When it comes to appetizer sandwiches and bite-size snacks that disappear in seconds, these BBQ Chicken Pinwheels are always a hit. Whether you need appetizers for a crowd, chicken appetizers for a party, or just an easy recipe for a potluck pinwheels situation, this one’s got you covered. I swear, every time I make these, my kids snatch them off the plate before they even cool down.
These party food pinwheels check all the boxes—cheesy, saucy, crispy, and baked to golden perfection. They’re basically the best pinwheel appetizers because they’re effortless but look like you put in real effort (which is my favorite kind of recipe). Plus, they’re perfect if you need chicken recipes for football games, fall pinwheel recipes, or just a last-minute snack that everyone will devour.
If you love easy-to-make appetizers that are simple to prep and travel well, these roll-up appetizers need to be on your list. They fit right in with any pinwheel charcuterie board ideas, make for the best appetizer recipes, and are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizers. So whether you’re prepping for game day, a potluck, or just need a quick and easy carry-in food idea, these warm pinwheel appetizers are the answer. Let’s get rolling!
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just simple ingredients that come together like magic.
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough if you want to switch it up)
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie saves lives)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (whatever’s in the fridge)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever melty goodness you love)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional, but makes it feel fancy)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Ranch or extra BBQ sauce for dipping
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pinwheels
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Crank up that oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Not only does this prevent sticking, but it also saves you from scrubbing a pan later. Work smarter, not harder.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, toss your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir it up until everything is coated in that saucy goodness. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle in some cilantro for extra flavor. Or don’t. I won’t judge.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Pop open that crescent roll can without jumping from the surprise pop like I do every time. Roll the dough into a rectangle, and if you see seams, just pinch them together.
Step 4: Spread the Love
Take that BBQ chicken mixture and spread it evenly over the dough. Then cover it with a mountain of cheese—because there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting from the long side, roll it up like a cinnamon roll. This part is kind of satisfying, not going to lie. Once you have a nice log, grab a sharp knife and slice it into about one-inch pieces.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your little pinwheels on the baking sheet with some space in between so they don’t stick together. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is all bubbly and melty.
Step 7: Let Them Cool (If You Can Wait)
I know the house smells like BBQ heaven right now, but don’t burn your tongue. Let them cool for a minute, then serve with ranch or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips
- Want to add some spice? Drizzle in some sriracha or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Love bacon? Toss in some crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Make them ahead. Roll, slice, and keep them in the fridge unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
- Freezer-friendly. Bake them first, then freeze. When you need a snack, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs for BBQ Chicken Pinwheels
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can roll and slice them, then store them in the fridge unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven. You can also bake them first, then reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
What cheese works best?
I love using cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend, but honestly, anything that melts well will do the trick. If you like it extra cheesy, don’t be shy—add more!
How do I keep the pinwheels from getting soggy?
Make sure your chicken isn’t too wet before rolling it up. If your BBQ sauce is extra runny, use a little less, or mix in extra cheese to balance it out. Also, baking them on parchment paper helps keep the bottoms crisp.
What if I don’t have a sharp knife to slice them?
Try using unflavored dental floss to cut through the dough cleanly. Just slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to slice. Works like a charm
BBQ Chicken Pinwheels Recipe Card
BBQ Chicken Pinwheels Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped , optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Ranch or extra BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep – Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Filling – In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well coated.
- Roll Out the Dough – Unroll crescent roll dough into a rectangle, pinching seams together if needed.
- Add the Toppings – Spread BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Roll and Slice – Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Bake – Place pinwheels on the baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy – Let cool slightly, then serve with ranch or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Add crispy fried onions for extra texture.
- Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce, pesto, or Alfredo.
- Use pizza dough or puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a different texture.
- Make ahead: Refrigerate unbaked pinwheels for up to 24 hours, or freeze baked ones and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing appetizers that are easy, cheesy, and gone in seconds, these BBQ Chicken Pinwheels are it. They’re the perfect mix of bite-size snacks and appetizer sandwiches, making them one of the best pinwheel appetizers you’ll ever try. Whether you need chicken appetizers for a party, chicken recipes for football games, or just a quick snack that’ll impress everyone, these chicken pinwheels baked to golden perfection will do the trick.
What I love most? They’re easy to make appetizers with simple ingredients, and they fit right in with any pinwheel charcuterie board ideas. From fall pinwheel recipes to warm pinwheel appetizers for game nights, they always hit the spot. Plus, they make the best easy carry-in food ideas simple—just bake, pack, and go.
So whether you’re making pinwheel sandwiches easy for a potluck, prepping party food pinwheels for a get-together, or just need a last-minute roll-up appetizers idea, these shredded chicken pinwheels are the way to go. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear before you even get one.
