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.