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Gather these simple ingredients to make your Crack Chicken Pinwheels: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional) - 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size recommended) - 1/4 cup fresh green onions, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a creamy, flavorful filling that will make your pinwheels shine. The cooked chicken provides protein, while cream cheese and cheddar add richness. Ranch dressing brings a tangy flavor that ties everything together. If you want a crunch, add bacon! The tortillas serve as a perfect wrap, keeping the filling secure inside. Fresh green onions add a nice burst of flavor. Salt and pepper enhance the taste, so adjust them to your liking. With these ingredients, you’ll prepare a snack that’s both fun and delicious! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you want, sprinkle in the crumbled bacon for extra crunch. Use a spatula or fork to mix everything together. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture. This mixture is the heart of your pinwheels. Next, take a large flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Use a spatula to spread about 1/4 of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla. Leave a small border of about 1 inch around the edges. This border helps prevent overflow when rolling. Now, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the chicken mixture. This adds a fresh flavor and a nice crunch. Now comes the fun part—rolling! Start from one edge of the tortilla and roll it tightly into a log shape. Use your fingers to tuck in the filling as you go. This keeps everything secure. Repeat this rolling process with the other tortillas and chicken mixture until you use it all. Place each rolled tortilla seam side down on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into pinwheels about 1 inch thick. This gives you bite-sized pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the pinwheels firm up, making them easier to serve. To make the best Crack Chicken Pinwheels, focus on flavor balance. Use equal parts chicken and cheese for a rich taste. The ranch dressing adds a creamy zing, while garlic and onion powder enhance the flavor profile. Taste your mixture before you roll it into tortillas. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a creamy texture, ensure your cream cheese is softened. This helps in mixing well with chicken and other ingredients. If the mixture feels thick, add a bit more ranch dressing. This will help it spread easily on the tortillas. Presentation matters! Arrange the pinwheels on a large platter. You can garnish with extra chopped green onions or parsley for color. This makes the dish pop visually. Serve with a small bowl of ranch dressing for dipping. You can also try adding hot sauce for a kick. One common mistake is overfilling the tortillas. Leave about one inch of space at the edges. This helps keep the filling from spilling out when you roll them. Another mistake is not chilling the pinwheels before serving. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape and makes slicing easier. Pro Tips Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. However, using cold chicken can keep the filling firm while you roll the tortillas. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even different cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the pinwheels for at least 30 minutes not only helps them firm up but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Perfect Slices: Use a sharp knife to cut the pinwheels into even pieces. A clean cut helps maintain the aesthetics of the dish and makes them more appealing when served. {{image_4}} You can swap out the chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey or shredded pork works great. If you want a vegetarian option, try using beans or lentils. These will still give you a tasty filling. For those avoiding dairy, use dairy-free cream cheese. You can also try plant-based ranch dressing. If you want a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. This makes the dish lighter while still being delicious. To make your pinwheels even tastier, add some spices. Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can give a nice kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill add great flavor too. You can mix these into the filling for extra zest. Cheese lovers can experiment with different types of cheese. Creamy goat cheese or tangy feta can change the taste. Mixing cheeses can give your pinwheels a unique twist. Have fun exploring different combinations! Adjust the size of your pinwheels to suit your needs. You can make larger rolls for a heartier bite. Smaller pinwheels are perfect for a party snack. Just be sure to cut them evenly for a nice look. Dipping sauces can take your pinwheels to the next level. Try spicy sriracha sauce for heat. A honey mustard dip adds a sweet touch. You can also serve them with a cool avocado dip for something refreshing. The options are endless! To keep your Crack Chicken Pinwheels fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. You can also wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This extra layer keeps them nice and fresh. If you want to freeze your pinwheels, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, simply take out the number you need. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. In the fridge, Crack Chicken Pinwheels last about 3-4 days if stored properly. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or look slimy, it's best to discard them. Trust your senses; they will guide you. Yes, you can make Crack Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time. I recommend making them up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. The flavors blend well, making them even better. Just pull them out 30 minutes before serving to soften a bit. You can serve many sides with Crack Chicken Pinwheels. Here are some great options: - Fresh veggie sticks, like carrots and celery - A light salad with greens and dressing - Chips or crackers for a crunchy bite - A bowl of ranch dressing for dipping These pair well and add variety to your snack. I don’t recommend using raw chicken in this recipe. The filling needs cooked chicken for safety and flavor. If you want to use raw chicken, cook it first. Boil or bake it until fully done. Then shred it to mix with the other ingredients. This ensures your pinwheels are safe to eat and delicious. In this post, I covered how to make delicious Crack Chicken Pinwheels. I shared the key ingredients, mixing instructions, and tips to enhance flavors. You learned about variations and storage methods for leftovers. These pinwheels are easy to make and great for sharing. Now, you can enjoy crafting your own tasty snacks or meals. Dive in, have fun, and impress your friends and family with this simple recipe!

Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Delicious and creamy chicken pinwheels perfect for parties or snacks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
  • 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size recommended)
  • 1 4 cup fresh green onions, finely chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and crumbled bacon (if desired). Use a spatula or fork to mix all ingredients together until smooth and homogenous, ensuring a creamy texture.
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix again to incorporate the seasoning thoroughly.
  • Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Using a spatula, spread approximately 1/4 of the chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla, making sure to leave a small border (about 1 inch) around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
  • Evenly distribute a sprinkle of the chopped green onions over the chicken mixture for a fresh flavor boost.
  • Starting from one edge, begin to roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape, using your fingers to tuck in the filling as you go. Ensure that you roll it snugly to keep the filling secure.
  • Repeat the rolling process with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture until everything is used up, placing each rolled tortilla seam side down on your cutting board.
  • Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each rolled tortilla into pinwheels approximately 1 inch thick, creating bite-sized pieces.
  • Arrange the pinwheels artfully on a serving platter and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to serve and enjoy.

Notes

Serve with ranch dressing for dipping and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, party food, pinwheels