These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are a fun and tasty treat! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
They’re perfect for parties or just a snack at home. I love making a big batch and watching them disappear faster than you can say “yummy!” 🍗🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great option for convenience. You can also use turkey for a twist, or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. If you want a healthier alternative, try turkey bacon or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese binds everything together. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat option, or for a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese.
Ranch Dressing: You can use homemade ranch for fresher flavor or substitute with a different dressing, like blue cheese or a vinaigrette, if preferred.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional, but you could use whole wheat, spinach, or corn tortillas for added flavor and color.
How Can You Make Sure the Pinwheels Don’t Fall Apart?
Getting a good roll on your pinwheels is key. Here are some tips to keep them intact:
- Spread the filling evenly across the tortilla, leaving a little border around the edges to prevent overflow.
- Roll tightly, starting from one end. Use your fingers to tuck as you go, ensuring a snug roll.
- Chilling is crucial! Let the rolls sit in the fridge to firm up before slicing. This helps them hold their shape.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pinwheels. A dull knife can squash them. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 large flour tortillas
Time Estimate:
You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation and an additional 30 minutes for chilling. So, the total time is around 50 minutes, which includes making the pinwheels and letting them firm up in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will be the base for your filling.
2. Mix It Up:
Add the shredded chicken, chopped crispy bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s all well combined. It should be a deliciously creamy mixture!
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
Take one large flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. This is your canvas for the filling!
4. Spread the Filling:
Take a generous amount of the chicken bacon ranch mixture and evenly spread it across the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one edge of the tortilla, roll it up tightly into a log shape. Make sure it’s snug so your pinwheels hold together nicely.
6. Repeat for Remaining Tortillas:
Do the same spreading and rolling process with the rest of the tortillas and filling until you’ve created all of your pinwheels.
7. Chill the Rolls:
Place each rolled tortilla in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important because it helps firm them up, making them easier to slice later.
8. Slice the Pinwheels:
Once they’re nice and chilled, take a sharp knife and cut each roll into about 1-inch thick pinwheels. A clean cut helps keep them looking pretty!
9. Arrange on a Platter:
Place your beautiful pinwheels on a serving platter. If you’d like, you can garnish with some fresh chopped parsley or thyme sprigs for an extra touch!
10. Enjoy Your Pinwheels:
These are best served chilled or at room temperature. They make for a perfect appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred or chop the chicken finely and incorporate it into the filling for a quick and tasty option.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch dressing, you can use another dressing such as blue cheese, Caesar, or a homemade herb vinaigrette. Just make sure the flavor complements the other ingredients!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep them chilled to maintain freshness. Enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature before serving!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any odors. Slice them just before serving for the best presentation!
