Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion with these delectable Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Bacon Pinwheels! Imagine juicy shredded chicken, melted mozzarella, crispy bacon, and a garlic-infused cream cheese filling, all wrapped up in a buttery crescent roll dough. These pinwheels are the perfect appetizer or main dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients and Their Role
The key to these pinwheels’ irresistible flavor lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Let’s break down each component and explore its importance:
- Chicken Breasts: The shredded chicken provides the protein and heartiness, while its versatile flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.
- Cream Cheese: This dairy delight creates a rich, creamy base that binds the filling together and adds a luxurious texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stringy mozzarella cheese oozes with cheesy goodness in every bite, complementing the other flavors perfectly.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon brings a delightful crunch and savory depth to the pinwheels, making them even more irresistible.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the filling with a pungent aroma and a bold, garlicky flavor that elevates the overall taste.
- Parsley and Italian Seasoning: These aromatic herbs and spices introduce a vibrant, herbal note that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
The Step-by-Step Process
Now, let’s dive into the simple yet impressive process of making these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Bacon Pinwheels:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring your kitchen is ready for baking perfection.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the filling is well-blended and evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface, then pinch the seams together to form a smooth rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cheesy chicken mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pinwheels, making sure each slice contains a portion of the delicious filling.
- Arrange and Brush: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop the pinwheels in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remember, the key to success is to roll the dough tightly and slice it evenly to ensure uniform pinwheels. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at creating these cheesy, garlicky, and bacony delights.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Bacon Pinwheels are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, pairing them with a creamy ranch dressing or zesty marinara sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic main dish when accompanied by a fresh, crisp salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
For a visually stunning presentation, arrange the pinwheels on a platter and garnish them with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Your guests will be impressed by the sheer deliciousness and the eye-catching display.
Nutritional Information
One of the best things about these pinwheels is that they can be enjoyed as a satisfying and relatively healthy option. Each serving (two pinwheels) contains:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 19g
To make the recipe even more nutritious, you can experiment with using leaner chicken breast, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese. Serve them alongside a vibrant salad or a side of steamed broccoli for a balanced and satisfying meal.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
- Cheesy Pepperoni Roll-Ups
- Irish Pub Burger
FAQs for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Bacon Pinwheels
1. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use softened goat cheese or mascarpone cheese as a substitute. Both of these options will provide a similarly creamy and rich texture to the filling.
2. Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
For the best results, it’s recommended to use cooked and shredded chicken in this recipe. Raw chicken may not cook through properly, and the texture might not be as desirable. If you want to use raw chicken, be sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing it into the filling.
3. How do I store leftovers properly?
Any leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Bacon Pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the cheese is melted.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free crescent roll dough or substitute it with a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry. This will ensure the pinwheels are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or intolerances.
Conclusion
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Bacon Pinwheels! The perfect balance of savory, creamy, and indulgent flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, these pinwheels are sure to become a new household favorite. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Don’t forget to share your pinwheel creations and tag us on social media. We’d love to see your culinary masterpieces and hear about your experiences with this delightful recipe. Happy cooking!
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Bacon Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! Introducing the irresistible Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken & Bacon Pinwheels – a game-changing appetizer that’s sure to steal the show at your next gathering. These bite-sized wonders are a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and totally indulgent, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your pinwheels bake to golden-brown perfection.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the filling is well-blended.
3. Prepare the Dough
Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface and pinch the seams together to form a solid rectangle. This will create a seamless canvas for your delectable filling.
4. Spread the Filling
Carefully spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Be sure to distribute the filling all the way to the corners for maximum flavor in every bite.
5. Roll and Cut
Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pinwheels.
6. Arrange and Brush
Place the pinwheels, cut-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
7. Bake to Perfection
Pop the pinwheels in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving warm. Get ready for the oohs and aahs as your guests take their first bite of these cheesy, garlicky wonders!
Notes
For a healthier alternative, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or whole-wheat crescent roll dough. These pinwheels can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cheesy pinwheels, garlic butter chicken, bacon pinwheels, appetizer, party food