These tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels are a fun mix of chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing, all rolled up in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a quick snack or party treat!
I love how easy these are to make! Just spread, roll, and slice—no fancy skills needed. They’re always a hit when I serve them at get-togethers. Everyone loves a good pinwheel! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are perfect for these pinwheels. You can swap them for whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added flavor and nutrition.
Cream Cheese: This gives the pinwheels a creamy texture. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter alternative if you’re looking to cut calories.
Ranch Dressing: A key flavor base, but you can use a homemade ranch mix or even Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a healthier twist.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken can save time. If you have leftover chicken, that works great, too!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch. For a healthier option, consider turkey bacon or even omit it for a vegetarian version.
Shredded Mozzarella: This cheese melts nicely. Cheddar or pepper jack are fantastic substitutes if you want a different flavor.
How Do You Make Sure the Pinwheels Hold Together?
Getting the roll tight without spilling out the filling is crucial. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly across the tortilla, leaving a little edge at the sides.
- Layer the chicken, bacon, and cheese carefully. Too much filling can make it hard to roll.
- When rolling, tuck in the filling gently as you go and keep it as tight as possible.
- Once rolled, wrap it in plastic wrap tightly so it holds its shape while chilling.
Letting the pinwheels chill for an hour is key—it helps them set and makes slicing easier!
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced or shredded
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or dried Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before serving these delicious snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, take your softened cream cheese and mix it with the ranch dressing until it becomes smooth and creamy. This is the base of your pinwheels and is packed with flavor!
2. Add the Seasonings:
Now, stir in the garlic powder, chopped parsley (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well so it’s nicely blended.
3. Spread It on the Tortillas:
Lay your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Take your creamy mixture and spread an even layer over each tortilla, reaching the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
For each tortilla, evenly distribute the cooked chicken slices, crumbled bacon, and shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cream cheese layer. Make sure to do this evenly so every slice of your pinwheel has a little bit of everything!
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting from one edge, carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Roll it up like a sleeping bag, tucking in the filling as you go to keep everything snug inside!
6. Chill Out:
Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge and let them chill for at least 1 hour. This helps firm them up for easier slicing and makes for better pinwheels!
7. Slice, Slice, Baby:
After chilling, remove the plastic wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. You should see beautiful, colorful spirals when you slice through!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your pinwheels on a lovely serving platter. If you’d like, garnish them with a sprinkle of extra parsley for a pop of color. These pinwheels can be served chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to your pinwheels. Just shred or slice the chicken, and it’s ready to go!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make these pinwheels up to a day in advance. Just prepare them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This actually helps the flavors meld together better!
How Do I Store Any Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They are great for quick snacks, but for the best taste, consume them within a day or two!
Can I Freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the rolled pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for about 1 month. Thaw them in the fridge before slicing and serving.
