Chicken Pinwheels are one of those recipes that look impressive on the plate but are surprisingly simple to make. With tender chicken rolled around a creamy, flavorful filling and sliced into beautiful spirals, this dish works just as well for a family dinner as it does for parties, buffets, or special occasions. They’re elegant without being fussy and comforting without feeling heavy.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Chicken Pinwheels
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 120 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Filling Add-Ins
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Detailed Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ cm (¼ inch). This step is essential—it helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easy to roll.
Season both sides of each flattened chicken breast lightly with salt and black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
If using optional add-ins like spinach, turkey bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes, gently fold them into the mixture now. The filling should be creamy but spreadable, not runny.
3. Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay one flattened chicken breast on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the chicken, leaving about 1 cm (½ inch) border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
Starting from the short end, tightly roll the chicken breast into a log. Secure with toothpicks if needed to help it hold its shape. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
4. Sear for Flavor
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the skillet.
Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the outside is lightly golden. This step adds flavor and helps seal the rolls.
5. Bake Until Tender
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken pinwheels to a lightly greased baking dish before baking.
6. Rest and Slice
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Resting helps keep the juices inside the meat.
Carefully remove any toothpicks. Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken roll into 2–3 cm (1-inch) pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken pinwheels are incredibly flexible and pair well with many sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice
- Roasted vegetables or green beans
- A fresh garden salad
- Pasta with a light cream or tomato sauce
They’re also excellent served as appetizers—just slice them thinner and serve with toothpicks.
