Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and addictive appetizer, snack, or even a meal that combines the irresistible flavors of crack chicken—cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar—rolled up in a flaky dough. These pinwheels are perfect for game days, parties, or a family snack, and are always a hit thanks to their cheesy, savory filling and crispy golden exterior. Let’s dive into this detailed, 3000-word recipe guide, exploring the ingredients, step-by-step process, tips, and variations for making the ultimate Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels.

What is Crack Chicken?

Crack Chicken is a popular dish known for its incredibly flavorful combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and bacon. It’s called “crack chicken” because it’s so addictive, much like the combination of creaminess, cheesiness, and salty bacon is hard to resist. While the traditional version is often served on a sandwich or as a dip, in this recipe, we take the flavors of crack chicken and turn them into bite-sized pinwheels wrapped in flaky dough and baked to golden perfection.

How to Make Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken breasts, season them with salt and pepper, and cook them in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken cool, then shred it using two forks or a stand mixer. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop it into small pieces.
3. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, ranch seasoning mix, and green onions. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Fold in the shredded chicken until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface. If the dough is perforated, press the seams together to create one large, smooth sheet of dough. You can also lightly roll the dough with a rolling pin to even it out.
2. Spread the Filling: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the crack chicken filling evenly over the surface of the crescent dough, leaving about 1/2-inch border around the edges.

Step 3: Roll and Slice the Pinwheels

1. Roll the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to ensure that the pinwheels hold their shape during baking.
2. Chill the Roll (Optional): If the dough feels too soft and difficult to slice, wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut clean slices.
3. Slice the Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. You should be able to get around 12-15 pinwheels, depending on the size of your roll.

Step 4: Bake the Pinwheels

1. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the pinwheels on the sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion during baking.
2. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the tops of the pinwheels with beaten egg. This will help them achieve a golden, shiny finish.
3. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the pinwheels are out of the oven, sprinkle them with fresh parsley and extra bacon crumbles if desired. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be hot.
2. Serve: Serve the Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels warm, either as an appetizer or a main dish. These pinwheels are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels

1. Use Cold Dough: Cold crescent roll dough is easier to work with and less likely to tear. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing the filling. This will ensure a smooth, even mixture that’s easy to spread.
3. Chill the Roll Before Slicing: If your roll feels too soft to cut cleanly, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes. This will firm up the dough and filling, making it easier to slice without losing the shape of the pinwheels.
4. Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack as much filling as possible into the pinwheels, overfilling can cause the dough to split or leak during baking. Spread an even layer of filling, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Adjust the Ranch Seasoning: If you’re sensitive to salt, start with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix and add more to taste. Ranch seasoning can be quite salty, especially when combined with bacon and cheese.
6. Experiment with Flavors: The base recipe for crack chicken is versatile. Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as jalapeños for heat, spinach for a bit of greenery, or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of tangy sweetness.

Variations of Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels

1. Buffalo Crack Chicken Pinwheels: Add 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the filling mixture for a spicy kick. Top the baked pinwheels with blue cheese crumbles for an extra layer of flavor.
2. BBQ Crack Chicken Pinwheels: Mix 2-3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce into the filling for a sweet and tangy version. Pair it with extra bacon or caramelized onions for even more flavor.
3. Spinach and Artichoke Crack Chicken Pinwheels: Add 1/2 cup of chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the filling for a creamy, veggie-packed twist on the classic.
4. Jalapeño Popper Crack Chicken Pinwheels: Add diced jalapeños and extra cheddar cheese to the filling for a spicy version that’s reminiscent of jalapeño poppers. You can also top the pinwheels with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

How to Serve Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels

1. As an Appetizer: These pinwheels make a perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or family gatherings. They’re easy to pick up and enjoy as finger food, and you can make large batches ahead of time.
2. As a Main Dish: Serve the pinwheels alongside a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a fun and satisfying dinner.
3. On a Snack Platter: Add the pinwheels to a snack platter with other bite-sized treats like veggies, dips, and cheese cubes for a crowd-pleasing spread.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Storing: Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the pinwheels are fully cooled before storing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.

Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen pinwheels to a resealable freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, place the pinwheels in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

Conclusion

Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their creamy, cheesy filling and flaky dough, these pinwheels are bound to be a hit whether you’re serving them at a party, as a snack, or as part of a meal. Plus, with the versatility to tweak the flavors and ingredients to your liking, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, the detailed instructions and tips in this guide will help you make the perfect batch of Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels every time! Enjoy!

Yield: 8-10 Pinwheels

Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

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Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a delicious and addictive appetizer, snack, or even a meal that combines the irresistible flavors of crack chicken—cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar—rolled up in a flaky dough. These pinwheels are perfect for game days, parties, or a family snack, and are always a hit thanks to their cheesy, savory filling and crispy golden exterior. Let's dive into this detailed, 3000-word recipe guide, exploring the ingredients, step-by-step process, tips, and variations for making the ultimate Baked Crack Chicken Pinwheels.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tbsp ranch dressing (or 1 tbsp ranch seasoning)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the Chicken Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing (or ranch seasoning), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:

• Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface, pressing the seams together to form a rectangle.

4. Spread the Filling:

• Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the crescent dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Roll and Slice:

• Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 8-10 even pinwheels.

6. Bake the Pinwheels:

• Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. If desired, brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

7. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Variations: You can add extras like chopped green onions, jalapeños, or even swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Serving Ideas: These pinwheels are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a quick lunch. Serve with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.