Name: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 2 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 scallions, chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 sheets thawed puff pastry; 1 egg, beaten

There’s something about the combination of crispy, flaky pastry wrapped around spicy, creamy buffalo chicken that just hits the spot every time. This Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe is a fun twist on classic buffalo chicken – perfect for parties, game day, or whenever you want a little spicy snack that's easy to share.

The image shows several round puff pastry swirls with a golden brown and flaky crust, each swirl having visible layers of light beige dough and an orange filling inside. The orange filling looks creamy and slightly textured, spread evenly within the swirl layers. The pastries are topped with small pieces of bright green chopped scallions scattered over the surface. They rest on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, and a small glass bowl with a white creamy dip sits nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly get excited whenever I make this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe because it’s so quick, flavorful, and guests always ask for the recipe. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but comes together with minimal effort - total kitchen win!

Easy-to-assemble: Just mix, spread, roll, and bake – no complicated steps here.
Perfect bite-sized snack: These pinwheels are easy to handle and ideal for sharing at any gathering.
Flavor-packed combo: The creamy buffalo chicken filling pairs perfectly with flaky puff pastry.
Customizable heat level: Adjust buffalo sauce amount for mild to spicy preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients combine layers of flavor and texture that bring this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe to life. The balance between creamy, tangy, and spicy makes it addictive, while puff pastry adds that flaky crunch you’re going to love.

Flat lay of cooked shredded chicken, a small mound of softened cream cheese on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl with bright orange buffalo sauce, a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, a few chopped green scallions scattered neatly, a small white bowl containing a pale beige garlic powder, a small white bowl with black peppercorns, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, two sheets of smooth thawed puff pastry, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed side by side, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cooked and shredded chicken: Using cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!) gives you juicy, tender bites without extra work.
Cream cheese: Adds smooth richness and helps bind the filling together.
Plain Greek yogurt: Gives a tangy brightness and lightens the creaminess without adding heaviness.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the flavor, balancing heat and tang – I recommend using your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly, ensuring each pinwheel is cheesy and satisfying.
Scallions: Fresh, oniony crunch that cuts through the richness.
Garlic powder, black pepper, and salt: Essential seasoning to punch up every bite.
Puff pastry sheets: The flaky buttery wrapper that crisps beautifully in the oven.
Egg (beaten): Used for brushing the pastry – it creates that gorgeous golden glow and shiny finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe is how easy it is to tweak the filling to your taste. Don’t be shy about making it your own – it’s all about what you enjoy!

Variation: I sometimes swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack to give it a sharper or smokier kick – super tasty and just as melty.
Heat level: If you prefer it mild, cut back on the buffalo sauce or use a milder wing sauce, but I like to keep that spicy tang front and center.
Herb additions: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley inside the filling can brighten the flavor even more.
Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based chicken for a meat-free spin.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

The image shows a white plate with eight golden-brown puff pastry pinwheels arranged in a circle. Each pinwheel has multiple flaky, layered spirals with an orange filling mixed with bits of light brown inside. Small green onion pieces are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh bright green color. In the center of the plate is a small glass bowl filled with white creamy dip. A woman's hand is holding one pinwheel, dipping it into the white sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Puff Pastry

Before you start mixing, get your chicken shredded and cream cheese softened – it helps everything blend together smoothly. Lay out a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then gently roll it out just a bit to thin it. Don’t overdo it—you want it thin but still sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, shredded mozzarella, scallions, and seasonings. I like to mix it using a rubber spatula to avoid toughening the chicken. Taste and adjust the buffalo sauce or salt as needed—this is your flavor base, so give it some love!

Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels

Spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the puff pastry, reaching all the edges. Then, starting with the short edge facing you, carefully roll the pastry away from you into a tight log. A sharp knife is key here, so when you slice it into 8 equal pinwheels, they stay intact without squishing the filling out.

Step 4: Bake to Flaky Perfection

Place the pieces cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg to get that golden shine. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes—keep an eye out for puffed-up, golden brown edges. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving so they hold their shape and you don’t burn your tongue! Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet and remaining filling.

Top Tip

After making this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe multiple times, I realized a few little tricks make the process smoother and the results better. These tips will help you nail it on your first try:

Keep puff pastry cold: Work quickly with the pastry and keep it chilled before placing filling on it – this prevents it from becoming too sticky or tearing.
Tight rolling: Don’t rush the rolling step. A snug roll helps keep the filling inside and creates clean pinwheel slices.
Sharp knife for slicing: Clean, decisive cuts avoid squishing the filling and keep the pinwheels neat.
Don’t overbake: Watch closely in the last 5 minutes – you want golden brown, not burnt edges.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra chopped scallions on top to add a fresh crunch and pop of color. Sometimes a few cilantro leaves make their way on for a fresh herbal brightness that balances the spicy buffalo sauce. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side turns these into a true buffalo feast.

Side Dishes

Pair these pinwheels with crunchy celery sticks and carrot fries for a classic buffalo vibe. A fresh green salad with a tangy dressing keeps things balanced, especially if you’re serving these as an appetizer during a party. I love how the cool veggies tone down the spicy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a gathering, I like arranging the pinwheels in a spiral on a large platter with small bowls of ranch and blue cheese dips in the center. Adding colorful napkins or small edible flowers around the platter turns these simple appetizers into a festive showstopper. You can also skewer two pinwheels together with a toothpick to make it easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes happens, but rarely), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They usually stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing to keep puff pastry from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked pinwheels wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time. This is a lifesaver for planning ahead or last-minute snacks!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This restores the crispiness nicely without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture—microwaves tend to make the pastry soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

While fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best texture and flavor, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and shred it properly to avoid a mushy filling.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

Puff pastry really makes these pinwheels special with its flaky layers. If you can’t find it, crescent roll dough is a decent substitute though it won’t be quite as crisp and flaky.

How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?

The heat depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you add. You can easily adjust the spiciness by using more or less buffalo sauce to suit your preference.

Can I make these ahead and bake later?

Absolutely! Assemble the pinwheels, then wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked and bake when ready.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual get-together or just a cozy night snack, the crispy, spicy, cheesy goodness never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own – just picture that first warm bite melting in your mouth. You’re going to love it!