Description
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer that combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon into a creamy filling wrapped in tortillas. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, picnics, or any occasion where finger food is a must. The addition of ranch seasoning adds a tangy, familiar flavor, making these pinwheels irresistible to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a game day or looking for an everyday snack, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie works great
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1–2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tbsp milk
- 4 large flavored tortillas spinach or sun-dried tomato are great choices
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and milk until well combined. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and evenly distributed.
- Note: Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to ensure each bite has the same balance of flavors.
- Spread the Mixture
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a portion of the chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage when rolling.
- Note: Use a spatula to ensure an even spread. Leaving a border prevents the filling from squeezing out when rolling.
- Roll the Tortilla
- Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling stays snug inside. Continue rolling until you reach the other end.
- Note: Roll the tortilla as tightly as possible without squeezing out the filling. A tight roll ensures your pinwheels will hold their shape.
- Refrigerate the Rolls
- Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the rolls for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and make slicing easier.
- Note: Chilling is crucial! It helps firm up the mixture and ensures cleaner, more defined slices.
- Slice and Serve
- After chilling, unwrap the rolls and slice them into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter. Garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs if desired.
- Note: A sharp knife will give you clean, even slices without squashing the rolls. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for the best results.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can make the pinwheels up to a day ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to slice and serve. This makes them perfect for parties or meal prep.
- Freezing Option: You can freeze the rolled tortillas before slicing. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.
- Customizations: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. For a healthier twist, use turkey bacon and whole wheat tortillas. Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Pairings: Serve Crack Chicken Pinwheels with salsa, guacamole, or ranch dressing for dipping. Pair with fresh vegetable sticks for a well-rounded appetizer platter.