Name: BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups deli rotisserie chicken (shredded); 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 8 oz Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls; 3/4 cup sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 to 3 tablespoons cilantro (chopped fresh)

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When I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to mind is the delicious BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake. This dish takes me back to summer gatherings with family and friends, where the aroma of baked goodies fills the air and laughter resonates all around. I remember the first time I made this recipe; it was a spontaneous decision during a lazy afternoon. I had some leftover rotisserie chicken and a few staples in my pantry, and before I knew it, I was rolling out dough and mixing the flavorful filling. The moment I pulled the golden pinwheels from the oven, the entire house was filled with a mouthwatering scent that made it impossible to resist. Each bite is a perfect balance of tender chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in flaky dough. It’s a dish that’s not only comforting but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend treat!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
18 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon

Why This BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake Is So Good

It’s a Crowd-Pleaser

Whenever I serve BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake, you can bet it’s a hit! Friends and family can’t get enough of these delightful bites. The combination of flavors and textures creates an irresistible snack that brings everyone together. It’s the perfect dish to share at parties or gatherings; trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!

Effortlessly Simple

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to pull it off successfully. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a masterpiece that looks and tastes gourmet. Plus, it takes minimal prep time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with your loved ones.

Versatile Ingredients

The beauty of the BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake lies in its versatility. You can easily customize the filling based on what you have on hand or your mood. Want to throw in some veggies? Go for it! Feeling adventurous? Change up the sauces or cheese. It’s a canvas for your creativity!

Great for Meal Prep

If you’re like me and love meal prepping, this recipe is a game-changer. You can make a batch ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze them, and then bake them whenever you crave a quick meal. It’s an easy way to have delicious food ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Perfect for All Occasions

Whether it’s a casual lunch, dinner party, or a game day gathering, these pinwheels adapt beautifully to any occasion. They can be served warm or cold, making them incredibly convenient for outdoor picnics or potlucks. Everyone will appreciate this tasty addition to the menu!

Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids adore these pinwheels, and they can even get involved in making them! It’s a fun recipe to tackle together, and they can help with rolling the dough and adding their favorite toppings. Plus, they’ll love eating something they created.

Recipe Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake

When making BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake, the ingredients come together beautifully for a mouthwatering dish. The key players here are deli rotisserie chicken, which provides convenience and flavor, and barbecue sauce, adding a delightful tang. The crescent rolls make for a flaky, buttery wrap, while sharp Cheddar cheese introduces a rich creaminess. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and brightness to every bite.

2 cups deli rotisserie chicken, shredded: This is the star ingredient, offering convenience and flavor.
1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet element, enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
8 oz Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls: These provide a flaky, buttery base for the pinwheels.
3/4 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings a rich, creamy texture that melts beautifully.
2 to 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped fresh: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.

Preparation Steps for BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake

Making BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake is a wonderful culinary adventure. Follow these steps to create a delightful dish that everyone will love. You’ll find the process straightforward, making it easy to enjoy this tasty treat.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfect baking temperature for that golden finish.
In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups of shredded deli rotisserie chicken and 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated, as this will enhance the flavors throughout.
On a large cutting board, unroll the dough from one can of 8 oz Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls into two long rectangles. Overlap the long sides slightly to form one large rectangle; firmly press the perforations and edges to seal them.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch on one side uncovered. This will help with the rolling process.
Top the chicken mixture evenly with 3/4 cup of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully and add to the overall flavor.
Starting with the long side that has the filling, roll up the dough toward the uncovered edge, pinching the seam to seal tightly. This will create a spiral of flavor.
Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 8 equal slices (pinwheels). Each slice should reveal the delicious layers inside.
Place the cut side down in an ungreased 8- or 9-inch round pan. This allows them to bake evenly.
Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and the center pinwheels are no longer doughy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking.
Once done, cool slightly for about 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving warm. Enjoy the delectable flavors!

Things Worth Knowing

Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds flavor.
Seal your dough well: Ensure the edges are firmly pressed to prevent leaking during baking.
Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so check for a golden brown color as a sign of doneness.
Experiment with fillings: You can add vegetables, different cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.

Change It Up

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun ways to adapt your BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze before baking; wrap tightly. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pairing: Serve alongside a fresh salad or some crispy veggies for a complete meal.
Variations: Try using different meats like turkey or beef, or use a spicy sauce for a kick.
Serving: These make great appetizers for parties; just cut them into smaller pieces!

How to Enjoy BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake

Serving the BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake can be a delightful experience. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy it:

As a snack: These pinwheels make for a perfect snack anytime, especially during movie nights.
For lunch: Pack them in lunchboxes with a side of fresh fruit or veggie sticks for a satisfying meal.
At parties: Cut them into bite-sized pieces for a fabulous finger food option that’s sure to impress guests.
During game days: They’re a hit at gatherings; serve with dipping sauces for added fun.
With drinks: Pair them with refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea for a summer vibe.
Storage tips: Wrap leftovers in foil for easy reheating, making them just as delicious the next day!

FAQ

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for deli rotisserie chicken for convenience, you can use grilled chicken, shredded cooked chicken breasts, or even turkey. Just make sure whatever you use is well-cooked and shredded nicely to distribute evenly throughout the pinwheels.

If you’re looking to add some heat to your BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake, consider mixing some hot sauce or pepper flakes into the barbecue sauce before combining it with the chicken. Alternatively, you can use a spicy barbecue sauce or add sliced jalapeños into the filling for an extra kick!

Yes, you can definitely prepare the BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake ahead of time! Simply follow the steps up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake them when you’re ready to serve, adjusting the baking time as needed to ensure they are heated through and golden brown.

These pinwheels are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Fresh salads, veggie sticks with dip, or even some crispy potato wedges work wonderfully. You can also serve them with a selection of sauces for dipping, such as ranch or extra barbecue sauce, to enhance the flavor experience.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Pinwheel Bake is a fantastic dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. It’s easy to prepare and a definite crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. I encourage you to give it a try; your taste buds will thank you for it!