Crack Chicken Pinwheels – A Flavorful Party Favorite

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are an irresistible appetizer or snack loaded with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese.

Rolled up in a soft tortilla and sliced into bite-sized pieces, these pinwheels are perfect for parties, game days, or as a quick grab-and-go lunch.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula or butter knife
• Plastic wrap

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth.
2. Add Ingredients: Fold in the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions until evenly mixed.
3. Spread the Filling: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface and spread a thin, even layer of the chicken mixture over it, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges.
4. Roll Tightly: Roll the tortilla tightly into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside.
5. Wrap and Chill: Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Slice and Serve: Remove the plastic wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Prep Time

20 minutes (+1 hour chilling time)

Cook Time

None

Total Time

1 hour 20 minutes

Nutrition (Per Pinwheel, based on 24 pieces)

Calories: 80
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 5g
Sugar: 1g

Expert Tips

• Make Ahead: These pinwheels can be made up to a day in advance. Keep them wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to slice and serve.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling.
• Customize the Filling: Add diced jalapeños, chopped bell peppers, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor.

How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling?
Chilling the rolls before slicing helps them hold their shape. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Can I use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas?
Absolutely! Any type of tortilla will work for this recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze the uncut rolls wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing.

Reheating: These are best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to maintain their texture.

Substitutions & Variations

• Turkey or Ham: Replace chicken with deli-sliced turkey or ham for a different protein.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon, and add more veggies like spinach or shredded carrots.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary needs.

Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are an irresistible appetizer or snack loaded with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Offset spatula or butter knife
• - Plastic wrap

Ingredients

  

• - 8 oz cream cheese softened
• - 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
• - 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
• - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• - 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• - 4 large flour tortillas 10-inch size

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Filling:** In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth.
• **Add Ingredients:** Fold in the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions until evenly mixed.
• **Spread the Filling:** Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface and spread a thin, even layer of the chicken mixture over it, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges.
• **Roll Tightly:** Roll the tortilla tightly into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside.
• **Wrap and Chill:** Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
• **Slice and Serve:** Remove the plastic wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.