© Original Recipe By Serena Recipes ©
🔥😍 Easy Crack Chicken Pinwheels: The Perfect Make-Ahead Football Party Snack! 🥧🥳
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines tender chicken with cheesy, crispy goodness, look no further than Crack Chicken Pinwheels. These flavorful, flaky rolls are infused with a savory, cream cheese-based filling that’s irresistibly addictive. Perfect for potlucks, game day, or just a quick weeknight snack, this easy appetizer can be made ahead and baked to perfection in no time. The aromatic blend of spices and rich cheese makes these chicken pinwheels a true comfort food everyone will love.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes — Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- One-pan prep — Less mess, less stress, more flavor.
- Ideal for football party snacks — Crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive.
- Versatile — Customize with your favorite cheeses or add in some chopped bacon for extra flavor.
3. Ingredient Notes
The star of these chicken pinwheels is, of course, cooked chicken. For the best flavor, opt for juicy rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breasts. Cream cheese is essential for that velvety filling—choose high-quality full-fat varieties for richness. Sharp cheddar or mozzarella adds melty, gooey texture, while a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder enhances the savory profile. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped green onions or crumbled bacon.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Makes baking these pinwheels crispy and golden without oven heat.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures your baking pans release the rolls easily and evenly.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — Versatile for grilling, air frying, and baking these pinwheels with perfect crusts each time.
5. How to Make Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Prepare the Filling
Start by shredding cooked chicken into a bowl. Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of paprika until smooth and creamy. The aroma of melting cheese and spices should fill your kitchen. Spread this mixture evenly over a tortilla.
Rolling and Cutting
Roll the tortilla tightly—imagine a cinnamon bun—and slice into 1-inch thick rounds. The pinwheels should look like neat spirals with visible layers of cheesy filling. Place them cut-side up on a prepared baking sheet or skillet.
Baking to Crispy Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven or air fryer until golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The tops should be crispy, while the inside remains tender with melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness. The smell of garlic and cheese promise a delicious bite.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients help the cheese and chicken blend smoothly for even flavor distribution.
- Using thin tortillas makes rolling easier and results in more delicate pinwheels.
- Don’t overstuff—this can make rolling difficult and cause filling leakage.
- Preheat your baking device—whether oven or air fryer—for consistent, crispy results.
7. Variations & Substitutions
For a different twist, try adding chopped cooked bacon, jalapeños for heat, or even swap the cheese for pepper jack. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and cheeses available at most health food stores. For a lower-carb version, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy on top. They maintain their cheesy, crispy texture beautifully.
9. FAQ
Can I make these chicken pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare, slice, and refrigerate the rolls overnight. Bake them fresh the next day for the crispiest results.
Can I freeze leftover pinwheels?
Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until hot and crispy.
What dipping sauces pair well?
These pinwheels are fantastic with ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli. For a healthier option, serve with Greek yogurt-based dips.
10. Conclusion
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious, hassle-free appetizer that impresses everyone at your gathering. Their creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in flaky layers make them an instant hit — whether for game day, parties, or a quick snack. Once you try making these at home, they’ll become a go-to recipe, guaranteed to elevate any occasion. For even more quick and tasty recipes, visit our bread pudding or crispy egg rolls ideas. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Crack Chicken Pinwheels
A flavorful appetizer featuring rolled puff pastry filled with shredded chicken, cream cheese, bacon, and cheese, baked to perfection.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle.
- Mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border.
- Carefully roll the pastry tightly from one long side to the other to form a log.
- Slice into 1-inch pieces and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the top with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped chives or green onions.
- Serve warm with a side of dip or salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
