Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a fun and tasty twist on the classic crack chicken flavors we all love. Picture tender chicken mixed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint…
Tip: save now, read later.
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a fun and tasty twist on the classic crack chicken flavors we all love. Picture tender chicken mixed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of ranch seasoning all rolled up inside soft dough and baked to golden perfection. They’re bite-sized pockets of deliciousness that make snack time or dinner feel a little extra special.
I love making these pinwheels when friends come over because they’re easy to share and always disappear quickly. What’s great is you can prepare them ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before serving, which means more time to chat and less time cooking. Plus, the combination of melty cheese and crunchy bacon always gets a thumbs up from everyone at the table.
My favorite way to enjoy these is warm right out of the oven, maybe alongside a simple green salad or some crunchy veggies. Sometimes, I even dunk them in a little ranch dressing for an extra creamy touch. They’re perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together where good food and good company are the main ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast works great here, either shredded or chopped. Rotisserie chicken is a handy shortcut and adds moistness. If you prefer, grilled or baked chicken also works well.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try a reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, though it will change the texture slightly.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor. For a bacon-free version, try smoked turkey bacon or omit it and add extra cheese or herbs.
Ranch Seasoning: This is key for that classic crack chicken flavor. You can substitute with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley if needed.
Crescent or Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated crescent roll dough is easy and quick. You can swap with puff pastry for a flakier texture or homemade dough if you want to bake from scratch.
How Do You Roll & Slice the Dough Without Making a Mess?
Rolling the dough tightly but gently is important. Here’s how to keep things neat:
- After spreading the filling, start rolling from one long edge slowly to keep the filling inside.
- Use a gentle but firm grip—too tight and the filling may squeeze out; too loose and it won’t hold shape.
- Chill the rolled log in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before slicing if it feels too soft. This firms it up and makes cutting cleaner.
- Use a sharp knife and saw back and forth gently instead of pressing down hard when slicing to keep the pinwheels intact.
Taking these steps will help your pinwheels come out perfectly shaped and ready to bake without losing their delicious filling!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – big enough to hold all pinwheels with space between for even cooking.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and stops pinwheels from sticking.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cream cheese, chicken, cheese, and seasonings.
- Sharp knife – to slice the rolled dough neatly into pinwheels without squishing.
- Spatula or spoon – to spread the filling evenly over the dough.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shredded turkey for a slightly different taste after holidays.
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick you’ll enjoy.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add a mild, creamy heat.
- Mix in finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
How to Make Crack Chicken Pinwheels?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
For the Dough:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley or additional green onions, chopped
- Optional: dipping sauce such as ranch or buffalo sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. In total, plan for approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, including a few minutes to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, chopped chicken, half of the chopped bacon, and the green onions. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent or biscuit dough on a clean workspace. Gently press the perforations together to form one solid rectangle to prevent the filling from leaking out.
4. Assemble the Pinwheels:
Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting with one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log.
5. Slice and Arrange:
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Place them cut side down on your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon over the top of the pinwheels.
6. Bake:
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve:
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley or additional green onions, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or buffalo sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Crack Chicken Pinwheels?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken first, ideally overnight in the fridge. Pat it dry before mixing to avoid extra moisture that could make the dough soggy.
Can I Make Crack Chicken Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare and assemble the pinwheels, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
Puff pastry is a great alternative if you want a flakier texture. Biscuit dough works too for a more biscuit-like bite. Just adjust baking time slightly if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep them crispy.
