities.

Can I substitute another meat for the chicken?
Certainly! Turkey, ham or roast beef are good substitutes. You can also put shredded pork or crumbled sausage on there for added flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can easily make a simplified version by mixing together dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.

Can these pinwheels be served warm?
I find these pinwheels best when they’ve been chilled or otherwise allowed to come to room temperature. But you can also toast them on a pan or in the oven if you want a warmed version.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Ensure with the proper amount of stuff and keep away from overstuffing with moist elements. Chilling the pinwheels helps firm up the filling and keep them from getting mushy.

What can I use in place of the tortillas?
For a lower carb version, try flatbreads, lavash or even large leaves of lettuce.

Are these pinwheels gluten-free?
To make them gluten free, just use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten free.

Can I throw in some vegetables in the filling?

Definitely! To add even more texture and flavor you could throw in diced bell peppers, spinach, arugula, cucumbers, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Armed with these simple steps, and creative tips, you are all set for making the perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels, at your next gathering. Serve up the savory goodness & watch them be the new go- to appetizer of everyone!