As I pulled the golden-brown Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels from the oven, the aroma of buttery puff pastry, savory chicken, and sweet cranberries filled the kitchen. It instantly took me back to those chilly autumn evenings when my grandma would surprise us with her famous pinwheels. The way the flaky dough melted in your mouth, combined with the creamy filling and crunchy pecans – it was a flavor explosion that never disappointed. Even as a kid, I couldn’t get enough of Grandma’s Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels.
I remember watching her carefully roll out the dough, spread the delicious chicken mixture, and then tightly wind it into those beautiful spiral pinwheels. It was an art form, and she made it look effortless. I’d always sneak a few bites before they even made it to the baking sheet. The sweet-savory combo was just too good to resist!
Now, as an adult, I’ve perfected my own version of Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels, and let me tell you – they’re every bit as mouthwatering as Grandma’s. In fact, this recipe has become a staple in my household, especially during the holiday season when I’m craving those familiar flavors.
Why This Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
The key to making these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels truly shine is all in the filling. By combining tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, tangy spread, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, you end up with a flavor and texture combination that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the flaky puff pastry dough provides the perfect backdrop to showcase these delectable ingredients.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff pastry sheets: The foundation for your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels, providing a light and flaky texture.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced chicken breast adds protein and heartiness to the filling.
- Cream cheese: The creamy base that binds the filling together.
- Dried cranberries: Offering a burst of sweet-tart flavor in every bite.
- Chopped pecans: Adding a lovely crunch and nutty taste to complement the other ingredients.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhances the overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are surprisingly easy to make and only require a handful of simple steps. With a total prep and cook time of just 45 minutes, you can have this impressive appetizer or main dish on the table in no time. All you’ll need is a rolling pin, a sharp knife, and a baking sheet.
1- Begin by unrolling your puff pastry sheets and laying them flat on a lightly floured surface. Use the rolling pin to gently stretch and smooth the dough into a large rectangle.
2- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the filling is well-incorporated.
3- Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
4- Tightly roll up the pastry from the short side, creating a long cylinder. Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on a baking sheet.
5- Bake the Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels in a preheated oven until the pastry is golden brown and flaky, about 20-25 minutes.
6- Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels turn out perfectly, here are a few expert tips:
- Make sure to fully cook the chicken before assembling the pinwheels. This will prevent any raw or undercooked spots in the final dish.
- Don’t overstuff the pinwheels – use just enough filling to create a nice spiral without spilling out.
- Brush the puff pastry with a bit of egg wash or milk before baking for an extra golden, shiny finish.
- Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be quite hot straight out of the oven.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels make a fantastic appetizer or light main dish. They pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of creamy soup. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a selection of holiday-themed dips and crackers. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce – it’s the perfect accompaniment to these pinwheels!
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 in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the pinwheels in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Or, you can bake them and freeze the pinwheels for up to 2 months. Just reheat them straight from the freezer in the oven when ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Creative Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Variations
While the classic Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are hard to beat, there are plenty of delicious variations you can try. For a twist on the filling, swap out the chicken for shredded turkey or even crumbled sausage. You could also try adding a bit of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
In the fall and winter months, consider using fresh cranberries instead of dried for a more tart and tangy flavor profile. And for a seasonal spin, try substituting the pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds.
Making Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Diet-Friendly
To make these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels a bit more diet-friendly, you can opt for a lower-fat cream cheese and use a whole-wheat or gluten-free puff pastry. For a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the puff pastry altogether and instead roll the filling into balls or dollop it onto a baking sheet. Top with shredded cheese and bake for a delicious crustless option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
A: No, it’s best to use cooked, shredded or diced chicken for this recipe. Raw chicken will not cook through properly in the short baking time.
Q: How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling?
A: To keep the pinwheels tightly rolled, be sure to spread the filling all the way to the edges of the puff pastry and roll them up tightly from the short side. You can also use a bit of water or egg wash to seal the edge.
Q: Can I make the Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels in advance and keep them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake them ahead of time and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Q: How many pinwheels does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 12-16 pinwheels, depending on how thickly you slice the rolled-up dough. The exact number may vary slightly.
Q: My pinwheels seem to be leaking filling while baking. What went wrong?
A: If the pinwheels are leaking filling, you may have overstuffed them or not rolled the dough tightly enough. Next time, use just enough filling to create a nice spiral and make sure to roll the dough up very snugly.
Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
Description
These creamy, flavorful pinwheels are packed with savory chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, making them a delightful and easy-to-make weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/8 tsp black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and spread the chicken mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Starting from the short side, tightly roll up the puff pastry to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
5. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the pinwheels are golden brown.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. For a variation, try using Brie cheese instead of cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a wonderfully flaky texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next holiday gathering or enjoying them as a cozy main dish, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
I hope you’ll give my Grandma’s famous Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels a try. Let me know in the comments how they turn out – I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you snap a photo, be sure to share it on social media and tag me. Bon appétit!
