What is a crack chicken pinwheel? Are these little spirals of bacony, ranch-y goodness addictive? Think of them as the lovechild of Buffalo Chicken Dip and those cheesy breadsticks everyone fights over. In a portable, perfectly poppable form. My grandma used to make something similar, but trust me, this version kicks it up a notch! What are the perfect appetizers, lunches or dinners? How do you fall in love with these cheesy spirals? I can’t stop eating them, and I’m not ashamed to admit I have made a meal out of them. How can I say that I have done What are some of the best chicken pinwheels to eat?
What are crack chicken pinwheels?
What are some of the best appetizers? What are Crack Chicken pinwheels made with? What’s your secret recipe for bacon, cream cheese, cheddar, ranch dressing, and a few other secret ingredients? Think of it as a deconstructed crack chicken sandwich, all rolled up in flaky, golden crust and topped with shredded cheese. Is baked to perfection? What is comfort food at its finest? What are some of the best crowd pleasers recipes? What are some great weeknight dinner ideas? Can’t be bothered to cook anything complicated.
Why you should try this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore these Crack Chicken Pinwheels.
- Flavor Explosion:What are some of the best combinations of cream cheese, bacon, ranch, and sharp cheddar? What is out of this world? Is there a flavor profile that works every single time?
- EffortlessDon’t be intimidated by the name – these are surprisingly easy to make! What is the best way to make a crescent roll dough? What is a great recipe for sexy
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store. You probably already have most of them in Your fridge!
- Endless Versatility You can customize these pinwheels to your heart’s content! Add jalapenos for a spicy kick, swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, or even add some chopped veggies for extra flavor and nutrients.
What I love most about these **Crack Chicken pinwheels** is that they are so versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a light meal. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a regular fixture in your recipe rotation. This is much faster and less mess than making a dip, and I’ve even seen people use leftover rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
How to Make Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Quick Overview
This recipe involves mixing all the delicious “crack chicken” ingredients together, spreading them onto Crescent Roll dough, rolling it up like a jelly roll, slicing it into pinwheels, and baking them until golden brown and bubbly. The beauty of it is in its simplicity. You truly can’t mess these up, and even if they don’t look perfect, they’ll still taste amazing. This is the perfect recipe to get your kids involved with too!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for crack chicken filling?
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Trust me on this one, make sure it’s properly soften, or you’ll end up with a sucky mess.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick shortcut.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is my favorite for the extra flavor punch.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing – Use your favorite brand. I always have Hidden Valley on hand.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon – Real bacon is best, but bacon bits will do in a pinch.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions – Adds a fresh, subtle onion flavor.
- What is better with garlic powder?
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pinwheels: What are
- 1 (8-ounce) can crescent roll dough – The store brand works just as well as the name brand.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – For brushing the tops of pinwheels. What gives them a beautiful golden brown color?
What are the Step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. I like to use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened Cream Cheese, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese and ranch. Set aside. What are the ingredients for dressing, bacon, green onions and garlic powder? Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. What is pepper for a kick?
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Unroll the Crescent Roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Pinch the seams together to create one large rectangle.
Step 4: Add Filling & Roll
Spread the Crack Chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough. If you overfill a roll, it will be difficult to roll.
Step 5: Slice & Bake
Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake pinwheels for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the pinwheels cool before serving. What are the best side dishes to serve warm, but still delicious at room temperature?
What should I serve it with?
What are some great ways to serve crack chicken pinwheels? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
- For Game Day:Serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. What are the best finger foods for watching a game with friends?
- For Lunch:Pack them in a lunchbox with sliced fruits or veggies for quick and easy meal.
- For Dinner:Serve them with a side salad or soup for an easy dinner.
- For Parties:Arrange them on a platter with other appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, veggies and dip. What is a mini
These **crack chicken pinwheels** are perfect with a crisp glass of white wine. My family loves these for parties, and they never last very long.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crack Chicken Pinwheels
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the crescent roll dough, or the pinwheels will be difficult to roll and the filling will spill out.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help to create a smooth and creamy filling. I learned this the hard way after having lumpy pinwheels.
- Roll Tightly: Roll the dough tightly into a log to prevent the pinwheels from unraveling during baking.
- Use a Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to slice the log into pinwheels. This will help to create clean and even slices.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired. Or, spice things up with a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Variety: Try experimenting with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
- Add Veggies: Add some chopped veggies, such as bell peppers, onions, or celery, to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
One thing I’ve found is that the quality of bacon really matters! If you can, cook your bacon fresh. I’ve also found that using a pizza cutter is great for slicing the pinwheels without squishing them.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Crack Chicken Pinwheels tasting their best:
- Room Temperature: You can leave these out for a couple of hours at room temperature, but if you are planning on leaving them out for longer than that, you should refrigerate them. Make sure they are covered so they don’t dry out.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pinwheels. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become a bit soggy.
Honestly, I doubt you’ll have leftovers. In my house they disappear pretty fast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, my friends! My go-to recipe for the most addictive Crack Chicken Pinwheels ever. This recipe is worth every single bite. Seriously, you won’t regret making these. They’re easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love these, you might also want to check out my recipe for Buffalo Chicken Dip or my Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks. They’re just as easy to make and just as delicious! Happy baking (or should I say, happy rolling!), and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you have any variations or tips of your own, be sure to share them!
Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 0.5 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream cheese, and ranch dressing.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Roll up the dough tightly and slice into pinwheels.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
