Looking for a delicious and easy recipe that will please the whole family? Look no further than Bacon Chicken Ranch Pinwheels!
These tasty tortilla pinwheels are packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch flavor.
Whether you're planning a game day gathering, hosting a party, or simply want a great snack, these pinwheels are the ultimate party appetizer! It's one of our easy pinwheel appetizer recipes you will want to bookmark for later.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy - This perfect appetizer is so quick and easy to prepare. You’ll have it ready in just a few minutes.
- Simple recipe - Making these delicious pinwheels only requires simple ingredients readily available at your local grocery store.
- Shareable - Perfect for parties, game days, or as a daily snack to share with your family.
- Kid-friendly - Great for a picky eater and anyone who loves the classic combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors, like kiddos!
- Prep ahead - Can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for convenience.
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
- Cream cheese - softened at room temperature
- Dry ranch mix - store-bought packet
- Chicken - precooked and shredded
- Cheddar cheese - shredded or freshly grated
- Bacon pieces - store-bought or homemade
- Flour tortillas - large size
Equipment and kitchen tools
- Small bowl
- Butter knife
- Plastic wrap
- Cutting board
- Large serrated knife
How to make Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and dry ranch mix until well combined.
Step 1 - Spread ¼ of the cream cheese mixture onto each of the flour tortillas, ensuring an even layer.
Step 2 - Sprinkle ¼ of the bacon pieces over each tortilla.
Step 3 - Add the shredded chicken.
Step 4 - and cheddar cheese.
Step 5 - Roll the tortillas tightly, starting from one end and rolling towards the other end.
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap to secure its shape. Refrigerate the wrapped tortillas for at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Step 6 - When ready to serve, remove the tortillas from the refrigerator and unwrap them.
Use a sharp knife to slice each rolled tortilla into one-inch pieces, discarding (or eating) the ends.
Arrange the sliced pinwheels flat on a tray or platter, and they are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for the Best Results
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with the ranch seasoning for easier blending.
- Precook the shredded chicken before adding it to the pinwheels. Rotisserie chicken or deli chicken are great options. Leftover chicken works great as well.
- For a crispy bacon texture, use pre-packaged bacon pieces or cook and crumble your own bacon beforehand.
- Roll the tortillas tightly to prevent the pinwheels from unraveling.
- A serrated knife works best for slicing the pinwheels, ensuring clean cuts without squishing the filling.
- If making ahead of time, store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can store them in an airtight container for 1 day, but after that, they will become soggy.
- Love ranch? use some ranch dressing to drizzle on top of the pinwheels or to dip them into for extra flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Instead of shredded chicken, you can use canned chicken or cooked chicken breast strips chopped into fine pieces.
Try adding finely chopped green onions or diced tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
For a lower-calorie option, use low-fat cream cheese.
Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon for a leaner meat choice.
Use flavored tortillas, such as spinach or sun-dried tomato, to add a twist to the pinwheels.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, these pinwheels can be made ahead of time. After rolling and wrapping the tortillas, refrigerate them for at least 1 hour or overnight. When you're ready to serve, simply slice them into pinwheels and arrange them on a platter.
Absolutely! If you have any leftover pinwheels, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for one more day after making. Just note that the texture of the tortilla may soften slightly over time.
Yes, feel free to get creative with the cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese works great, but you can also try using pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of different cheeses for added flavor.
Absolutely! If you prefer whole wheat tortillas or have dietary restrictions, go ahead and use them. They will work just as well in this recipe.
Unfortunately, freezing these pinwheels is not recommended. The texture of the cream cheese filling may change after thawing, resulting in a less desirable consistency.
More great appetizer recipes
📖 Recipe
Bacon Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Equipment
- small bowl
- Butter knife
- Plastic Wrap
- cutting board
- Large serrated knife
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 oz packet dry ranch mix
- 1 cup shredded chicken precooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2.5 oz package bacon pieces
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese and ranch mix in a small bowl, until well combined.
- Spread ¼ of the cream cheese mixture onto each of the tortillas.
- Sprinkle ¼ of the bacon pieces over each tortilla, then the chicken, then the cheese.
- Roll the tortillas tightly, starting at one end, onto the other. Wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
- Remove from the refrigerate, and unwrap, then slice into one inch pieces, discarding (or eating) the ends.
- Arrange flat on a tray or platter to serve.
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with the ranch seasoning for easier blending.
- Precook the shredded chicken before adding it to the pinwheels. Rotisserie chicken or deli chicken are great options. Leftover chicken works great as well.
- For a crispy bacon texture, use pre-packaged bacon pieces or cook and crumble your own bacon beforehand.
Nutrition
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Tamara
Love these! Bacon and chicken and ranch (and cheese and avocado in our case) is the perfect combination of food. Crowd pleaser!