Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are tasty rolled snacks packed with spicy buffalo chicken and cool ranch dressing. They’re perfect for parties or game day munching!
These pinwheels are super easy to make, and I love getting creative with the fillings. Just roll them up, slice, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “buffalo!” 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or leftover chicken works great too. If you’re vegetarian, try replacing it with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken substitute.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: For a milder flavor, use a sweet hot sauce or mix in some honey. If you want to kick up the heat, add more buffalo sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a creamy texture. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Vegan cream cheese or silken tofu can be great substitutes as well.
Crescent Roll Dough: You can swap it with puff pastry for a flakier bite. Tortillas also work if you want to make a healthier option. Just roll it up tighter!
How Do I Roll and Slice Pinwheels Without Crushing Them?
Rolling and slicing the pinwheels can be tricky, but with a few tips, it’ll be easy! Follow these steps:
- Make sure your dough is at room temperature; this makes it easier to roll.
- Roll tightly but gently to avoid squishing the filling out. Start at one edge and go slowly.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the log; serrated knives work well for this. Clean the knife between slices for neat cuts.
Remember, it’s better to cut slowly and evenly than to rush! Enjoy your pinwheels!
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (10 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheet
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Optional: celery sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15-18 minutes to bake. In no time, you’ll have delicious pinwheels ready to enjoy, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Chicken and Sauce:
In a medium bowl, take your cooked shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Mix it well so the chicken is evenly coated in that spicy goodness!
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Use a fork or a whisk to stir until everything is smooth and creamy.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Next, unroll your crescent roll dough (or puff pastry) onto a clean, flat surface. If you’re using crescent rolls, press the seams to seal any gaps, forming one solid rectangle of dough.
5. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Spread the cream cheese and ranch mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent fillings from spilling out when you roll it up.
6. Add the Buffalo Chicken:
Now, lay that buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese layer. You want to cover as much area as possible for a tasty bite in every pinwheel!
7. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the chicken layer. This will give your pinwheels extra cheesy goodness!
8. Roll It Up:
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log shape. Make sure to roll gently to keep all the delicious fillings inside.
9. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices (pinwheels). You should get about 12 pinwheels from this recipe—perfect for sharing!
10. Bake the Pinwheels:
Place the pinwheels cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle the chopped chives or green onions over the top for a fresh touch.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side and optional celery sticks for dipping. Enjoy your zesty Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels!
These delightful bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Happy cooking! 🎉
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. Just shred it and mix it with the buffalo sauce. It saves time and adds great flavor!
How Can I Make These Pinwheels Spicier?
If you like it hot, consider adding extra buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture or mixing in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an additional kick!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them briefly, but the oven will keep them crispy!