Crack Chicken Pinwheels are the ultimate party snack—loaded with creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a potluck, or an easy make-ahead lunch, these pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With no baking required and only 15 minutes of prep, you’ll want to keep this simple and addictive recipe on repeat all season long.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick 15-minute prep
- ✅ No cooking required
- ✅ Perfect for tailgates, parties, and lunchboxes
- ✅ Easily made ahead and chilled overnight
- ✅ Packed with bold, savory flavor in every bite
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and chopped bacon (about 6 slices)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great!)
- 4 large burrito-size flour tortillas
Instructions
- Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth. - Add the Flavor
Stir in shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, and chicken until evenly distributed. - Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay a tortilla flat and spread about ¼ of the filling evenly across it, leaving a ½-inch border. - Roll and Chill
Roll tightly from one edge to the other. Wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results). - Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 15 minutes + chill time
- Servings: Makes ~3 dozen pinwheels
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 Pinwheels – Estimated)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
Tips & Variations
- 🧀 Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor
- 🐔 Use canned chicken in a pinch
- 🌶️ Add a drizzle of buffalo sauce to spice it up
- 🥬 Want freshness? Add chopped green onion or spinach
- ❄️ Freezing not recommended—tortillas and cream cheese don’t thaw well
FAQs
Can I make Crack Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight.
Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes! Just be sure to drain it well and shred it finely.
What’s the best way to keep them rolled tight?
Wrap each tortilla roll tightly in plastic wrap before chilling—it helps seal the shape.
Can I make this recipe low carb?
Use low-carb tortillas or serve the filling in lettuce cups as a dip.
Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, milk, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, bacon, and chicken.
- Spread mixture evenly over each tortilla.
- Roll tightly and wrap in plastic.
- Chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fuss-free appetizer that always disappears fast, Crack Chicken Pinwheels are your new MVP. Creamy, cheesy, savory, and totally addictive, they’re the perfect make-ahead snack for tailgates, parties, or busy weekdays. Just roll, chill, slice, and watch them vanish!