Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are tasty rolls filled with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty garlic. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a fun party snack!
These pinwheels are so easy to make that even my dog thinks they’re gourmet! I love serving them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Yum! 🐾
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or finely chopped cooked chicken gives the pinwheels their protein and heartiness. You can easily use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, try using cooked mushrooms or a mix of veggies instead.
Marinara or Pizza Sauce: This adds flavor and moisture to the pinwheels. If you don’t have marinara, a simple tomato sauce or pesto can work well. For a spicier kick, consider a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan provides a sharp flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Crescent Roll or Pizza Dough: Both types of dough are great options. If you prefer a healthier twist, whole wheat pizza dough can be used. Gluten-free options are also available in grocery stores if needed.
How Do You Get The Perfect Pinwheel Shape?
The rolling technique is key to getting nice pinwheels. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your dough is rolled out evenly to avoid uneven pinwheels.
- Spread your filling evenly, but leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
- Start rolling tightly from one edge to another, keeping it firm but not squeezing too hard. You want a tight log!
- Use a sharp knife for cutting; this keeps the edges clean and helps the filling stay inside.
Give it a try, and you’ll have beautiful, delicious pinwheels that look as great as they taste!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 large cooked chicken breasts, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and about 15-20 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to make these delicious pinwheels from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pinwheels from sticking!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Once it’s ready, remove it from heat and set it aside.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, the garlic oil you just made, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed!
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Next, take your crescent roll dough or pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle shape. Make sure it’s even so that the pinwheels cook evenly!
5. Add the Marinara Sauce:
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a little border around the edges to make rolling easier.
6. Spread the Chicken Filling:
Evenly spread your chicken and cheese mixture over the layer of marinara sauce, covering it well.
7. Roll It Up:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Make sure to keep it tight but not too tight to squish the filling out!
8. Cut the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into pinwheels that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This will help them cook evenly!
9. Place on the Baking Sheet:
Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up, making sure to leave some space between them.
10. Sprinkle with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the tops of the pinwheels for an extra cheesy finish!
11. Bake:
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy them warm as a delightful appetizer or a main dish!
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are sure to be a hit! Enjoy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and mix it into the filling as directed. It adds flavor and makes the prep super quick!
What If I Don’t Have Crescent Roll Dough?
No problem! You can use pizza dough instead, or even make your own if you have the time. Both will give delicious results, so choose based on what you have on hand!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels, cut them, and place them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for a minute or so until warmed through.