BBQ Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful appetizer that combines tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for parties or a casual snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated crescent dough
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup Colby Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
2. Step 2: Roll out the crescent dough on a flat surface, pressing the seams together to form one solid sheet.
3. Step 3: Spread the barbecue sauce evenly across the dough, reaching all the way to the edges.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the diced chicken, red onion, shredded cheese, and cilantro evenly over the sauce.
5. Step 5: Carefully roll the dough widthwise (along the long edge) into a tight log, then pinch the seam to seal it.
6. Step 6: Using a sharp serrated knife, first cut the log in half. Then cut each half into six equal slices.
7. Step 7: Arrange the pinwheel slices on a greased cookie sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–11 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder to the barbecue sauce before spreading it on the dough.
• Substitute cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and add moistness.
• Try swapping Colby Monterey Jack with mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheese experience.
• Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350ºF oven for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm but can also be eaten cold as a quick snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if baking straight from chilled dough.

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated crescent dough?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry or biscuit dough can work well. Just ensure it’s rolled out thinly and sealed properly to prevent filling leakage during baking.

BBQ Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

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5 from 64 reviews

These BBQ Chicken Pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring tender diced chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, melted Colby Monterey Jack cheese, and a hint of red onion and fresh cilantro, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough and baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheel slices 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 can Refrigerated Crescent Dough

Filling

• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup Colby Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• Fresh cilantro, optional, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pinwheels when assembled.
2. Prepare Dough: Roll out the refrigerated crescent dough onto a clean surface, pressing the seams together carefully to create one solid sheet without gaps.
3. Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the barbecue sauce over the entire dough sheet, reaching all the way to the edges for full flavor coverage.
4. Add Fillings: Distribute the diced cooked chicken, diced red onions, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro (if using) evenly over the barbecue sauce layer.
5. Roll Dough: Roll the dough widthwise (along the long side), sealing the seam by pinching it firmly to keep the filling inside during baking.
6. Slice Roll: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the roll in half, then further slice each half into six equal pinwheel slices, totaling 12 pieces.
7. Bake Pinwheels: Place the pinwheel slices spaced evenly on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven at 350ºF for about 8 to 11 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking.
• You can substitute cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Feel free to add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.

Keywords: BBQ chicken appetizers, pinwheel recipes, party snacks, chicken crescent roll, easy appetizers