These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are a tasty treat! With tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and a kick of garlic wrapped in a soft tortilla, they are perfect for any occasion.
What I love most is how fun they are to make and eat! Just slice them up and enjoy as a snack or game day treat. Plus, who can resist that cheesy, garlicky flavor? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal. If you want a lighter option, cooked turkey works too.
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese. It blends just as well and maintains that smoothness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor dramatically. If you’re out, swap it for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan touch.
Shredded Mozzarella: This is great for that melty texture. You could use any melty cheese like cheddar, monterey jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Flour Tortillas: While large flour tortillas work best, you can use whole wheat tortillas, or even corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just be sure to warm them up first to prevent tearing while rolling!
How Do I Get a Nice Brown on My Pinwheels?
Getting a lovely golden brown on your pinwheels really elevates their appearance and taste. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crust:
- Make sure to brush or spray the tops with olive oil. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Place them cut-side up on the baking sheet to allow for more even browning.
- Bake at the right temperature! Keep your oven at 375°F (190°C). This should provide a nice balance of cooking through without burning.
- Keep an eye on them while they’re baking; ovens vary, and you’ll want them golden brown but not too dark.
Following these tips will ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels come out delicious and visually appealing every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, totaling approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty option for a snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil so the pinwheels don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped or shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Pinwheels:
Take one tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Spread about a quarter of the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving about a 1/2-inch border at the edges. This helps prevent spills when rolling.
4. Roll & Cut:
Start rolling the tortilla tightly from one edge to the other, creating a log shape. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1 to 1.5-inch pinwheels. Place each pinwheel cut-side up onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Repeat and Prepare for Baking:
Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once they’ve all been placed on the baking sheet, lightly brush or spray the tops of the pinwheels with olive oil—you want them to brown beautifully!
6. Bake the Pinwheels:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Final Touches:
Once removed from the oven, sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if you like. Let them cool for a few minutes to set.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels warm as delicious appetizers or a fun snack!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it and mix it in with the other ingredients for a quick and easy filling.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as a substitute. For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative.
How Long Do Leftover Pinwheels Last?
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold, or reheated in the oven or microwave for a warm snack.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels, slice them, and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.