Introduction

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a deliciously creamy, cheesy snack perfect for parties or a quick appetizer. These flavorful pinwheels combine ranch, bacon, chicken, and cheddar for a satisfying bite every time.

The image shows close-up white tortilla pinwheels filled with a creamy mixture that contains orange cheddar cheese, bits of bacon, and small green herbs. Each pinwheel is rolled tightly, displaying clear layers of the soft creamy filling and the pale tortilla. The pinwheels are stacked together closely on a white marbled surface, capturing the textured cream and cheese blend inside. The overall look is fresh and appetizing with visible colors that contrast well in each spiral. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
1½ tablespoons ranch dressing mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
¾ cup chopped cooked bacon
1 cup cooked chopped chicken
4 or 5 large burrito tortillas (10-inch)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ranch dressing mix, shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon milk, chopped bacon, and cooked chicken until well combined. Add more milk if the mixture seems too thick.
Step 2: Evenly spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, covering the surface.
Step 3: Roll each tortilla up gently but tightly to ensure the filling stays inside and the roll holds its shape.
Step 4: Place the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the softened cheese.
Step 5: Remove from the fridge, cut off the ends of each roll, and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture.
Substitute cooked turkey or ham for the chicken for a different flavor.
Use flour tortillas that are fresh and pliable to avoid cracking when rolling.
If you prefer, swap ranch dressing mix for Italian seasoning and garlic powder for a different herb profile.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed briefly in the microwave, but warming may soften the tortillas and filling slightly.

How to Serve

A white plate holds many small, round tortilla pinwheels stacked in a mound. Each pinwheel shows layers of white tortilla with creamy light orange filling mixed with small bits of green and red herbs or vegetables, giving a fresh and colorful look. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with football-themed items nearby, including a brown football-shaped plate with white stitching and orange and blue pom-poms, adding a sporty atmosphere. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Crack Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, these pinwheels are best made a few hours ahead or the night before to allow the filling to firm up, making slicing easier and flavor more melded.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the filling may be less creamy and rich. For best flavor and texture, regular cream cheese is recommended.

Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 113 reviews

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring a creamy mixture of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, bacon, and cooked chicken rolled inside soft burrito tortillas. These bite-sized pinwheels are perfect for parties, snacks, or lunchboxes, offering a savory, cheesy flavor with a hint of ranch dressing.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 to 5 servings (depending on number of tortillas and slice size) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
1½ Tbsp ranch dressing mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 to 2 Tbsp milk
¾ cup chopped cooked bacon
1 cup cooked chopped chicken
4 or 5 large burrito tortillas (10-inch)

Instructions

Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch dressing powder, shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of milk, chopped bacon, and cooked chopped chicken. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined. Add the additional tablespoon of milk if the mixture seems too thick for spreading.
Spread the filling: Lay each burrito tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese mixture over each tortilla, making sure to cover the surface but leave a small border around the edges to help with rolling.
Roll the tortillas: Starting from one edge, gently but tightly roll up the tortilla so that it forms a compact log, ensuring the filling stays inside and the roll maintains its shape.
Chill to set: Place the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator and chill for approximately 30 minutes. This step firms up the softened cream cheese mixture, making it easier to slice without squishing.
Slice and serve: Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator. Trim off the ends to create clean edges, then slice the rolls into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Use cooked chicken such as rotisserie, grilled, or boiled chicken, finely chopped.
For a spicier kick, add some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mix.
Keep pinwheels refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and texture.
These pinwheels can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap.
For a gluten-free option, substitute regular tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.

Keywords: Crack Chicken Pinwheels, Chicken Appetizer, Ranch Chicken Roll-Ups, Cream Cheese Pinwheels, Party Snacks