Easy to make and perfect for game day or your next party, these Crack Chicken Pinwheels are the ultimate party appetizer! Rolled tortilla chicken sandwiches, with seasoned with cream cheese, bacon and salty olives then topped with cheese.
These make-ahead rolled tortilla sandwiches are always a hit!
Next time try Cuban Sliders - these are super yummy and perfect for tailgating!
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Why you'll love this recipe
There are days when a good bowl of potato soup is all I'm looking for, but when you need a little more, these simple chicken bacon ranch roll ups are the perfect!
✔️ They are an easy snack, fun for party time and they are hearty enough to be lunch as well!
✔️ They are so simple and you can customize the flavors as well. SO YUMMY!
✔️ These easy rolls ups are a great appetizer, terrific main dish and great to tuck into lunch boxes for your picky eaters!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements for the tortilla pinwheels, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- cooked boneless skinless chicken breast - this would also be great use for leftover rotisserie chicken or pulled chicken in dutch oven. Deli meats or leftover turkey would be tasty and turn these into turkey bacon ranch pinwheels!
- room temperature cream cheese or mascarpone, you can also use low-fat cream cheese.
- bacon - cooked until crispy, then crumbled.
- mayonnaise (not pictured) - adds richness to the cheese spread .
- olives - for salty goodness.
- ranch dressing mix - You can substitute with Italian seasoning mix or even seasoning salt.
- cheddar cheese - I always use thinly shredded cheese for rollups. It makes them easier to roll.
- large tortillas - flavored tortillas like spinach tortillas, whole grain tortillas, low carb tortilla - all would work for this recipe, just be sure to get the burrito size tortillas.
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Dice the leftover chicken.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, ranch and bacon pieces. Mix until creamy.
- Split the cheese mixture between the three tortillas and add a thin layer of the mixture to the tortilla shell. Top with shredded cheese and olives.
- Tightly roll the tortillas. Wrap them in plastic wrap or cling wrap and refrigerate.
- Slice with a sharp knife. Enjoy!
Equipment
An offset spatula works great for spreading the cheese mixture on the tortillas. If you use one for cake decorating, it can do double-duty here!
I love Uncle Dan's Ranch Dip Mix - it has a wonderful creamy ranch flavor!
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
Tips
- Be sure to leave the cream cheese out so it's nice and soft! It will be much easier to mix.
- Spread a thin even layer, spreading all the way to the edge of the tortilla.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels. Rinsing or wiping the knife in-between each slice will keep the edges of the roll-ups clean.
- Slice the appetizer, using a sawing motion so they don't get flattened. Slice ends (those can be used for quality control! 😋)
- Be sure to chill the pinwheels - they will hold together better, plus the flavors develop and they will be even yummier!
- For best results, use flour rather than corn tortillas.
Pro Tip - forgot to take the cream cheese out to soften? Remove it from the wrapper and place on microwave safe plate. Microwave on high at 10 second intervals until it's softened enough to mix!
FAQ's
Be sure to drain the olives well. Other than that, it won't be a problem. If you add wet ingredients like diced tomatoes, put a thin layer of spinach or lettuce between the wet layers.
Absolutely! They need to be chilled so making them a day in advance is a great idea!
Actually you can. As long as there isn't any fresh ingredients like spinach, tomatoes or lettuce they are freezable.
Variations
- Green onions add a nice bright flavor!
- Deli turkey is a nice variations too.
- No rotisserie chicken? Use thinly sliced deli chicken, leftover ranch chicken - delish! Really any lean meat would be amazing.
- Add three tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the ranch cream cheese mixture and you'll have Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels. That would give them amazing flavor!
- Low-carb tortillas would be a great choice.
Storage
Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Well sealed, these sandwiches can be frozen up to three months.
Related recipes
Looking for more snacks and nibbles? I gotcha covered! Here are some of my favorite easy recipes.
- Sticky Baked Chicken Wings - always a hit, these are so good!
- Be sure to make this Beer Brats Recipe - these Wisconsin treasures are always a hit! Who doesn't love a great brat?!!!
- Be sure to try the Roast Beef Rollups Recipe too, these are perfect for snacks, parties or a great lunch during the week!
- Taco Dip with Ground Beef is a hit at every party!
- Tailgate Chili Recipe - make the BEST chili easy to make and perfect for a crowd. Tastes best if made the day before!
- These Homemade Sloppy Joes are delicious - you can make them the day before as well!
- Queso Dip and Homemade Pico de Gallo are always a hit. Be sure to have plenty of chips on hand!
- Make this 3 Ingredient Bean Dip! It is so good and so easy to make. Leftovers? Make bean burritos!! (I seriously love this dip!)
Looking for more party food? Check out March Madness Food Ideas for a huge list of yummy eats!!!
Are you having a party? Awesome, count me in! 😆 Everyone will love these Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels. Here are more tasty eats!
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced chicken breast or shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 6-8 slices bacon cooked until crispy & crumbled
- ½ cup mayonaise
- ¼ cup olives thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning that's the dry ranch dip mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3-4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Dice the leftover chicken.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, ranch and bacon bits until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese chicken mixture on the tortillas. Top with diced chicken, shredded cheese and olives.
- Tightly roll the tortillas. Wrap them in plastic wrap or cling wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Slice before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to spread the cheese mixture in a thin even layer. Spreading all the way to the edges.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels. Rinsing or wiping the knife in-between each slice will keep the edges of the roll-ups clean.
- When you are ready to slice the rollups, start by removing the ends first. Then slice the appetizer. Use a sawing motion so they don't get flattened.
- Be sure to chill the pinwheels - they will hold together better, plus the flavors develop and they will be even yummier!
Lois says
A perfect party dish. So good.
Cat Stevens says
Sooo good. Your recipes are so appreciated Deb.