Introduction

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a deliciously cheesy and savory appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack. Filled with creamy chicken, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar, these pinwheels are sure to disappear quickly from any appetizer tray.

The image shows a white plate with six rolled tortilla pinwheels stacked in a small pile on a white marbled surface. Each pinwheel slice has a thin, soft white tortilla as the outer layer, and inside there is a creamy white spread mixed with small diced orange cheese bits, finely chopped green herbs, and small reddish pieces that appear to be bits of bacon or tomato. The texture of the filling looks smooth with a bit of chunkiness from the added ingredients, creating a colorful swirl inside the spiral shape. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup chicken (cooked and shredded)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
3/4 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled)
2 tablespoons green onions (sliced thin)
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
4 tortillas (burrito size)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and ranch seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a quarter of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3: Roll the tortilla tightly into a pinwheel shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Use a sharp knife to slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange them on a serving platter.
Step 5: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the pinwheels hold their shape before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, lightly toast the pinwheels in a skillet or bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite spice blend for different flavor profiles.
Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
Use flour tortillas for the best texture, but gluten-free tortillas can be substituted if needed.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by warming in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave for 20-30 seconds. If you prefer, serve cold as a refreshing snack.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a stack of six rolled tortilla pinwheels, each cut to show three layers inside: the soft, pale tortilla outside, a creamy middle layer with small orange bits (likely cheese), chopped green herbs, and small pieces of red (likely bacon) evenly mixed throughout. The pinwheels are arranged in a loose pile on a white marbled surface, with the front few rolls in clear focus and the background softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Crack Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before slicing and serving. Chilling helps them hold their shape well.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Cooked and shredded chicken breast works great, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for added convenience and flavor.

Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 138 reviews

These Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring a creamy, savory filling of cream cheese, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and ranch seasoning, all rolled up in soft tortillas and perfect for parties or quick snacks.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 pinwheel slices (6 per tortilla) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix

Wrap

4 burrito-size tortillas

Instructions

Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Assemble the pinwheels: Lay each burrito-size tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the prepared filling over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll and chill: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.
Slice and serve: Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and slice each into 1-inch pinwheel pieces using a sharp knife. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

You can substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite ranch dressing mix or seasoning blend.
For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure easy mixing.
These pinwheels are best served within 24 hours for maximum freshness.
They can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Crack Chicken Pinwheels, appetizer, cream cheese, bacon, chicken, ranch, tortillas, party food, easy snacks