These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are cheesy, savory bites that are perfect for a fun meal or a snack! Filled with juicy chicken and tasty garlic, they promise to make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, what’s not to love about rolled-up goodness? I usually serve them with a side of ranch for dipping. They disappear fast, so you might want to make extra! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. If you’re vegetarian, try replacing chicken with mushrooms or a mix of veggies.
Crescent Roll Dough: This gives a nice flaky texture. If you can’t find it, pizza dough works well as a substitute. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free dough in stores.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives that gooey factor, while Parmesan adds sharpness. If you’re out of mozzarella, try other cheeses like cheddar or a blend. For a dairy-free option, consider plant-based cheeses.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch! If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work—just use about 1/2 teaspoon. I love adding a touch of garlic to the butter for brushing, too!
How Do I Roll the Pinwheels Without Messing Them Up?
Rolling the pinwheels can be tricky, but a few tips can help create beautiful swirls. First, make sure to roll the dough tightly but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling.
- Start from one long edge to create a longer roll.
- Use a sharp knife to slice—this keeps the edges clean. You can even wet the knife with water between cuts for easier slicing.
- If the filling spills out a bit, don’t worry! Just enclose it as best you can.
With these tips, your pinwheels will come out looking great and tasting even better! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough)
For Brushing:
- Olive oil or melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have warm, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready when your pinwheels are assembled. You can grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper to make for easy clean-up.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and mayonnaise or cream cheese if you want extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Next, roll out the crescent dough or pizza dough on a clean surface. Shape it into a rectangle—the size will depend on what dough you’re using, but make sure it’s an even thickness.
4. Spread the Chicken Mixture:
Carefully spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges so you can seal it when rolling.
5. Roll Up the Dough:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Don’t squeeze too hard; you want to maintain a nice filling ratio!
6. Slice into Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1 to 1½-inch thick pinwheels. You should see the lovely swirl of filling inside!
7. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Place the pinwheels cut-side up in your prepared baking dish. Make sure to leave a little space between each pinwheel to allow them to expand while baking.
8. Brush for Browning:
Brush the tops of the pinwheels lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them turn golden and crispy in the oven.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Garnish:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle additional chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese over the top to make them look even more appealing.
11. Serve Warm:
Let them cool slightly before serving. They are delightful warm and can be enjoyed with ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping!
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are cheesy, garlicky, and perfect for parties or a fun dinner. Enjoy every savory bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and cook it first! You can thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, shred or chop it for the filling.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pinwheels a few hours in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm, or microwave them for a quicker option.
Can I Use Different Fillings?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with fillings. You can add cooked vegetables like spinach or peppers, or even change up the cheeses. Just be mindful of moisture content—too much liquid can make the pinwheels soggy.
