These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a game-changer for any get-together, especially if you love that classic buffalo wing flavor but want something a little different. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner.

What really makes these pinwheels special is the combination of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry, all baked to golden perfection. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Overview: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

These little spirals are packed with all the flavors of buffalo wings but in a neat, easy-to-eat package. We’re talking shredded chicken tossed in a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce, mixed with cream cheese and other cheeses, then rolled up in a soft dough and baked until golden brown.

The result is a delicious appetizer or snack that’s both creamy and spicy, with a satisfying crunch from the baked dough.

They’re great for parties because you can make them ahead of time. Just assemble the pinwheels, then bake them when you’re ready to serve.

You can serve these delicious pinwheels with some extra buffalo sauce for dipping, or maybe a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Celery sticks on the side are always a good idea, too.

Detailed Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty pinwheels:

Cooked Chicken: About 2 cups, shredded. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook your own chicken breasts and shred them.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: 1/2 cup. Use your favorite brand, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot. It depends on how much heat level you desire.
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This makes the filling creamy and helps bind everything together. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup. Cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor. You can also use a blend of cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Green Onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped. These add a bit of freshness and a mild onion flavor. You can also use chives.
Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: 1 (8-ounce) can. This is the easy shortcut that makes this recipe so quick! If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry, but you’ll need to roll it out thinner.
Optional Garnishes Celery and ranch or blue cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the pinwheels from sticking.
Make the Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and your buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
Add the Creamy Goodness: Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions to the bowl. Mix everything really well until it’s all combined into a creamy, cheesy, chicken mixture.
Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. If it comes in separate triangles, pinch the seams together to form one large rectangle. This will make it easier to roll.
Spread the Filling: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the pinwheels.
Roll it Up: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log, just like you’re making cinnamon rolls.
Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife or, even better, dental floss, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Dental floss makes a surprisingly clean cut!
Bake to Perfection: Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Cool and Serve: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. They’re best served warm.

Variations & Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Spice Level: Control the heat by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for extra kick.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar, or even some crumbled blue cheese, would be delicious.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Add a few minutes to the baking time.
Storage: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave them for a short time, or pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Serving suggestion: You can serve it with ranch or blue cheese.

Key Details

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 27-30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Equipment you’ll need: Baking sheet, Mixing bowl, Knife or dental floss