This Crack Chicken Pinwheels with Bacon, Ranch, and Cheese comes together in about 30 minutes, and it’s all done without baking! This quick and easy recipe is a fabulous option for a weeknight dinner that your family will love! Seriously, whether you have a chaotic night ahead or just want a simple meal, these pinwheels are here to save the day!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up these incredible Crack Chicken Pinwheels. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and versatility!
12 ounces cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that holds everything together. I recommend letting it sit out for a bit or microwaving it for about 15 seconds, that makes mixing a breeze.
1 cup chicken, cooked and shredded: This is my go-to for using up leftover chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken, it’s already seasoned and so tasty! You can really adapt this recipe to whatever protein or even beans you have on hand!
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: A classic choice that adds mouthwatering, gooey goodness. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack if you’re feelin’ spicy that day!
3/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled: Because bacon makes everything better, right? (Also, who can resist its smoky flavor?!) You can use pre-cooked bacon or make your own if you’re up for it.
2 tablespoons green onions, sliced thin: They add a pop of color, flavor, and crunch. If you’re not a fan of them, chopped parsley or even some diced bell peppers would work beautifully too.
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix: Such a flavor powerhouse! You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
4 tortillas, burrito size: This is your canvas for rolling up all that scrumptious goodness!
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, cooked chicken, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and ranch seasoning mix. It’s like a party in a bowl! Using a fork or an electric mixer, mash and stir the ingredients together until they’re well combined, think smooth and creamy with bits of colorful green onion peeking through. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Spread Out: Lay a tortilla on a flat surface. Take about 1/4 of that creamy mixture and spread it evenly over the tortilla. Leave about an inch around the edges to prevent overflow when you’re rolling. Repeat this step for the remaining tortillas, set them up like a little pinwheel assembly line.
Roll It Up: Gently roll each tortilla tightly. If you find it difficult, just start in one corner and try to keep it even as you go. Warm tortillas are much easier to roll, so if they’ve been sitting in the fridge, consider microwaving them for about 10-15 seconds to soften.
Chill Out: Carefully place the rolled tortillas seam side down on a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. I know, I know. It’s hard to wait, but trust me, this helps them firm up and makes cutting so much easier!
Slice and Serve: Once you’ve been patient (at least I hope you are!), pull out those delicious pinwheels and slice them into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. With every cut, you’ll see that colorful filling peeking out, and trust me, it’s super satisfying.
And voilà! You’ve got yourself a tray of Crack Chicken Pinwheels that are ready to impress friends, family, or even just yourself!
One thing I always say is, “don’t skip chilling the tortilla rolls before slicing or they may be messier.” No one wants a personal pinwheel avalanche, right?
Want to explore more deliciousness? If you loved this Crack Chicken Pinwheels, be sure to check out my Chicken Francese, my Baked BBQ Sausage Bites, or my Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These crack chicken pinwheels come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table, or ready for the fridge, in no time!
Crowd-Pleaser
Let’s be real, the whole family will love it! These pinwheels are fun, colorful, and delicious. You might even find that picky eaters can’t resist them, and you could get your kids asking for seconds, always a win.
Customizable
The best part? You can easily customize these pinwheels! Got a leftover protein from last night? Use that! Prefer a spicier kick? Swap the cheddar for some jalapeño Jack. The options are endless, experiment until you find your favorite combo!
Make-Ahead Friendly
These pinwheels are perfect for meal prep! Assemble them up to a day in advance and just slice before serving. This time-saving aspect is absolutely key for busy families.
Minimal Cleanup Required
Who wants to deal with a mess after cooking? Thankfully, this recipe is all about simplicity, it uses just one bowl and a few simple tools! Plenty of flavor and barely any dishes to deal with? Yes, please!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Recipe
These Crack Chicken Pinwheels are versatile that can be served as a main dish, snack, or appetizer. Pair them with some fresh veggies, a side salad, or dips like ranch or buffalo sauce for added flavor! You could even serve them alongside my Amazing Guacamole for a little party flair.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers (major doubt), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll still be delicious, but they might lose a bit of their firm structure. So, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating Instructions
While I recommend enjoying them cold for that fresh taste, if you have to reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be mindful not to overheat; you want the filling comfortable, not bubbling over.
Is It Freezer Friendly?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing these as they might lose that lovely texture and become a bit soggy, but if you must, wrap each pinwheel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Definitely, use them within one month for the best results.
And there you have it, your new favorite Crack Chicken Pinwheels with Bacon, Ranch, and Cheese recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy this culinary journey, and get ready for some incredible bites that’ll have everyone coming back for more! Happy cooking!
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Crack Chicken Pinwheels with Bacon, Ranch, and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Quick and easy Crack Chicken Pinwheels with Bacon, Ranch, and Cheese, perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
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
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix until well combined.
- Lay a tortilla on a flat surface and spread about 1/4 of the mixture evenly over it, leaving an inch around the edges.
- Repeat for the remaining tortillas.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam side down on a platter.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Slice the chilled pinwheels into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces and serve.
Notes
Chilling the tortilla rolls before slicing helps them hold together better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg