Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring creamy, cheesy chicken wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, they combine the savory flavors of bacon, ranch, and cheddar in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 3 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
- 2 8-10 inch flour tortillas
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the chicken, cream cheese, bacon, mayonnaise, chives, and ranch seasoning to a bowl and mash the mixture together with a fork until well combined.
- Step 2: Divide the mixture evenly between the two tortillas and spread it all the way to the edges.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each tortilla and roll them up tightly.
- Step 4: Use a sharp knife to trim the edges of the tortillas and then slice each rolled tortilla into 5 pieces.
- Step 5: Arrange the pinwheels in an air fryer basket that has been spritzed with oil spray or lined with parchment paper in a single, even layer. Cook at 370°F for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a crispier texture, try baking the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes instead of air frying.
- Swap the chicken for turkey or ham for a different flavor profile.
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and bacon for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
Storage
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can be served slightly chilled as well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the pinwheels ahead of time, then refrigerate them unheated. Cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, mix together dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a simple homemade substitute.
Print
Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 pinwheels 1x
Description
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a savory and creamy appetizer featuring a delicious blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese wrapped in soft flour tortillas. These bite-sized pinwheels are air fried to golden perfection, offering a perfect combination of flavors and textures that make a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 3 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
Assembly
- 2 8-10 inch flour tortillas
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, room temperature cream cheese, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, minced chives, and ranch seasoning. Mash the mixture together using a fork until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is creamy and cohesive.
- Spread filling on tortillas: Evenly divide the chicken mixture between the two flour tortillas. Spread it out to cover the entire surface, reaching all the edges for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Add cheese and roll: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the spread filling on each tortilla. Tightly roll each tortilla into a log, ensuring a snug wrap to hold the filling inside.
- Trim and slice: Using a sharp knife, carefully trim the edges of the rolled tortillas to create clean ends, then slice each rolled tortilla into 5 pinwheel pieces, creating bite-sized rounds.
- Air fry the pinwheels: Arrange the pinwheels in a single layer in an air fryer basket that has been lightly sprayed with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes, until heated through and the edges are golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve immediately: Remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use warm cream cheese for easier mixing with the chicken and other ingredients.
- Make sure to spread the mixture evenly for uniform pinwheels.
- Trimmed edges help make neat, visually appealing pinwheel slices.
- Adjust air fryer times based on your device’s power and how crispy you like them.
- These pinwheels can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; air fry just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crack chicken pinwheels, chicken appetizers, air fryer snacks, creamy chicken recipe, bacon ranch pinwheels, finger foods
