There's nothing quite like the combination of succulent chicken, crispy bacon and creamy ranch to bring a smile to your face. These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels deliver all of that deliciousness in a fun, bite-sized form, making them perfect for picnics, parties, or as a quick and easy snack. The flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a mouthwatering treat that's sure to be a hit with everyone.
The ingredients in this recipe are fairly straightforward and can easily be found in your local supermarket. One ingredient to note is the ranch seasoning. This is often located in the salad dressing aisle, and you can find it in packet form. If you prefer to make your own, it's a simple mix of dried herbs and spices.
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Chicken breasts: These will be diced finely and mixed into the filling. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and ranch.
Cream cheese: Makes the filling creamy and rich.
Cheddar and jack cheese mix: This duo adds a delicious cheesy flavor. You can use all cheddar if you prefer.
Ranch seasoning: Gives the pinwheels their signature flavor.
Tortillas: These will hold the filling. You can use any kind you like, but large tortillas work best.
One reader, Clair Kinsey says:
This chicken bacon ranch pinwheels recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the pinwheels are so easy to make. They're a hit at every gathering, and I love how versatile they are. Whether it's a party or a quick snack, these pinwheels are always a crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
How to prepare the chicken and bacon: Finely chop the chicken and bacon into 1/4 inch dice to ensure the mixture wraps well into the pinwheel shape.
How to mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar and jack cheese. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
How to season the filling: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the filling mixture and gently mix again to incorporate the seasoning throughout.
How to assemble the pinwheels: Spread a thin layer of the filling mixture over each tortilla, then roll the tortillas tightly. Let the rolled tortillas sit for a few minutes before cutting, seam side down.
How to slice and serve: Slice the rolled tortillas into 3/4 - 1 inch slices and serve.
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Sliced tortilla are filled with a creamy and savory mix of chicken, cream cheese, and bacon to make these ranch pinwheels, a easy and tasty appetizer.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3chicken breasts,cooked/grilled
- 1lbbacon,thick cut, cooked
- 8ozcream cheese
- 1cupcheddar and jack cheese mix,shredded
- ½packetranch seasoning
- 4large tortillas,burrito sized
Instructions
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Chop the chicken and the bacon finely, into a ¼ of an inch dice (The smaller the better for the mixture to wrap well into the pinwheel shape).
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Into a large bowl add the chicken, bacon, cream cheese, cheddar and jack cheese.
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Mix well.
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Sprinkle on the ranch seasoning evenly over the whole bowl and gently mix again.
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Spread a thin layer over the tortillas, then roll the tortilla tightly.
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Let sit for a few minutes before cutting, seam side down.
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Slice into ¾ to 1 inch slices and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 151.92kcal
- Fat: 12.32g
- Saturated Fat: 5.29g
- Trans Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.44g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.49g
- Carbohydrates: 2.27g
- Fiber: 0.24g
- Sugar: 0.44g
- Protein: 7.83g
- Cholesterol: 35.47mg
- Sodium: 183.00mg
- Calcium: 71.79mg
- Potassium: 87.66mg
- Iron: 0.31mg
- Vitamin A: 50.52µg
- Vitamin C: 0.01mg
Helpful Technique for Rolling Perfect Pinwheels
When preparing the chicken bacon ranch pinwheels, it's crucial to spread the mixture evenly across the tortilla. This ensures that each bite is filled with the perfect balance of chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning. Also, when rolling the tortilla, make sure to roll it tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out. A tight roll also helps in achieving the perfect pinwheel shape when you slice it.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pinwheels
Prep ahead: Prepare the chicken, bacon, and cheese mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day you plan to make the pinwheels.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Opt for pre-cooked bacon to save time on cooking and chopping. It's a convenient shortcut for this recipe.
Assembly line: Set up an assembly line with all the ingredients laid out, making it easier to spread the filling and roll the tortillas efficiently.
Chill for easy slicing: After rolling the tortillas, chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make slicing the pinwheels easier and neater.
Electric mixer: Use an electric mixer to combine the filling ingredients thoroughly and evenly, saving time and effort compared to mixing by hand.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this recipe. It has a similar texture and can be seasoned and cooked in the same way.
Bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, with a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture when cooked. It can be used as a substitute in this recipe to reduce the overall fat content.
Cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to cream cheese, providing a tangy and creamy texture while reducing the overall fat content of the pinwheels.
Cheddar and jack cheese mix - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese can be used as a substitute for cheddar and jack cheese mix, providing a mild and creamy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the pinwheels.
Ranch seasoning - Substitute with homemade ranch seasoning: A homemade ranch seasoning mix can be used as a substitute for packaged ranch seasoning, allowing for greater control over the ingredients and flavors in the pinwheels.
Tortillas - Substitute with whole wheat tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas can be used as a healthier alternative to traditional tortillas, providing added fiber and nutrients while maintaining the structure and texture of the pinwheels.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pinwheels
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, sharp knife for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing the chicken, bacon, and other ingredients.
- Spatula: For spreading the chicken bacon ranch mixture onto the tortillas.
- Measuring cup: To accurately measure the cheese and ranch seasoning.
- Rolling pin: For rolling the tortillas filled with the chicken bacon ranch mixture.
- Plastic wrap: To wrap and chill the pinwheels before slicing.
- Serrated knife: For slicing the rolled tortillas into pinwheels.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
To store the chicken bacon ranch pinwheels, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring that they remain fresh and delicious for your next snacking adventure.
If you find yourself with an abundance of these savory pinwheels, fear not! They freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy them at a later date. To freeze, follow these steps:
- Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
- Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for about an hour, or until the pinwheels are frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the pinwheels to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily identify them later.
- Store the frozen chicken bacon ranch pinwheels in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to indulge in these creamy, flavorful pinwheels, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Once thawed, you can serve them cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
If you want to add a little extra oomph to your thawed pinwheels, try heating them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to warm them up and melt the cheese slightly. This will give them a delightful, gooey texture that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
How To Reheat Leftover Pinwheels
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover chicken bacon ranch pinwheels:
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the pinwheels loosely with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to maintain the texture of the tortilla and ensures even heating.
Microwave method: Place the pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help to keep the pinwheels moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. Check the pinwheels every 15 seconds to avoid overheating, which can cause the tortilla to become soggy or tough.
Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the tortilla is crispy. This method is perfect for those who love a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey center.
Skillet method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pinwheels in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method is ideal for those who want to quickly reheat a small batch of pinwheels without using the oven or microwave.
Interesting Trivia About Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer. The combination of chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning creates a flavorful filling that is then rolled into tortillas and sliced into pinwheels. This recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a tasty snack. The chicken bacon ranch pinwheels are a crowd-pleaser and can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for entertaining.
Is Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this chicken bacon ranch pinwheels recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your area. Chicken and bacon can be relatively expensive, but the addition of cream cheese and cheese mix can balance the cost. Considering the flavor and portion size, this recipe rates a solid 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, making it a reasonable option for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Are Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels Healthy?
This chicken bacon ranch pinwheel recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main culprits are the high amounts of saturated fat and sodium from the bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Additionally, the tortillas add refined carbohydrates to the mix, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little nutritional value.
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without sacrificing taste:
- Swap the regular bacon for turkey bacon or Canadian bacon, which are lower in fat and calories
- Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat cream cheese to reduce the saturated fat content
- Opt for whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Make your own ranch seasoning using dried herbs and spices, allowing you to control the sodium content
- Increase the proportion of chicken to bacon, as chicken is a lean protein source
- Add some finely chopped vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to boost the nutrient content and add color to the pinwheels
By making these adjustments, you can transform this recipe into a more balanced and nutritious meal or snack that still satisfies your cravings for the classic chicken bacon ranch flavor combination.
Editor's Opinion on This Pinwheel Recipe
The chicken bacon ranch pinwheels recipe is a delightful combination of savory flavors and textures. The use of finely diced chicken and bacon, combined with cream cheese, cheddar and jack cheese, and ranch seasoning, creates a rich and indulgent filling. The pinwheels are easy to assemble and make for a perfect appetizer or snack. The flavors are well-balanced, and the pinwheels are visually appealing. This recipe offers a delicious twist on classic flavors and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why trust this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels Recipe:
This chicken bacon ranch pinwheels recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining savory chicken and crispy bacon with the creamy richness of cream cheese and the zesty flavors of ranch seasoning. The mixture is then rolled into a tortilla, creating a delightful pinwheel that's perfect for any gathering. With a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this recipe promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Trust in the combination of these classic ingredients to deliver a mouthwatering appetizer or snack that will surely impress your guests.
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