Crack Chicken Pinwheels are the ultimate game-day snack, delivering a delicious bite-sized combo of creamy, cheesy goodness with savory chicken and crispy turkey bacon, all wrapped up in soft tortillas. These pinwheels are perfect for Football Friday gatherings, tailgates, or even as a fun lunchbox treat. Their simple, crowd-pleasing flavor is perfect for both kids and adults, and the best part? They’re super easy to make!
When it comes to game-day appetizers, you want something that’s simple to prepare but packs a lot of flavor, and these pinwheels check all the boxes. With creamy ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of fresh green onions, they’re as satisfying as they are snackable. The bonus is that you can make them ahead of time, so all you have to do is slice and serve when the big game begins!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: These pinwheels are quick to assemble, with minimal prep work involved.
- Great for a Crowd: Perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or any gathering.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors with different add-ins or tortilla types.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance, making game-day hosting stress-free.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even grilled chicken.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Softened cream cheese blends easily with the other ingredients for a smooth, creamy filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture.
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled: Turkey bacon gives you that savory, crispy bite without the pork, keeping it light.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix: This adds a bold, tangy flavor to the filling, tying everything together.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Fresh green onions give a little crunch and a pop of freshness.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft tortillas serve as the perfect wrap for the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch of pepper to balance the flavors
HOW TO MAKE CRACK CHICKEN PINWHEELS:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, green onions, black pepper, and shredded chicken. Mix everything together until it’s fully blended. You want a uniform, creamy mixture so every bite is packed with flavor. - Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay out your tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Spread a generous and even layer of the chicken mixture over each tortilla. Be sure to get the filling close to the edges so every slice is full of flavor. Once each tortilla is covered, roll them up tightly into a log shape. The tighter you roll, the better your pinwheels will hold together when sliced. - Chill
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least one hour. This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier, ensuring your pinwheels hold their shape when served. - Slice and Serve
After the tortillas have chilled, unwrap them and use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, and they’re ready to go! These are perfect as-is, but you can also serve them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a little heat.
- Change Up the Tortillas: Use whole wheat, spinach, or even sun-dried tomato tortillas to mix up the flavor and presentation.
- Prep Ahead: You can make the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
- Cut Perfect Slices: Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice through the tortillas cleanly without squishing the filling.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24-30 pinwheels (depending on slice thickness)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-cook, assemble
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Turkey-based, can be made gluten-free with gluten-free tortillas
NOTES:
- You can use light cream cheese or low-fat shredded cheese to make this recipe lighter, but still delicious!
- If you’re looking to feed a larger crowd, simply double the recipe.
- Feel free to get creative with your fillings—diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or even some crushed tortilla chips can add extra texture.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Pinwheel):
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make these Crack Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! These pinwheels are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls a day in advance, just keep them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy!
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can swap it for Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you have a lot leftover, you can even freeze them—just make sure they’re well-wrapped and thaw before serving
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’re best served cold, straight from the fridge.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncut rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, then thaw before slicing and serving.
Related Recipes:
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CONCLUSION:
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are an irresistible, fun-to-eat appetizer that your guests will rave about. With their creamy, cheesy filling and satisfying crunch of turkey bacon, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or game-day gathering. Plus, they’re so easy to make and versatile—you can tweak the recipe to your heart’s content. Whether you’re whipping them up for family or feeding a crowd, these pinwheels are sure to be devoured in no time!
PrintCrack Chicken Pinwheels
Description
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are the ultimate game-day snack, delivering a delicious bite-sized combo of creamy, cheesy goodness with savory chicken and crispy turkey bacon, all wrapped up in soft tortillas. These pinwheels are perfect for Football Friday gatherings, tailgates, or even as a fun lunchbox treat. Their simple, crowd-pleasing flavor is perfect for both kids and adults, and the best part? They’re super easy to make!
When it comes to game-day appetizers, you want something that’s simple to prepare but packs a lot of flavor, and these pinwheels check all the boxes. With creamy ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of fresh green onions, they’re as satisfying as they are snackable. The bonus is that you can make them ahead of time, so all you have to do is slice and serve when the big game begins!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even grilled chicken.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Softened cream cheese blends easily with the other ingredients for a smooth, creamy filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture.
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled: Turkey bacon gives you that savory, crispy bite without the pork, keeping it light.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix: This adds a bold, tangy flavor to the filling, tying everything together.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Fresh green onions give a little crunch and a pop of freshness.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft tortillas serve as the perfect wrap for the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch of pepper to balance the flavors.
Instructions
- Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, green onions, black pepper, and shredded chicken. Mix everything together until it’s fully blended. You want a uniform, creamy mixture so every bite is packed with flavor. - Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay out your tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Spread a generous and even layer of the chicken mixture over each tortilla. Be sure to get the filling close to the edges so every slice is full of flavor. Once each tortilla is covered, roll them up tightly into a log shape. The tighter you roll, the better your pinwheels will hold together when sliced. - Chill
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least one hour. This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier, ensuring your pinwheels hold their shape when served. - Slice and Serve
After the tortillas have chilled, unwrap them and use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, and they’re ready to go! These are perfect as-is, but you can also serve them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- You can use light cream cheese or low-fat shredded cheese to make this recipe lighter, but still delicious!
- If you’re looking to feed a larger crowd, simply double the recipe.
- Feel free to get creative with your fillings—diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or even some crushed tortilla chips can add extra texture.