These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are fun and packed with flavor! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch, they are rolled up in a soft tortilla for easy eating.
Perfect as snacks or party appetizers, these little bites are always a hit! I love serving them with a side of extra ranch for dipping—talk about a tasty combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour Tortillas: I recommend using large flour tortillas for wrapping. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat or spinach tortillas. Corn tortillas can work too, but they might be a bit more fragile for rolling.
Cooked Chicken: For this recipe, I typically use rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you have leftover grilled or baked chicken, that’s a great substitute. For a vegetarian twist, consider using shredded tofu or cooked chickpeas!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch. If you want a healthier choice, turkey bacon can be a good alternative, or even crispy smoked tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just be aware that cooking times might vary.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a creamy texture. You can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. It will change the flavor slightly but still tastes great!
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is super convenient, but homemade ranch dressing with herbs can enhance the flavor. Need a dairy-free option? Use a dairy-free ranch dressing or avocado-based dressing!
How Do I Roll the Tortillas Without Them Tearing?
Rolling tortillas can be tricky, but a few simple steps can help! First, use room temperature tortillas; they’re more pliable. Also, don’t overfill them with the chicken and bacon mixture.
- Start your roll tightly from one edge. This keeps the filling snug as you roll.
- If you encounter resistance, gently stretch the tortilla without tearing it.
- Once rolled, give them a little twist at the ends, like a candy wrap, to secure everything inside.
Refrigerating the rolled tortillas helps them set up, making them easier to slice later. Happy rolling!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz (about 1 cup) cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, and you’ll want to refrigerate the pinwheels for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving. All in all, you can enjoy these bite-sized delights in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base for your pinwheels!
2. Add the Yummy Fillings:
Fold in the chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir gently until all the ingredients are fully mixed. You want to ensure that every bite has a bit of everything!
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
Lay out each flour tortilla flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Make sure they are completely flat for easier spreading and rolling.
4. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the chicken bacon ranch mixture over each tortilla, covering the entire surface. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges so it doesn’t ooze out when you roll it up!
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one edge, tightly roll up each tortilla into a log shape. It might help to tuck in the filling as you roll for a neater look.
6. Chill and Set:
Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help them firm up, making it easier to slice and keeping the filling in place.
7. Slice Into Pinwheels:
After chilling, remove the tortillas from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch-wide pinwheels. Aim for clean cuts to present them nicely!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving plate, garnishing with extra chopped parsley if desired. Serve them chilled or at room temperature and enjoy these delicious, creamy, and savory treats!
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient option since it adds extra flavor. Just make sure it’s chopped or shredded into small pieces for easy mixing.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. For best quality, try to eat them within that time frame!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegetarian?
Yes! You can make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and bacon. Replace them with ingredients like black beans, diced avocado, or roasted vegetables for a flavorful twist!
What Can I Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels?
These pinwheels are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a side of veggies and dip, chips, or a light salad. You could even serve them with extra ranch dressing for dipping!
