These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are a tasty treat! They’re made with tender chicken, garlic, and lots of cheesy goodness, all rolled up in a soft tortilla.
Honestly, I can’t resist these little rolls. They make the perfect snack or appetizer, and one bite is never enough! I love serving them warm with a side of ranch for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry or Crescent Roll Dough: Puff pastry gives a flaky texture, while crescent roll dough is more tender. If you want to cut calories, a low-fat pastry or even whole wheat dough can work too.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect! If you want a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. For shredded texture, just chop them finely.
Cheeses: Mozzarella brings that melty stretchiness, while Parmesan adds a nice bite. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheese-like flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work in a pinch. But fresh is best for that powerful aroma!
How Do I Roll and Slice the Pinwheels Without Making a Mess?
Rolling the dough and slicing it can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple with a few tips. Start by ensuring the dough is rolled out evenly and not too thick.
- Once you spread the filling, use a light hand as you roll it up—this keeps the pinwheels tight.
- When slicing, a sharp knife helps create clean cuts. It’s better to press down gently without sawing back and forth.
- After slicing, make sure to space out the pinwheels on the baking sheet so they have room to expand while baking.
Following these steps will give you nicely shaped pinwheels every time!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry or crescent roll dough (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking. So, you’ll have these delicious pinwheels ready in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for when you need a quick and tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First, let’s get that oven warming up! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, mayonnaise or cream cheese, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
3. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry or crescent roll dough into a rectangle shape, about 10×12 inches. Try to keep it even so the pinwheels cook uniformly!
4. Spread the Filling
Carefully spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help keep the filling from spilling out when we roll it.
5. Roll It Up
Now, starting from one of the longer sides of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Make sure to roll it firmly, but not too tightly to prevent squishing the filling!
6. Slice the Pinwheels
Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into 12 pinwheels, each about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Place them neatly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one.
7. Brush and Bake
Lightly brush the tops of the pinwheels with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them turn golden brown and add a delicious finish! Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re nice and golden.
8. Finishing Touches
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a moment. Sprinkle with more grated Parmesan and some fresh parsley for a lovely presentation.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or marinara. Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it up, and you’re ready to go. It saves time and adds great flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, crescent roll dough is a great alternative. For a lower-calorie option, whole wheat dough works well too, giving you a slightly different texture but delicious flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them up in the oven at a low temperature to keep them crispy, or pop them in the microwave for a quick snack!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking step and then refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve for a fresh, warm treat!