Crack Chicken Pinwheels are tasty little bites filled with creamy chicken and cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. They’re a hit at parties and perfect for snacking!
These pinwheels are so easy to make, you’ll want to whip them up for every gathering. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? Just roll, slice, and let everyone enjoy! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour Tortillas: Large tortillas are perfect for filling and rolling. If you’re looking for something lighter, whole wheat or low-carb tortillas work well too!
Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, or leftover chicken works great. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or shredded tofu instead.
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy texture. If you want a lighter alternative, consider Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both still provide a nice creaminess while being healthier.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. For a healthier version, turkey bacon is an option, or you can skip it altogether for a meat-free pinwheel.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is standard, but pepper jack adds a spicy kick. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives!
How Do I Get the Perfect Roll?
Rolling the tortillas neatly can be tricky, but it’s key to good pinwheels. Here’s how to get it right:
- Spread the filling evenly, reaching the edges, to help with the roll.
- Start rolling tightly from one end. Keep a firm grip as you go to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Secure the roll with plastic wrap before refrigerating; this helps it hold its shape.
- Chilling makes slicing easier and prevents the filling from squishing out.
With these tips, you’ll have beautiful pinwheels ready to enjoy!
How to Make Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pinwheels:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to set aside at least 30 minutes for chilling the rolled pinwheels, making the total time around 1 hour. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pinwheels bake evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon (make sure to save a bit for topping later), green onions, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until all the ingredients are well blended and creamy.
3. Spread the Mixture:
Take your flour tortillas and spread the chicken mixture evenly over each one. Make sure to cover the whole tortilla, reaching the edges. This will help with the rolling process later.
4. Roll it Up:
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape, starting from one end to the other. Keep it tight to make slicing easier later. Once rolled, wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up.
5. Slice and Arrange:
After chilling, take the wraps from the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap. Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Lay the pinwheels flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even baking.
6. Add a Sprinkle of Bacon:
Sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon on top of each pinwheel for that extra crunch and flavor.
7. Bake Until Golden:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and the edges start turning golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Arrange them on a platter and, if you’d like, garnish with extra chopped herbs for a pop of color.
9. Enjoy!
Your creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Pinwheels with crispy bacon are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Enjoy! Your friends and family will love these tasty bites!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breast works perfectly. Just shred or chop it before mixing it into the filling.
How Can I Make These Pinwheels Healthier?
To lighten them up, consider using whole wheat tortillas and reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also swap out the regular bacon for turkey bacon or omit it altogether for a meat-free version!
Can I Prepare the Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes! You can make the pinwheel rolls a day ahead, just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Slice and bake them right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm through, or enjoy them cold!
