These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are a tasty treat! Packed with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty garlic, they’re rolled up and baked to golden perfection.
Who can resist these little bite-sized goodies? I like to serve them warm with a side of marinara—perfect for dipping! 🍗❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your pinwheels. Feel free to use store-bought pastry for ease. If you want a healthier option, consider using whole wheat wraps or tortillas instead!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is key to this dish. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with turkey, canned tuna, or even a plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian version.
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds stretch and creaminess, while Parmesan gives a nice salty kick. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano. For a non-dairy option, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Marinara Sauce: This adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have marinara, pizza sauce or even a simple garlic olive oil can work well. Homemade sauce is also an option if you prefer to make it from scratch!
How Do I Roll the Puff Pastry Without It Falling Apart?
Rolling puff pastry can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can do it smoothly. Make sure your pastry is thawed but still cold. This helps it stay together.
- First, sprinkle flour on your surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll the dough gently into a square – don’t apply too much pressure.
- When rolling it up, start from one edge and keep it tight but not so tight that it squishes the filling out.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the log into even pieces, as a clean cut helps them hold together while baking.
Keep practicing, and you’ll be a pro at rolling and slicing in no time!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pinwheels:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 9×9 inches), thawed
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake, giving you a total of around 30 minutes to enjoy these warm, cheesy pinwheels fresh out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a roughly 10×10 inch square. This is where all the delicious filling will go!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, minced garlic, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. This flavorful combination will be the star of your pinwheels.
4. Spread the Sauce:
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow while baking.
5. Add the Filling:
Evenly sprinkle the chicken and cheese mixture over the marinara sauce. Make sure it’s spread out nicely for every bite to be delicious!
6. Roll It Up:
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log shape. Keep it snug but not so tight that the filling spills out—find that happy medium!
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels. The thicker they are, the fluffier they’ll be when baked!
8. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to expand as they bake.
9. Brush with Olive Oil:
Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter for a golden finish as they bake.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffed up. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve them warm, optionally with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are a delightful mix of flavors wrapped in a flaky pastry—perfect for snacking or as an appetizer that will impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This helps ensure it’s pliable and easy to roll out.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’d prefer a different protein or a vegetarian option, shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, cooked sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative can work well. For a vegetarian choice, try using sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them nice and crispy again!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels and slice them in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze them, do so after slicing, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
