I’ll never forget the first time I brought Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels to a Super Bowl party. The platter was empty within minutes! Everyone was raving about the perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken all rolled up in a flaky crust. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll LOVE These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Okay, let’s be real. We all need that go-to appetizer that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear fast. These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are *it*. But they’re not just convenient; they’re packed with flavor that will leave everyone begging for more. Think about it: the tangy kick of buffalo sauce, the coolness of cream cheese, the savory chicken… it’s a party in your mouth! Plus, they’re surprisingly versatile – perfect for game day, potlucks, or even a fun weeknight snack. I promise, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
What Makes These Pinwheels So Special?
- Unbelievable Flavor: The combination of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese is a match made in heaven. Seriously, the flavors explode in your mouth!
- Easy to Make: Using store-bought crescent roll dough cuts down on prep time, making this recipe perfect for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves buffalo chicken, and these pinwheels are a fun, unique way to enjoy that classic flavor.
- Versatile: Serve them hot or cold, as an appetizer or a light meal. They’re delicious either way!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time and bake them just before serving, saving you valuable time on party day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create these flavor-packed pinwheels. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
- Crescent Roll Dough: 2 (8-ounce) cans. I prefer the seamless sheets if you can find them, but the regular crescent rolls work great too.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken (drained well).
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy spreading.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: 1/2 cup. Use your favorite brand! I like Frank’s RedHot for that classic buffalo flavor.
- Ranch Dressing: 1/4 cup. Adds a creamy, cool element to balance the spice.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup. Adds a cheesy, melty goodness. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced (optional, but highly recommended). Adds a pop of fresh flavor and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Rolling!
Okay, friend, let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! I’ll guide you through each step, so you’ll have perfect pinwheels in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and green onions (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be nice and creamy, with the chicken evenly coated in the sauce and cheese.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. If using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining crescent roll dough and chicken mixture. You should now have two logs of buffalo chicken goodness.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should get about 10-12 pinwheels from each log.
- Place the pinwheels onto the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. Leave a little space between each pinwheel to allow them to bake evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The edges should be nicely browned, and the cheese should be melted and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Success Tips for Perfect Pinwheels
Want to ensure your Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a total hit? Here are my top tips for guaranteed success:
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to pile on the chicken mixture. Too much filling will make the pinwheels difficult to roll and they’ll explode while baking.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: This is crucial! Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a creamy, cohesive filling. If your cream cheese is cold, microwave it for 15-20 seconds.
- Tight Rolling is Key: The tighter you roll the dough, the better the pinwheels will hold their shape and prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: A sharp knife will ensure clean, even slices, resulting in perfectly shaped pinwheels. A serrated knife works best.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: The crescent roll dough should be golden brown and the filling bubbly. This ensures that the pinwheels are fully cooked and have a delicious, crispy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to get creative? Here are some fun variations and substitutions you can try:
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all be delicious.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat. For a milder flavor, use a mild buffalo sauce or add a dollop of sour cream to the filling. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetables: Add some chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Protein: Try using shredded turkey, ham, or even black beans instead of chicken.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve the pinwheels with a side of ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Appetizer: Perfect for game day, parties, or any gathering.
- Snack: A quick and satisfying snack for any time of day.
- Light Meal: Serve with a side salad for a light and easy lunch or dinner.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack them in your lunchbox for a delicious and portable meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
These pinwheels are incredibly convenient because you can easily make them ahead of time!
Make-Ahead Instructions:
You can assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the filling, roll up the pinwheels, slice them, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of chicken recipes, you’re in the right place! Here are a few other favorites that I think you’ll absolutely adore:
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, you have to try these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. They’re packed with flavor and come together in minutes! Or, if you’re looking for something comforting and creamy, Creamy Chicken & Rice is always a winner. And for Taco Tuesday, you can’t beat this easy Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken. Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic! For a cozy and filling meal, Crockpot White Chicken Chili is perfect for a chilly evening. And if you’re craving pasta, this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a one-pan wonder that’s sure to satisfy. Finally, if you want to stick with the buffalo theme, you NEED to try this Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak. Your obsession starts here!
Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Here’s the full recipe for your convenience. Print it out, save it to your favorites, and get ready to impress!
Ingredients:
- 2 (8-ounce) cans crescent roll dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and green onions (if using).
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining dough and chicken mixture.
- Slice each log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place pinwheels onto the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready to be Addicted!
There you have it! My foolproof recipe for the most addictive Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels you’ll ever make. I know that with these tips and tricks, you’re going to create something truly amazing. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and get ready to wow your friends and family. Happy baking!
Can I prepare the Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the filling, roll up the pinwheels, slice them, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake as directed when ready.
What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
You can experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack. Adjust the spice level by using mild buffalo sauce or adding cayenne pepper. You can also add chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers to the filling. Try using shredded turkey, ham, or even black beans instead of chicken.
What kind of dough should I use for the Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
The recipe calls for 2 (8-ounce) cans of crescent roll dough. Seamless sheets are preferred, but regular crescent rolls work as well. If using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough.
How should I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for any party or gathering. They’re easy to make with store-bought crescent roll dough and packed with the classic flavors of buffalo chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. They are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
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Baking Sheet
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Parchment paper
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Medium bowl
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Measuring cups
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Measuring spoons
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Mixing spoon
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sharp knife
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Cutting board
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Lightly floured surface
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced optional
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for dusting
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and green onions (if using). Mix everything together until well combined.
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Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. If using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough.
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Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges.
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Starting from one end, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
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Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining crescent roll dough and chicken mixture.
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Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
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Place the pinwheels onto the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up, leaving a little space between each pinwheel.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
For best results, use softened cream cheese. If your cream cheese is cold, microwave it for 15-20 seconds. Roll the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out. A sharp, serrated knife will help you cut clean slices. These pinwheels can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.