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Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Featured in Perfect Bites for Any Occasion.

These crave worthy chicken pinwheels combine shredded chicken with a rich mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and zesty ranch seasoning. The filling gets spread over soft tortillas before rolling up tightly and chilling until firm. Slicing reveals perfect spirals that look as good as they taste. Make them a day ahead for easy party prep, then simply slice when ready to serve. The combination creates irresistible bites that disappear fast at any gathering, from casual game days to holiday celebrations.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 22:45:19 GMT
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A close-up of rolled tortilla wraps filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions, stacked on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of rolled tortilla wraps filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions, stacked on a plate. | tasteofcook.com

I stumbled upon this Crack Chicken Pinwheels recipe during a potluck party where they disappeared within minutes. Since then they've become my secret weapon for gatherings. The combination of creamy filling zesty ranch and crispy bacon wrapped in soft tortillas creates these perfect little bites that everyone goes crazy for. Now my friends basically expect me to bring them to every get-together.

What Makes These So Special

The best part about these pinwheels? They're a total lifesaver when you need something impressive but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. I love using rotisserie chicken it adds amazing flavor and saves so much time. Plus there's something about that creamy filling wrapped in soft tortillas that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Shredded Chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken and shred about 2 cups worth.
  • Cream Cheese: Let it soften on the counter it'll mix better.
  • Cheddar Cheese: The sharper the better for extra flavor.
  • Bacon: Cook it nice and crispy then crumble it up.
  • Ranch Seasoning: This little packet works magic.
  • Milk: Just a splash to make everything smooth.
  • Tortillas: I love using spinach ones for color.

Time to Create

Get Your Filling Ready
Mix everything together in a big bowl until it's smooth and creamy. Take your time here it's worth it.
Fill Those Tortillas
Spread the mixture nice and even leave a little space around the edges.
Roll Them Up
Start at one end and roll them tight like you're making sushi.
Chill Time
Wrap them up and let them hang out in the fridge for a couple hours.
Slice and Serve
Cut them into pretty pinwheels add some fresh herbs and watch them disappear.

My Kitchen Secrets

Make sure that cream cheese is really soft otherwise you'll end up with lumps. Don't get too excited with the filling less is more for neat rolls. That chilling time isn't optional it makes all the difference for clean slices. I love using colorful tortillas they make such a pretty presentation.

Make Them Your Own

Sometimes I make a vegetarian version with grilled veggies that's just as delicious. My spice-loving friends add jalapeños for extra kick. For my low-carb guests I wrap everything in lettuce instead of tortillas. There's really no wrong way to make these.

Planning Ahead

I often make these the night before a party they're even better the next day. You can even freeze the whole rolls before slicing just thaw them overnight when you need them. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days but honestly they rarely last that long.

A close-up of a stack of rolled tortillas filled with cream cheese, bacon, and green onions, garnished with chopped green onions. Pin it
A close-up of a stack of rolled tortillas filled with cream cheese, bacon, and green onions, garnished with chopped green onions. | tasteofcook.com

Serving Ideas

Set these out with some ranch dip or guacamole on the side. I love serving them alongside some cold drinks like fresh lemonade or mojitos. They're perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to fancy holiday parties.

Good to Know

If you're counting each serving is about 2-3 pinwheels running around 250 calories. Want to lighten them up? Try low-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon. They're still incredibly tasty just a bit more friendly to the waistline.

Common Questions

  • Can I use canned chicken? Sure but rotisserie adds so much more flavor.
  • No ranch seasoning? Mix up your own blend with dried herbs and spices.
  • Freezing okay? Absolutely just wait to slice them until after thawing.
  • Best tortillas? The fresher and more pliable the better.

Why These Win Every Time

These pinwheels never fail to impress. Maybe it's the creamy filling or the way everything comes together in one perfect bite. Whether you follow my recipe exactly or add your own twist they're guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.

A close-up of sliced tortilla rolls filled with cream cheese, bacon, and cheese, garnished with green onions. Pin it
A close-up of sliced tortilla rolls filled with cream cheese, bacon, and cheese, garnished with green onions. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do these pinwheels stay fresh?
The assembled rolls stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. For best results, slice them just before serving to maintain their shape and freshness.
→ Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey, ham, or even tuna. Just make sure the meat is well-drained and finely chopped or shredded for the best texture in the filling.
→ Why are they called Crack Chicken Pinwheels?
The term crack chicken refers to the addictively good combination of chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning. These ingredients together create an irresistible flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
→ What's the best way to prevent soggy pinwheels?
Make sure your chicken is well-drained and pat dry any wet ingredients before mixing. Also, avoid overfilling the tortillas and make sure to leave a border around the edges when spreading the filling.
→ Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free tortillas and check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.

Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Creamy tortilla pinwheels filled with chicken, cheese, bacon and ranch seasoning for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Snacks & Starters

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 pinwheels)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie works great.
02 8 oz softened cream cheese.
03 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
04 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon.
05 1–2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix.
06 1 tbsp milk.
07 4 large flavored tortillas spinach or sun-dried tomato are great choices.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine shredded chicken, soft cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, ranch seasoning and milk in a bowl until smooth.

Step 02

Spread filling on each tortilla, leaving a small edge empty.

Step 03

Roll each tortilla tightly, keeping filling in place.

Step 04

Wrap rolls in plastic and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Step 05

Cut into 1/2-inch pinwheels and arrange on a platter.

Notes

  1. Can make up to a day ahead.
  2. Freezes well for up to a month.
  3. Try with whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
  4. Serve with salsa or ranch for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Sharp knife.
  • Plastic wrap.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, cheddar).
  • Wheat (tortillas).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 8 g