These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are tasty bites that are easy to whip up! They are filled with creamy cheese, savory garlic, and tender chicken, all rolled up for a fun treat.
Trust me, once you start rolling these pinwheels, it’s hard not to sneak a few bites along the way! They make fantastic snacks or great party appetizers that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use finely chopped or shredded chicken breast for the filling. If you don’t have chicken on hand, feel free to substitute it with turkey or even canned chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!
Cheese: Mozzarella brings meltiness, while Parmesan adds a salty kick. If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Cream cheese adds creaminess—substitute with ricotta if needed.
Puff Pastry or Pizza Dough: I like using puff pastry for a flaky texture. If you prefer a chewier bite, pizza dough works well. You can also make your own dough if you’re up for it! Just remember to roll it out thinly for nice pinwheels.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but fresh really enhances the taste. A little extra garlic never hurts if you love that flavor!
How Do You Get Perfectly Rolled Pinwheels?
Rolling your pinwheels is key to ensuring even shape and cooking. Make sure your dough is at room temperature for easy rolling. Here’s how:
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 12×9 inches. This gives a good size for filling.
- Spread the filling evenly but leave a half-inch border to avoid overflow.
- Start rolling from one long edge, keeping it tight but not too tight to squish the filling out.
- Once rolled, pinch the seams to seal. A sharp knife works best to cut into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Place the cut side up on the baking sheet to help retain shape during baking.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully uniform pinwheels that are not just tasty but also a feast for the eyes!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
For Serving:
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to prepare and enjoy your delicious pinwheels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and looks creamy!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a clean surface, roll out the puff pastry or pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×9 inches in size. This will be the canvas for your delicious filling!
4. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the chicken and cheese mixture over the dough, making sure to leave about a 1/2 inch border around the edges. This helps prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll it up.
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Make sure it’s snug but don’t squish the filling too much!
6. Slice the Pinwheels:
With a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces to create your pinwheels. Aim for even cuts so they bake uniformly.
7. Bake the Pinwheels:
Place the pinwheels cut side up on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 1 inch apart. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to give them a golden finish.
8. Time to Bake!
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the pinwheels for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is nice and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes. For a pretty touch, sprinkle some extra parsley and Parmesan on top.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm! Optionally, serve them with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Dig in and enjoy your tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe. Just shred or finely chop the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients. It will save you time and add extra flavor!
Can I Make These Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time! Assemble them, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
No problem! Pizza dough is a perfect substitute for puff pastry. If you don’t have either, you can even use tortillas for a fun twist! Just roll and bake them as you would the traditional pinwheels.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or warm them in the microwave. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!