The moment I took my first bite of these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels, I knew they’d become a staple in my kitchen. There’s something irresistible about the tangy buffalo sauce blended with creamy cheese and tender chicken, all wrapped up in a soft, flaky pastry. Whether you’re planning a game day snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just craving a bold, homemade treat that beats fast food every time, these pinwheels deliver big on flavor and are surprisingly simple to make. Plus, their bite-sized goodness makes sharing effortless—perfect for those moments when everyone’s reaching for seconds!
Why choose Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
Bold Flavor Blast: Tangy buffalo sauce paired with creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that satisfies spicy food lovers. Effortless Prep: Simple steps make this recipe perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Party-Ready: Bite-sized pinwheels are ideal for sharing and impressing guests. Versatile Snack: Serve as an appetizer, game day treat, or quick homemade snack that beats fast food every time. Time-Saving: Ready in under an hour, they’re great for busy days without sacrificing flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Ingredients
For the Filling
- Cooked shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Buffalo sauce – Adjust spiciness to taste for the perfect bold kick.
- Cream cheese – Softens the heat and adds creamy richness to the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy depth.
- Green onions – Provide a fresh, mild crunch and hint of color.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing – Optional drizzle for extra creaminess and cooling contrast.
For the Dough
- Pre-made puff pastry sheets – Ensures flaky, buttery wraps with minimal effort.
- Egg wash (egg beaten with water) – Brushed on top for golden, glossy pinwheels.
These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels ingredients come together to create an irresistible, easy snack that’s ready to impress any crowd!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
For the Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, and green onions until fully combined and creamy.
For the Dough and Assembly:
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Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll one puff pastry sheet into a 12×10-inch rectangle, using gentle pressure to avoid tearing the dough.
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Spread Filling: Evenly spread the chicken mixture across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border so the log seals neatly without oozing during baking.
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Roll & Slice: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a well-sealed log, then slice it into ½-inch pinwheels for perfect bite-sized snacks.
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Bake Pinwheels: Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the parchment-lined sheet. Brush tops with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
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Cool & Serve: Let baked pinwheels rest on the sheet for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with extra green onion rings.
Optional: Toss baked pinwheels in extra buffalo sauce for an added kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
- Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures it blends smoothly with the buffalo sauce and chicken, creating a creamy, even filling without lumps.
- Don’t overfill the dough: Leaving a ½-inch border prevents the filling from spilling out during baking and keeps your pinwheels looking neat and tidy.
- Chill before slicing: Pop the rolled dough log in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up the filling, making it easier to cut uniform pinwheels without squishing.
- Brush with egg wash generously: This step gives your Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels that golden, glossy finish that looks as good as they taste.
- Adjust spice level carefully: Start with a moderate amount of buffalo sauce, then add more if needed to balance the creamy cheeses without overpowering the dish.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
Creating the perfect meal experience is all about balancing flavors and textures to enhance every bite of your delicious pinwheels.
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Crunchy Celery Sticks: Their refreshing crunch complements the creamy filling and provides a light, crisp contrast.
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Zesty Carrot Sticks: The natural sweetness paired with a tangy dip brightens up the spicy richness of the pinwheels.
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Cool Ranch Dip: A creamy dip offers a cooling effect that beautifully balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
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Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp greens and rich dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the bold flavors of the pinwheels.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweetness and crispy texture pair delightfully with the savory, spicy bite of the pinwheels.
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Icy Lemonade: A chilled glass of lemonade brightens the meal, cutting through the richness with its citrusy zing.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: A warm, gooey cookie for dessert rounds off the meal perfectly, adding a comforting and sweet finish.
Make Ahead Options
These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh from the oven even on your busiest nights! You can prepare the filling and roll the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the fridge, slice, and bake as directed. To maintain that signature flaky texture, avoid pre-baking. Instead, assemble the pinwheels ahead of time and store them; you’ll have delicious, home-cooked snacks ready to impress with minimal effort when it’s time to serve!
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Variations
Feel free to get creative with these pinwheels and make them uniquely yours!
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Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick that lovers of heat will adore. A small addition can bring a fiery surprise wrapped in creamy goodness.
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack cheese for a stringy, melty filling that elevates the richness and flavor profile. Your guests will be raving about this delightful twist!
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Vegetarian Options: Substitute shredded chicken with shredded carrots or zucchini, seasoned with buffalo sauce, for a plant-based alternative that retains all the tangy charm. This way, everyone can savor the bold taste without meat.
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Buffalo Ranch Fusion: Combine buffalo sauce with ranch seasoning in the filling for an added layer of flavor complexity that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The ranch cools down the heat while keeping things exciting!
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Crunchy Add-Ins: Toss in some chopped celery or bell peppers for a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. The added texture will make each bite more interesting.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the filling for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors. This little addition can elevate your pinwheels into a refreshing treat.
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Dough Variation: Swap puff pastry for whole wheat tortillas for a healthier wrap option that still delivers big on flavor. It’s a fantastic way to lighten up this indulgent recipe while enjoying every delicious bite!
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Sweet Heat: Drizzle a little honey over the filling before rolling for a sweet and spicy contrast that fascinates the taste buds. This simple change can create an addictive balance between sweet and savory!
How to Store and Freeze Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels warm from the oven for the best flavor, but if left out, eat within 2 hours for safety.
Fridge: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for optimal crispiness!
Freezer: If you want to freeze pinwheels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen pinwheels, bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Enjoy them just like freshly made!
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe FAQs
Can I use any kind of chicken for Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor, but leftover cooked chicken, grilled, or even shredded deli chicken works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s tender and well-shredded for easy mixing with the buffalo sauce.
How should I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F to bring back their crispy, flaky puff pastry texture.
Can I freeze these pinwheels for later?
Very much so! After baking, let pinwheels cool completely, then wrap them individually or in a batch tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake frozen pinwheels at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until piping hot.
What if my puff pastry tears while rolling?
Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us! If tears appear, simply patch them up with a bit of water on the edges and gently press together. Working with slightly chilled dough also helps prevent tearing, so chill the pastry if it feels too soft.
Are Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels safe for pets or those with allergies?
Buffalo sauce can be quite spicy and may upset pets, so it’s best to keep these treats for humans only. For allergy concerns, check ingredients carefully, especially buffalo sauce and cheeses, as some brands may contain additives or dairy proteins. Always substitute as needed for dietary restrictions!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe with Irresistible Creamy Kick
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, stir shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, and green onions until fully combined and creamy.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently roll one puff pastry sheet into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
- Evenly spread the chicken mixture across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a well-sealed log and slice it into ½-inch pinwheels.
- Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let baked pinwheels rest on the sheet for 5 minutes to set.
- Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with extra green onion rings.
