Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are tasty rolls filled with spicy buffalo chicken and creamy ranch dressing. They’re perfect for parties or just a fun snack at home!
These pinwheels are super easy to make—just spread, roll, and slice. I love serving them with extra ranch for dipping. Who can resist that combo? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is essential for this recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftovers from another meal. If you’re looking for a meatless option, you can try shredded jackfruit for a similar texture.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any hot sauce will work. If you prefer it milder, look for milder buffalo sauces or reduce the amount used. You can also make your own by mixing hot sauce with a bit of melted butter!
Crescent Roll Dough: Crescent rolls are easy and fun to use. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough or crescent roll alternatives. You can also use regular pizza dough if you prefer a thicker crust.
Ranch Dressing: This brings creaminess to the dish. You can use homemade ranch for a personal touch or swap it with blue cheese dressing for a stronger flavor. Vegan ranch options are also widely available.
Chives: Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have any, green onions work just as well. You can skip them if you don’t have either, but they do enhance the flavor!
How Do You Roll and Slice the Pinwheels without Crushing Them?
Rolling the dough tightly is crucial to keep all the filling in and maintain their shape during baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Start rolling from the long edge, which gives you a larger pinwheel. Apply even pressure as you roll to avoid flattening the filling.
- Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it. This helps keep the filling intact.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheels. A serrated knife works best to avoid squishing them. If you refrigerate the rolled log for 15 minutes before cutting, it makes slicing easier.
These tips will help your pinwheels come out looking beautiful and tasty! Enjoy your cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
- Celery sticks, for serving
- Additional ranch dressing for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or finger food for a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir well to make sure every piece is coated in that spicy sauce!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Next, unroll the crescent roll dough or pizza dough onto a clean flat surface. If using crescent dough, pinch the seams together to form a solid rectangle. Spread ranch dressing evenly over the dough with a spatula or knife.
4. Add Cheese and Chicken:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ranch dressing layer. Then, spread the buffalo chicken mixture directly on top of the cheese, ensuring it’s spread out evenly.
5. Add Chives:
Sprinkle the chopped chives over the chicken filling. This adds a fresh flavor that complements the dish.
6. Roll It Up:
Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, starting from one long edge. Press the seams to seal it tight so the filling stays inside.
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Try to make them as even as possible for uniform baking!
8. Bake:
Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped chives for that extra touch of freshness.
10. Serve:
Serve the buffalo chicken ranch pinwheels warm along with celery sticks and extra ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy this flavorful and fun appetizer!
Your guests won’t be able to resist these tasty little bites! Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it into small pieces and mix it with the buffalo sauce.
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
No problem! You can either reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a mild wing sauce. Alternatively, you can substitute the buffalo sauce with a barbecue sauce for a different flavor.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the baking stage, then wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.