You know when you need a solid appetizer that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes? That’s exactly what these Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels are. Seriously, they check all the boxes—flaky, cheesy, bite-sized, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for easy pinwheel appetizers for a party, a game day snack (hello, chicken recipes for football games!), or something fun for a potluck, these chicken pinwheels appetizers are gonna be your new go-to.
I love making appetizer sandwiches and bite-size snacks for my kids, but these? These are next-level. The shredded chicken pinwheels are warm, cheesy, and wrapped in golden, buttery dough—basically, everything you want in crowd-pleasing appetizers. They’re also super versatile, so you can mix up the flavors to match the season (fall vibes, anyone? Looking at you, fall pinwheel recipes).
And let’s be honest—when you need easy-to-make appetizers for a last-minute party, you don’t wanna spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why these party food pinwheels are a lifesaver. Just roll ‘em up, bake ‘em, and boom—the best pinwheel recipes you’ll ever try. Perfect for potluck pinwheels, roll-up appetizers, and even pinwheel charcuterie board ideas. Make extra, though… ‘cause these babies go FAST.
Why You’ll Love These Pinwheels
Super easy – We’re talking minimal ingredients, minimal work, max flavor.
Kid-approved – If my crew loves ‘em, yours probably will too.
Perfect for parties – These get snatched up so fast, make extra!
Totally customizable – Add ranch, buffalo sauce, or jalapeños if you wanna switch it up.
Great for make-ahead – Prep, chill, and bake when needed.
What You’ll Need
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken makes this even easier)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, but makes ‘em look fancy)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash—makes ‘em all golden and pretty)
How to Make Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels
Step 1: Roll out the dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using crescent rolls (and not puff pastry), pinch those little seams together to make a solid rectangle.
Step 2: Mix up the filling
In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it up real good so everything is combined.
Step 3: Spread & roll it up
Spread that cheesy chicken goodness all over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges. Then, carefully roll it up into a tight log, starting from the long side. (Kinda like making cinnamon rolls, but, ya know, with chicken and cheese.)
Step 4: Slice ‘em up & bake
Grab a sharp knife and slice the roll into ¾-inch pinwheels. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg—this helps them get all golden and crispy. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re puffy, golden, and your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 5: Serve & enjoy!
Sprinkle with some fresh parsley (if you’re feeling fancy), and serve warm! My kids love dipping these in ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce, but honestly, they’re delicious all on their own.
Pro Tips & Fun Variations
Wanna spice it up? Add buffalo sauce or some chopped jalapeños.
Need ‘em extra creamy? Mix in a little ranch or extra cream cheese.
Not a cheddar fan? Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or whatever cheese makes your heart happy.
Wanna prep ahead? Roll it up, wrap in plastic, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to slice & bake.
FAQs – Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Yep! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, just pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or air fry ‘em for extra crispiness.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
For sure! Puff pastry makes them even flakier and crispier. Just roll it out, add your filling, then roll and slice like usual.
How do I keep my pinwheels from getting soggy?
Make sure your chicken filling isn’t too wet. If using a sauce (like ranch or buffalo), don’t overdo it—just a little goes a long way! Also, baking on parchment paper helps keep them crisp.
Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie?
Technically, yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives way better texture and flavor. If you’re using canned chicken, make sure to drain it really well so your filling isn’t too wet.
Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels
Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 1 cup shredded chicken cooked (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp cream cheese softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley optional
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep the Dough
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the crescent dough on a floured surface, pinching seams together to form a solid rectangle.
- Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble & Roll
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side.
- Slice & Bake
- Slice into ¾-inch pinwheels and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm with ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce!
Notes
Tips & Variations
Spice it up: Add buffalo sauce or chopped jalapeños.Extra creamy: Mix in a little ranch dressing.
Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or pepper jack.
Make-ahead: Roll, wrap, and chill until ready to slice & bake.
Alright, so if you need a snack that’s easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to be a hit, these Chicken Pinwheels are it. Seriously, they’re one of the best pinwheel appetizers I’ve ever made—crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re whipping up bite-size snacks for a party, looking for easy carry-in food ideas simple enough for last-minute plans, or just wanna impress people with minimal effort, these shredded chicken pinwheels got you covered.
I love making appetizer sandwiches and fun finger foods for my kids, and these always disappear way too fast. They’re the best appetizer recipes for literally any occasion—football games, potlucks, holidays, or just a random Tuesday when you want something good. Plus, you can easily customize ‘em to fit the vibe, whether you need fall pinwheel recipes or a fun addition to a pinwheel charcuterie board.
So go ahead and add these easy pinwheel appetizers to your party pinwheels lineup. Make extra, though—because trust me, these crowd-pleasing appetizers don’t last long.
