These Crack Chicken Pinwheels are an ideal snack or party appetizer, combining creamy ranch-flavored chicken, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese all wrapped in a deliciously flavored tortilla. Easy to make and packed with irresistible flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Simply mix, roll, chill, and slice for an effortless and crowd-pleasing dish.
Why You’ll Love These Crack Chicken Pinwheels:
Flavor-Packed: With savory chicken, creamy cheese, and the deliciously addictive flavors of ranch seasoning and bacon, these pinwheels deliver on taste.
Perfect for Parties: These are finger-food favorites, making them ideal for entertaining, family gatherings, or game-day snacking.
Easy to Make Ahead: Chill the rolls overnight, then simply slice and serve! Perfect for those busy days when you need a quick and delicious option.
Customizable: These pinwheels are endlessly adaptable, whether you want to switch up the meat, cheese, or tortilla type. Plus, they’re great for kids and adults alike!
Key Ingredients:
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here. It’s flavorful, juicy, and saves time. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breast or canned chicken in a pinch.
Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth and spreadable filling. A quick tip: leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but mild cheddar or a mix of cheeses (like Colby-Jack) would also be delicious.
Bacon: For convenience, pre-cooked bacon can work well, but freshly cooked, crumbled bacon adds the best crispy texture and flavor. Turkey bacon can be a good option if you’re looking to lighten it up.
Tortillas: Flavored tortillas like spinach or sun-dried tomato add a colorful twist and an extra layer of taste to these pinwheels. Regular flour tortillas are also perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Look for a good-quality ranch seasoning packet, or make your own if you have dried herbs like parsley, dill, and onion powder. This seasoning mix is the secret to that “crack” flavor everyone loves!
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling
Gather Ingredients: Use 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, ideally rotisserie chicken for ease and added flavor.
Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
Cheddar Cheese: Measure out 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a sharp, cheesy flavor.
Cook Bacon: Cook and crumble ½ cup of bacon to add a salty, crispy texture.
Add Ranch Seasoning: Add 1-2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix for that classic “crack” flavor.
Add Milk: Stir in 1 tablespoon of milk to make the mixture creamy and easy to spread.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, ranch seasoning, and milk. Mix well until the filling is smooth and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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2. Spread the Filling
Lay Out the Tortillas: Take a flavored tortilla (like spinach or sun-dried tomato) and lay it flat on a clean surface.
Spread the Filling: Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla, spreading it evenly. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
3. Roll the Tortillas
Roll Tightly: Start rolling from one edge, keeping it tight to help the pinwheels hold their shape.
Repeat: Continue with the remaining tortillas until all are filled and rolled.
4. Chill the Rolls
Wrap and Refrigerate: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to set and make them easier to slice.
5. Slice and Serve
Unwrap and Slice: Remove the rolls from the fridge, unwrap, and slice into ½-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Arrange and Garnish: Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions:
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are versatile and can be served in various ways:
Party Platter: Arrange them with other finger foods like mini meatballs, veggie sticks, and cheese cubes for a colorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
Snack Board: Include them on a snack board with sliced veggies, chips, dips, and a variety of cheeses. This board makes for an easy and impressive option for entertaining.
Light Lunch or Snack: Pair them with a side salad or some fruit for a quick, satisfying lunch or snack.
Dip-Friendly: Serve with extra ranch dressing or a spicy aioli for dipping to add more flavor.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are easy to make ahead and store, which is perfect if you’re planning for an event or need quick grab-and-go snacks.
Storage: Place any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the pinwheels up to a day in advance and keep them wrapped in the fridge until it’s time to slice and serve.
Freezing: If you’d like to keep these pinwheels longer, you can freeze them before slicing. Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.
Reheating: While these are best served chilled, you can warm them slightly in the microwave if you prefer them a little warmer. Keep in mind the cream cheese filling may soften, so short bursts of 5-10 seconds work best.
Recipe Variations:
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: Add 1-2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the filling for a spicy twist. This version pairs wonderfully with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Southwestern Style: Mix in some diced green chilies, black beans, and corn for a southwestern-inspired flavor. A sprinkle of taco seasoning can add a tasty kick.
Turkey and Swiss: Substitute shredded turkey for chicken and Swiss cheese for cheddar. Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a flavor boost.
Veggie Pinwheels: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for diced bell peppers, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. You can use a veggie-based seasoning mix for added flavor.
Greek-Inspired: Use crumbled feta in place of cheddar, and add some chopped kalamata olives and diced cucumbers for a Greek-inspired version. You can swap the ranch seasoning with a Mediterranean or Greek seasoning blend.
Conclusion:
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are the perfect combination of savory flavors and creamy textures, making them ideal for any occasion. With their customizable ingredients and make-ahead convenience, these pinwheels can easily become a go-to appetizer or snack in your recipe lineup. Plus, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Give these Crack Chicken Pinwheels a try at your next gathering, or make a batch to enjoy throughout the week. They’re sure to be a hit, and you’ll love how simple and satisfying they are to prepare.
Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie works great
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1-2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 4 large flavored tortillas spinach or sun-dried tomato are great choices
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and milk. Mix well until smooth and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Lay a flavored tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla and spread evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly to help it hold its shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas until all are filled and rolled.
- Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to set.
- Remove rolls from the fridge, unwrap, and slice into ½-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs if desired.