Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something dangerously addictive. What are crack Chicken Pinwheels? Are they really good? What is your Tuesday night indulgence? Is it easier to make a sandwich than takeout? And they vanish faster than cookies at Christmas. If you love the classic flavors of loaded baked potatoes but want something bite-sized and totally delicious, this is the recipe for you. What are your best friends? I think they might be even better than pigs in a blanket – and that’s saying something in my opinion.
What are crack chicken pinwheels?
Alright, let’s break it down. Crack Chicken Pinwheels are essentially flaky, buttery crescent rolls filled with a creamy, cheesy sauce. What is a bacon-y chicken mixture that’s absolutely bursting with flavor? Think of it as a deconstructed Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich rolled up into adorable little spirals. The name comes from the fact that they’re addictive – once you start, you really can’t stop. What is a comfort food disguised as an easy-to-eat snack? I’m a pickiest eater. I can’t stand to eat anything, but I will be reaching for seconds and thirds.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? The Creamy Ranch, the salty bacon, and the juicy chicken – it’s a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. What is the best thing about this recipe? What are some simple ingredients that you already have in your fridge? Plus, these little guys are incredibly versatile! What are some great appetizers to serve at your next party? What are some of the best snack ideas? They’re definitely budget-friendly, too. I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s both delicious and affordable?
How do I make crack chicken pinwheels?
Quick Overview
How do you make crack chicken pinwheels? How do you make a creamy, dreamy filling with Shredded Chicken, cream cheese and ranch? What is the best combination of Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and dressing? What is the best way to spread the dough on a sheet of crescent roll dough? Is it safe to slice it into pinwheels, and bake them until golden brown and bubbly? Is it that simple? What are some of the best ways to add some heat to your meal? Add lemon juice. The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
For the Main Filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened – Make sure it’s *really* softened, otherwise, you’ll end up with a sucky mess. What is lumpy filling? Trust me, I’ve been there!
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing – Use your favorite brand! I personally love the Hidden Valley packets, but any creamy ranch will do.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor, but you can use mild or even a whole wheat. What is the blend of cheeses?
- What is the magic of crumbled bacon? I like to cook my bacon until it’s crispy. You can also use bacon bits if you’re in a hurry.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe! Can you bake your own chicken breasts?
- 1 cup chopped green onions (optional) – These add a nice pop of flavor and color.
For the pinwheels:
- Cans of frozen crescent roll dough – Pillsbury is my go-to, but any brand will work.
How do I get started
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I prepare my oven to 375°F? While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you clean pinwheels? Don’t skip the parchment paper – you’ll thank me later!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the Cream Cheese, ranch dressing, bacon, chicken, and onion. Set aside. What is the best way to cook green onions? What is the best way to make cream cheese? I sometimes use a hand mixer to get it extra smooth.
Step 3: Unroll the Dough
Roll one can of crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface. Gently press the seams together to create one large rectangle. Repeat with the second can of dough.
Step 4: Spread the Filling
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over both rectangles of crescent roll dough, leaving a little bit of room for expansion. The space at the top edge for sealing is a zero.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting at the bottom edge, tightly roll up each rectangle of dough into a log. Make sure you roll it tightly to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking. I always do this slowly to make sure everything stays in place.
Step 6: Slice into Pinwheels
With a sharp knife, slice each log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. How many pinwheels are there in a log? I find that using a serrated knife works best for this step.
Step 7: Bake
Place pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to prevent burning. Every oven is different, so yours might need a little more or less time.
Step 8: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet before serving. What are some good ways to enjoy them warm or at room temperature? And trust me, they won’t last long!
What should I serve it with?
Let’s talk about serving suggestions. What are crack chicken pinwheels? What are the right accompaniments?
For Game Day:Serve with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Add some celery sticks and carrot sticks for a healthy crunch.
For LunchboxesPack them with a side of fruit, like grapes or apple slices. What are some good substitutes for yogurt or hummus?
For Parties:Arrange them on a platter with other appetizers, like mini quiches, cheese and crackers, and veggie and fruit. What is a good bowl of salsa?
For Snack Time: For theEnjoy them with a glass of milk or coffee. What are some good side dishes to serve with potato chips?
My family loves these with a side salad. It adds a little bit of freshness to balance out the richness of the pinwheels.
How do I make crack chicken pinwheels?
Okay, friends, I’ve made these Crack Chicken Pinwheels more times than I can count, so I have learned from them. What are some tricks along the way?
Cream Cheese:Make sure your cream cheese is softened. I like to leave it out at room temperature for at least an hour before using it. If you have a microwave, microwave it for 5 seconds. Be careful not to melt it!
Bacon:How do you cook bacon? What is the best way to make pinwheels? I usually bake my bacon in the oven for easy cleanup.
Chicken:What is a good recipe for leftover rotisserie chicken? Can I bake my own chicken breasts?
Crescent Roll Dough: What are someDon’t overwork the dough. Gently press the seams together and spread the filling evenly. If you roll it up too tightly can cause the filling to squeeze out.
Baking:Keep a close eye on pinwheels while they’re baking. Every oven is different, so yours might need a little more or less time. When they’re golden brown and bubbly, they are done.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or some chopped spinach for a healthy boost. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for a different type of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Crack Chicken Pinwheels (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, as the cream cheese can spoil.
Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll still be delicious, but the crescent roll dough might get a little bit soft.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick and easy option, but the dough might get a little bit soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My super easy and totally irresistible Crack Chicken Pinwheels recipe. I promise you, once you make these, you’ll be hooked! They’re the perfect appetizer for any occasion, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious snack recipes, be sure to check out my recipes for Buffalo Chicken Dip and Cheesy Garlic Bread. Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Let me know in the comments if you try them, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!
7 Must-Try Crack Chicken Pinwheels for Your Next Party!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- 1 cup Cooked Chicken Shredded
- 1 package Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1 package Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough
- 1 4 oz Diced Green Chilies
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, ranch dressing mix, and diced green chilies. Mix well.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Press the seams together to form a rectangle.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough.
- Tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
