I’ll never forget the first time I made Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels for my family. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something comforting yet special. As I pulled the warm, golden-brown pinwheels out of the oven, the aroma of roasted pecans and tangy cranberries filled the kitchen. The anticipation was palpable as I sliced into the first one, revealing the creamy chicken filling inside. The look on my family’s faces as they took their first bite was priceless – pure delight. From that moment on, Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels became a regular in our dinner rotation, a recipe that never fails to impress and satisfy.
Why This Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
What makes this recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy chicken filling, with its blend of tender chicken, velvety cream cheese, and savory seasonings, is the perfect complement to the buttery, flaky pinwheel dough. The addition of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans takes it to the next level, adding a delightful burst of sweetness and crunch in every bite. This recipe yields 24 pinwheels, ensuring you have plenty to share (or plenty of leftovers!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels, you’ll need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a rolling pin, a sharp knife, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2- Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it out into a 12×9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry.
3- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the puff pastry like a jelly roll. Cut the roll into 24 equal slices, about 1/2-inch thick each.
4- Place the pinwheel slices, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5- Remove the Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
6- Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest filling.
- Chopping the pecans into small pieces ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the pinwheels.
- For a more vibrant color, you can use fresh or frozen cranberries instead of dried.
- If the pinwheels seem to be browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer or main dish. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a complete and satisfying meal. They also make a great addition to any holiday spread or game-day spread, with each serving being one delicious pinwheel.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the pinwheels up to 1 day in advance and keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This way, you can have a batch of fresh, hot pinwheels ready to go whenever you need them.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Creative Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try some fun variations on this classic recipe. For a seasonal twist, swap out the cranberries for chopped apple and cinnamon. Or, for a spicy kick, add a touch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the filling. You could even experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to change up the texture and flavor.
Making Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and opt for a whole-wheat or gluten-free puff pastry. For a low-carb version, skip the pastry and serve the creamy chicken filling in lettuce wraps or on top of a bed of greens. Vegans can enjoy a plant-based version by using a cashew-based cream cheese alternative and omitting the Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the pecans with a different type of nut?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even pine nuts in place of the pecans. The key is to chop the nuts into small pieces so they’re evenly distributed throughout the pinwheels.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 pinwheels, with each serving being 1 pinwheel.
Q: Can I make the filling in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the creamy chicken filling up to 1 day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pinwheels.
Q: My pinwheels are browning too quickly. What can I do?
A: If the pinwheels seem to be browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with a piece of foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will prevent the pastry from burning while allowing the filling to heat through.
Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
Description
These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the tart sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans, all wrapped in a flaky pastry.
Ingredients
– 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 12×9-inch rectangle.
4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Tightly roll the puff pastry, starting from the long side, to create a log.
6. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a festive presentation, garnish the pinwheels with fresh thyme or rosemary. These pinwheels can also be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and indulgent. With their irresistible flavors and eye-catching presentation, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main dish, or a special holiday treat, these pinwheels are guaranteed to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and get ready to enjoy the delicious results!
