Here’s my go-to BBQ chicken pizza pinwheels recipe, with a simple pizza dough that rolls up nicely, filled with tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and red onions.
These pizza pinwheels are what my kids ask for most on movie nights. I often make a double batch because they disappear so quickly from the serving plate. Nothing beats having these warm, cheesy bites while watching your favorite film, right?
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Pinwheels
- Quick preparation – These pinwheels come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a quick appetizer.
- Kid-friendly fun – The spiral shape and familiar BBQ chicken flavor make these a hit with kids – they’re like pizza rolls but with a tasty twist!
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare these pinwheels in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, which is perfect for party planning.
- Simple ingredients – Using pre-made crescent dough and leftover chicken means you can whip these up with basic ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
- Party perfect – These bite-sized treats are ideal for potlucks, game days, or any gathering where you need an easy-to-serve finger food that everyone will love.
What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
The type of BBQ sauce you choose can really set the tone for these pinwheels. A classic Kansas City-style sauce with its thick, sweet, and slightly smoky profile works great here, but feel free to experiment with different styles. Memphis-style sauce tends to be thinner and tangier, while Texas-style brings more heat and less sweetness – both are solid options for this recipe. Just keep in mind that thicker sauces will be easier to spread and less likely to make your pinwheels soggy. If you’re using a thinner sauce, you might want to reduce it slightly on the stovetop first to help it stick better to the chicken.
Options for Substitutions
This fun recipe can be tweaked in several ways to match what you have in your kitchen:
- Cream cheese: You can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option, or try softened goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure whatever you use is well-softened so it spreads easily.
- BBQ sauce: Any style of BBQ sauce works here – sweet, spicy, or smoky. You could even try buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great, but you can also use leftover turkey, pulled pork, or even diced ham. For a vegetarian version, try using chopped mushrooms or jackfruit.
- Crescent dough: Pizza dough or puff pastry can work instead of crescent dough. If using pizza dough, roll it thin before adding toppings.
- Red onion: Sweet onion or green onions make good substitutes. If you’re not an onion fan, try finely diced bell peppers.
- Colby Jack cheese: Feel free to use cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend – any good melting cheese will do the job nicely.
- Cilantro: Not a cilantro fan? Use fresh parsley instead, or simply leave it out if you prefer.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making BBQ chicken pinwheels is spreading the filling too thick or too close to the edges, which can lead to messy rolling and filling that spills out during baking – leave about 1/2 inch border around the edges and spread the mixture in a thin, even layer. Another common mistake is not chilling the rolled dough for 15-20 minutes before slicing, which can result in squished, uneven pinwheels – pop it in the fridge to firm up for cleaner cuts. To prevent soggy bottoms, make sure your chicken isn’t too wet with BBQ sauce, and pat it dry with paper towels if needed before mixing with other ingredients. For the best results, use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to slice the roll, and don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Pinwheels?
These BBQ chicken pinwheels are perfect for parties and game day gatherings, and they pair really well with some simple sides to round out the meal. A crisp coleslaw with a tangy dressing makes a great partner since it balances out the sweet and savory flavors of the pinwheels. For a lighter option, try serving them alongside a fresh green salad or some raw veggie sticks with ranch dip. If you’re hosting a party, these pinwheels taste great next to other finger foods like potato wedges, corn chips with guacamole, or a bowl of crunchy pickles.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These tasty BBQ chicken pinwheels will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy.
Make Ahead: Want to prep these in advance? You can assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours before baking – just keep them covered in the fridge. This makes them perfect for party prep or when you’re expecting company!
Warm Up: While these pinwheels are yummy at room temperature, you can give them a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer them warm. Just keep in mind that they might not be quite as crispy as when they’re fresh from the oven.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 18-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 28-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 50-60 g
- Fat: 45-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
- 2 ounces softened cream cheese
- 5 tablespoons bbq sauce, set aside 1 tablespoon
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely diced
- 1 (8-ounce) sheet of refrigerated crescent dough
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped finely
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup colby jack cheese, shredded
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until smooth for a creamy filling.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining BBQ sauce with the shredded chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated.
Step 2: Prepare Crescent Dough
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, unroll the crescent dough, laying it out flat without separating the perforations.
This will serve as the base for your roll-ups.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface of the crescent dough.
Ensure the mixture covers the dough evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
Scatter the BBQ chicken evenly over the surface, followed by an even distribution of red onion and cilantro.
Finish by sprinkling your choice of shredded cheese over the top.
Step 4: Roll and Cut Dough
Starting from one of the long ends of the dough, carefully roll it up into a log shape, keeping it as tight as possible.
Once rolled, cut the log into 12 even pieces.
Arrange these pieces cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between each to expand slightly while baking.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serve with additional BBQ sauce for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful BBQ chicken roll-ups!