Introduction

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. These creamy, cheesy, and savory pinwheels combine chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors rolled inside soft tortillas.

The image shows several small pinwheel sandwiches arranged close together on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three visible layers: the outer tortilla wrap is a soft, light beige color with a smooth texture; inside, there is a creamy white layer full of small orange cheese bits and small pink pieces, likely bacon; sprinkled throughout are tiny green herbs, adding a fresh pop of color. The pinwheels are sliced thick, showing a spiral pattern with a mix of colors and textures, all tightly rolled and evenly cut. The image captures a close-up view, focusing on the detail in each sandwich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ranch dressing mix, shredded cheddar, 1 tablespoon of milk, chopped bacon, and chopped chicken until well combined. Add more milk if a looser consistency is desired.
Step 2: Spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture evenly over each tortilla.
Step 3: Roll each tortilla up tightly but gently to ensure the filling stays inside and holds its shape.
Step 4: Refrigerate the rolled tortillas for about 30 minutes to allow the cheese to firm up.
Step 5: Cut off the ends of each roll, then slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon for a leaner option.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Make mini pinwheels by using smaller tortillas for bite-sized appetizers.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best served chilled but can be gently warmed in the microwave for about 10 seconds if preferred.

How to Serve

A deep blue plate with orange and white stripes at the bottom half holds many small tortilla pinwheel rolls stacked in a pyramid shape. Each pinwheel shows white tortilla layers spread with an orange creamy filling mixed with small pieces of green herbs and bits of red, giving a colorful speckled look. The plate is on a white marbled surface with football-themed decorations visible around it, including a football-shaped dish and pom-poms with orange and blue strands. The overall setting is bright and lively. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?

Yes, you can make these pinwheels a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain their shape and freshness.

Can I use other types of tortillas?

Absolutely! Flour burrito tortillas work best, but you can also use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added flavor and nutrition.

Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

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Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring a creamy mixture of cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, bacon, and chicken wrapped in large burrito-sized tortillas. Perfectly chilled and sliced into bite-sized pieces, these pinwheels are ideal for parties or snacks.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16–20 pinwheels 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Wrap

4 or 5 large burrito tortillas (10-inch)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ranch dressing powder, shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon milk, chopped bacon, and cooked chopped chicken until well combined. Add more milk if necessary to reach a spreadable consistency.
Spread the Mixture: Evenly spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto each large tortilla, covering the surface uniformly to ensure a consistent flavor in every bite.
Roll the Tortillas: Carefully roll each tortilla up tightly but gently to keep the filling secure and maintain the shape of the pinwheels.
Chill to Set: Place the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for roughly 30 minutes. This step helps to firm up the cream cheese mixture, making it easier to slice.
Slice and Serve: After chilling, cut off the ends of each tortilla roll to create clean edges and then slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels, ready to be served as a tasty appetizer or snack.

Notes

You can substitute cooked turkey or ham for the chicken for a different flavor.
If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened properly to mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
Pinwheels can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours for convenience.
Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.

Keywords: crack chicken pinwheels, chicken appetizers, creamy chicken roll-ups, party snacks, easy no-cook appetizer, bacon and chicken pinwheels