Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels: The Ultimate Party Appetizer You’ll Keep Making Again and Again
When it comes to quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizers, nothing beats Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels. These delicious bite-sized wraps are loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a touch of tangy ranch seasoning—all rolled into soft tortillas and sliced into perfect little spirals. Whether you’re hosting a game night, throwing a party, preparing lunchboxes, or just craving a savory snack, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: No cooking skills needed!
- Perfect for make-ahead: Great for meal prep or party planning.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-approved: Who doesn’t love chicken, bacon, and cheese?
- High-protein, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked or grilled): You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or grill fresh chicken for extra flavor.
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon (cooked): Cook until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Let it come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar and jack cheese blend: You can also use mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- 1/2 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds that signature tangy, herby flavor.
- 4 large burrito-sized flour tortillas: Soft and flexible for easy rolling.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Diced pickles or jalapeños for a spicy kick
- A handful of baby spinach for color and freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Finely dice the cooked chicken breasts into small, 1/4-inch pieces.
- Chop the crispy bacon into similar-sized bits.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese blend, and ranch seasoning.
- Use a spatula or hand mixer to combine everything until smooth and evenly mixed.
2. Assemble the Pinwheels
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous but even layer of the chicken bacon ranch mixture across the entire tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Roll the tortilla tightly into a log, seam side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- For best results, refrigerate the rolled tortillas for 15–30 minutes to firm them up before slicing.
3. Slice and Serve
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into 3/4 to 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.
- Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter. Olive Garden Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
- Optional: garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a drizzle of extra ranch dressing.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the rolls a day in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge.
- Slice just before serving to keep them fresh and pretty.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled as a finger food at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Add to lunchboxes for an exciting twist on sandwiches.
- Pair with fresh veggie sticks and a dipping sauce like buffalo, ranch, or honey mustard.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze, as the cream cheese and tortillas may change texture.
Nutrition Info (Per Pinwheel, Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 9g
(Varies based on portion size and ingredients used)