Introduction

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for gatherings or snacks. Packed with creamy chicken, bacon, and cheese, these flavorful pinwheels will quickly become a crowd favorite.

A white plate shows six rolled tortilla pinwheels stacked closely together. Each pinwheel has three layers: the outer light beige tortilla wrap, a thick middle layer of white creamy filling mixed with small pieces of orange shredded carrot, and bits of red bacon or sun-dried tomato. Small green onion pieces are scattered inside, adding a bright green contrast. The pinwheels are arranged in a casual, slightly uneven pile on a white marbled surface with blurred green onions and a white bowl of orange shredded cheese visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
1-2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1 tablespoon milk
4 large flavored tortillas (spinach or sun-dried tomato are great choices)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and milk. Mix well until smooth and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Lay a flavored tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla and spread evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly to help it hold its shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas until all are filled and rolled.
Step 4: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to set.
Step 5: Remove rolls from the fridge, unwrap, and slice into ½-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use flavored tortillas like spinach or sun-dried tomato to add extra color and flavor.
For a spicier kick, mix in some hot sauce or diced jalapeños with the chicken mixture.
Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and make slicing easier.
Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different taste.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

A white flour tortilla rolled tightly with a creamy filling that has two main layers: a smooth white cream cheese base with small pieces of cooked chicken mixed in, and orange shredded cheddar cheese scattered throughout, along with small bits of dark red bacon or similar meat inside. The roll is sliced into round pinwheel shapes, revealing circular layers of the tortilla and filling in a spiral. The pieces are placed on a light wooden cutting board with a close-up view of a silver knife cutting one piece. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tortillas?

Yes, you can use any large tortillas you prefer. Flavored varieties like spinach or sun-dried tomato add an extra burst of flavor, but plain flour tortillas work well too.

Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?

Absolutely. Preparing the pinwheels and refrigerating them for a few hours or overnight helps the filling firm up, making them easier to slice and enhancing the flavor.

Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 129 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Crack Chicken Pinwheels featuring a creamy and savory filling of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning rolled in flavorful tortillas. These pinwheels are perfect as party appetizers, snacks, or lunchbox treats with minimal prep and no cooking required after assembly.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12–16 pinwheels 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
1–2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1 tablespoon milk

Assembly

4 large flavored tortillas (spinach or sun-dried tomato are great choices)

Instructions

Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, ranch seasoning mix, and milk. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Assemble the pinwheels: Lay a flavored tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla and spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
Roll the tortillas: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly to ensure it holds its shape. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas until all are filled and rolled up.
Chill to set: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set and the pinwheels to firm up for easier slicing.
Slice and serve: Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolls into ½-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them on a serving platter and optionally garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shredded chicken base.
Flavored tortillas like spinach or sun-dried tomato add extra visual appeal and taste but plain tortillas work as well.
Adjust ranch seasoning to taste depending on preferred saltiness and spice level.
For easier slicing, chill the rolls overnight before cutting.
These pinwheels can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Crack chicken pinwheels, chicken appetizer, ranch chicken pinwheels, no-cook chicken recipe, party appetizers, easy chicken roll-ups