Crack Chicken Pinwheels Clara quick dinners

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a hit at parties, game day gatherings, or as an easy snack. Loaded with shredded chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning, all rolled up in soft tortillas, these bite-sized treats are simple to make and full of crave-worthy flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A no-bake appetizer that’s quick and easy to prepare
• Made with only a handful of simple, crowd-favorite ingredients
• Ideal for parties, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches
• Can be customized with extra add-ins or made low-carb
• Irresistible creamy texture and bold ranch flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese, softened
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk (optional, to loosen filling if needed)
• Cooked and crumbled bacon
• Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• Large flour tortillas

Directions

1. Make the filling:
   In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, and shredded chicken. If the mixture is too thick to spread, add a tablespoon or two of milk.
2. Assemble the pinwheels:
   Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla, leaving a small border. Roll tightly into a log. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Chill:
   Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
4. Slice and serve:
   Unwrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 pinwheels
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling
• Low-carb option: Use low-carb tortillas or roll filling in lettuce leaves
• Veggie-packed: Mix in chopped green onions, bell peppers, or spinach
• Buffalo-style: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a spicy alternative

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream cheese texture change after thawing
• Reheating: Best served cold, but can be microwaved for 1520 seconds if desired

FAQs

What is “crack chicken”?

Crack chicken is a popular dish made with chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese—it’s creamy, savory, and addictively good.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and a great time saver.

Do I have to chill the rolls before slicing?

Chilling helps the pinwheels hold their shape and makes slicing much easier.

What tortillas work best?

Large flour tortillas are ideal. Avoid corn tortillas, as they crack when rolled.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep them a day in advance and slice just before serving.

Are these served hot or cold?

They’re typically served cold or at room temperature.

What cheese is best for this?

Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but you can use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped green onions, bell peppers, or spinach work well.

How do I keep them from unrolling?

Roll tightly and chill before slicing. You can also use toothpicks for extra security when serving.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Pinwheels are the ultimate bite-sized appetizer—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with ranch and bacon flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or packing lunchboxes, these pinwheels are a no-fuss recipe that everyone will love. Quick to make and easy to customize, they’ll be your go-to crowd-pleaser in no time.

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