Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
These Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a quick and tasty snack perfect for parties or a light meal. Combining creamy ranch, cheddar, bacon, and chicken wrapped in tortillas, they deliver rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1½ Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 to 2 Tbsp milk
- ¾ cup chopped cooked bacon
- 1 cup cooked chopped chicken
- 4 or 5 large burrito tortillas (10-inch)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese with ranch dressing mix, shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of milk, chopped bacon, and chopped cooked chicken until well combined. Add the additional tablespoon of milk if you prefer a softer filling.
- Step 2: Spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture evenly over each tortilla.
- Step 3: Roll each tortilla up gently but tightly to ensure it holds its shape.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the rolled tortillas for about 30 minutes to allow the cheese mixture to firm up.
- Step 5: After chilling, cut off the ends of each roll, then slice into 1-inch pinwheels. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling mixture.
- Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added nutrition and color.
- Make ahead and keep refrigerated to let flavors meld; these pinwheels hold up well for a day or two.
Storage
Store pinwheels airtight in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best flavor and texture, consume within this time. They can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing as the tortillas may become soggy when thawed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the pinwheels a few hours or a day in advance is ideal. Refrigeration helps the filling firm up and the flavors meld together.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing.
PrintCrack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, all rolled up in soft burrito tortillas. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these pinwheels are chilled to set and sliced into bite-sized pieces for convenient serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming chicken and bacon are pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 3 servings (approximately 12-15 pinwheels) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1½ Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 to 2 Tbsp milk
- ¾ cup chopped cooked bacon
- 1 cup cooked chopped chicken
Assembly
- 4 or 5 large burrito tortillas (10-inch)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ranch dressing mix, shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of milk, chopped cooked bacon, and chopped cooked chicken until thoroughly combined. Add more milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, covering the surface in an even layer.
- Roll up the tortillas: Roll each tortilla up gently but tightly to ensure it holds together and maintains its shape while refrigerated.
- Chill and slice: Refrigerate the rolled tortillas for about 30 minutes to allow the cream cheese to firm up. After chilling, trim off the ends of each roll to neaten them, then cut the rolls into 1-inch slices to create pinwheels ready to serve.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and spreading.
- Chilling is important to help the pinwheels hold their shape when sliced.
- For variation, try adding chopped green onions or jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor.
- Ensure bacon and chicken are fully cooked before mixing.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Keywords: crack chicken pinwheels, cream cheese appetizer, ranch chicken pinwheels, easy party snack, chicken and bacon pinwheels
