Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful appetizer perfect for game day or any casual gathering. These bite-sized treats combine spicy Buffalo chicken with creamy cheese and crisp celery, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough.

Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Buffalo wing hot sauce
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (split 1/2 inside and 1/2 on top)
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, Buffalo wing hot sauce, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, and chopped green onions until well combined.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough onto a flat surface and gently press the seams together to form one large rectangle.
4. Step 4: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough, then drizzle the ranch dressing on top.
5. Step 5: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
6. Step 6: Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the pinwheels.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with additional ranch dressing if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use cooked shredded chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for easy prep.
• For milder flavor, reduce the amount of Buffalo wing hot sauce or omit it entirely.
• Add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra spice and smokiness.
• Serve with blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a classic Buffalo wing pairing.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the dough again, or microwave briefly if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels up to the slicing step, then refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be chilled.

Can I freeze these pinwheels?

Absolutely! Place the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until golden and cooked through.

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

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4.5 from 138 reviews

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with spicy Buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in crescent dough and baked to golden perfection. Topped with diced celery and green onions for a fresh crunch, and served with ranch dressing for dipping, these pinwheels are perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels (servings) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Buffalo wing hot sauce
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (for filling)
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (for serving)

Dough and Topping

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, Buffalo wing hot sauce, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, and chopped green onions. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Roll out the dough: On a clean surface, unroll the refrigerated crescent dough into a large rectangle and press the perforations together to create a solid sheet.
3. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the prepared Buffalo chicken mixture over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll the dough: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log using the filling side inward.
5. Slice the pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into approximately 1-inch thick slices to form individual pinwheels.
6. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the pinwheels cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spacing them about an inch apart.
7. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of the pinwheels.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pinwheels for 15-18 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with cooked shredded chicken breast.
• Adjust the amount of Buffalo wing sauce to your spice preference.
• For an extra crispy bottom, bake on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel.
• Celery and green onions add freshness and crunch; you can omit or substitute with sliced bell peppers if preferred.
• Serve warm to fully enjoy melted cheese and gooey texture.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, chicken pinwheels, appetizer, game day snack, crescent roll recipes, spicy chicken, easy party food