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 incredibly satisfying about the crispy, flaky puff pastry wrapped around zesty, creamy buffalo chicken filling — that’s exactly why this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe quickly became one of my favorite apps to whip up for any gathering. It’s flavorful, fun to make, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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’ve made these pinwheels more times than I can count, and every single time they impress. The blend of creamy, tangy buffalo chicken rolled in buttery puff pastry just hits the spot, whether for game day, a cozy party, or even a casual weeknight treat.

Flavor Explosion: Combining the spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cream cheese and cool Greek yogurt creates a balanced, irresistible filling.
Super Simple Assembly: Even if puff pastry seems fancy, the rolling and slicing method is quick and beginner-friendly.
Perfect Party Food: These bite-sized pinwheels are easy to eat with your hands, making them ideal for social occasions.
Customizable: You can tweak heat levels or add extras like celery or ranch to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe plays a key role in delivering that perfect texture and bold flavor combo. I like to keep my ingredients fresh and simple, and using quality buffalo sauce makes all the difference.

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 leftover rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver and offers the best tender texture.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious creaminess that binds the filling, so it’s not too dry.
Plain Greek yogurt: Provides tang and a lighter texture, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—choose your favorite level of heat for the perfect kick.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild cheesy creaminess that complements the spices.
Scallions (chopped): Offer a subtle oniony crunch and bright color to keep things fresh.
Garlic powder, black pepper, and salt: Simple seasoning that rounds out the flavors without overpowering.
Puff pastry sheets (thawed): The flaky golden wrapping that holds it all together—make sure it’s fully thawed for easy rolling.
Egg (beaten): Creates a glossy finish that browns to perfection in the oven.

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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

I like to keep things flexible with this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe—after all, the best recipes are the ones you make your own. Sometimes I add a bit of ranch seasoning or swap mozzarella for cheddar, and it’s just as tasty every time.

Heat it up: I’ve experimented with adding more buffalo sauce or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicier version that really wakes up the taste buds.
Dairy-free version: I’ve swapped cream cheese and Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives and enjoyed these just as much.
Add crunch: Feel free to toss in some finely chopped celery or bell pepper inside for a subtle crunch that adds texture.

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 the Flavorful Filling

Start by mixing the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, shredded mozzarella, chopped scallions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to combine everything until the mixture is creamy and evenly seasoned. This mix is what makes these pinwheels so addictive, so take your time to blend all those delicious flavors well.

Step 2: Roll Out and Spread

Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a floured surface to prevent sticking, then gently roll it out just a bit to thin it. Spread half of the buffalo chicken filling into a thin, even layer right up to the edges. This helps ensure every bite has that perfect ratio of flaky pastry to savory filling.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

With the short edge facing you, carefully roll the pastry away from you into a tight spiral. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into eight equal pinwheels—this is easier if your knife is clean and dry to avoid squishing the roll.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each so they puff nicely. Brush the tops and sides with beaten egg to get that gorgeous golden crust when baked. Pop them in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re puffed up and perfectly golden.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Once baked, let the pinwheels rest for at least 5 minutes—this helps the filling set so you get neat, tidy slices instead of soggy messes. Garnish with extra scallions or fresh herbs like cilantro for color and that fresh pop of flavor before serving.

Top Tip

Making these pinwheels smoothly is all about prep and handling the puff pastry just right. I’ve learned some handy tricks that make the whole process easier and your results prettier—and you’ll love them too!

Keep puff pastry cold: Only thaw it until pliable but still cool; if it gets too warm, it gets sticky and hard to work with.
Sharp knife is key: Use a very sharp, non-serrated knife to slice the rolls without squishing and keep those perfect pinwheel shapes.
Don't overfill: Spreading the chicken mixture in a thin, even layer helps the pastry roll up without bursting or leaking.
Brush with egg wash: This gives beautiful shine and color plus a little extra crispness on top.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra chopped scallions right after baking for a fresh crunch and splash of green. Sometimes, I add a few fresh cilantro leaves to brighten the flavor even more. If you like a little creamy contrast, a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing is perfect for dipping.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair excellently with crisp celery sticks or crunchy carrot fries to keep up the Buffalo wing theme. For a heartier option, I often serve them with a simple side salad or some tangy coleslaw to balance that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large platter with small dipping bowls of ranch, blue cheese, and extra buffalo sauce in the center. It's always a showstopper! You can also thread them on skewers for a fun finger food twist that guests love grabbing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste great warmed up. Just make sure they’re cool before putting them away to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe! I freeze the pinwheels unbaked after slicing, spaced out on a tray. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a zip-top bag for storage. When I’m ready, I bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 10 minutes or until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely flaky crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

While canned chicken is a convenient option, I find that using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and texture. If you choose canned, drain it well and mix gently to avoid mushiness.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheels up to the slicing step, then refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Or, freeze them unbaked as described above to bake fresh when needed.

How spicy are these pinwheels?

The level of heat depends entirely on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you prefer milder flavors, use a mild buffalo sauce or cut the amount in half. For more spice, add extra sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor, shredded cheddar or pepper jack are great alternatives if you want a sharper or spicier cheese kick. Just make sure to shred it finely for even melting.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe is like the perfect blend of comfort, spice, and flaky indulgence wrapped in a neat little package. I love how simple it is to put together yet delivers big flavor and wow factor. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll be on your regular rotation for parties, friends, or just a cozy night in.