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Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

I have to admit, I’ve made Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels more times than I can count, and every single time, they vanish in minutes! The combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and crispy bacon wrapped in soft, buttery crescent dough is irresistible. I love making them for family dinners, potlucks, or even a quick snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 8- ounce can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or dough sheet if available. I prefer fresh dough for a soft, flaky texture.
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese plus ½ cup reserved for topping. Freshly shredded gives better melting and flavor.
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and diced/crumbled. I always cook bacon until extra crisp to avoid soggy pinwheels.
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken. Rotisserie chicken adds flavor and saves time.
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix 1 packet. The ranch mix gives the filling a punch of savory flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder. A little garlic goes a long way in boosting taste.
  • 6 ounces cream cheese softened. Softened cream cheese spreads easily and binds all ingredients together.
  • Fresh minced parsley optional, for garnish. Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Method
 

  1. I always preheat my oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, so the pinwheels come out golden every time.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, I combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. I like using my hands for spreading later, as the filling is thick and evenly distributed that way.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the crescent dough and press seams together to form a single sheet. This makes spreading the filling easier without tearing the dough.
  4. I spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges. Then, I roll it lengthwise into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes to firm it up.
  5. Once chilled, I slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. I top them with reserved cheese and extra bacon if desired, then bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

  • I always use fresh shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
  • Cooling the rolled log in the fridge helps maintain the pinwheel shape during baking.
  • Cooking the bacon extra crisp prevents soggy centers.
  • I lightly flour my rolling surface to avoid sticking without tearing the dough.