There’s nothing quite like the smell of Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn day. It instantly transports me back to the first time I made this recipe for my family. I can still picture the look of pure delight on my kids’ faces as they took that first bite, the sweet-savory flavors mingling together in perfect harmony. From that moment on, Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels became a staple in our household, a dish I know I can turn to again and again for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.
Why This Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
What sets this Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy chicken is perfectly complemented by the tart cranberries and the buttery crunch of the pecans, all wrapped up in a creamy, flaky pastry. But the real secret is in the homemade cream cheese filling – it’s the key to achieving that irresistible creaminess that makes these pinwheels so addictive.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels, you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts – Cooked and shredded, this will be the star of the show.
- Cream cheese – The base for the creamy filling that brings everything together.
- Dried cranberries – Their sweet-tart flavor is the perfect foil for the rich chicken and pecans.
- Pecans – Toasted and chopped, they add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Puff pastry – Flaky, buttery, and the ideal canvas for our delicious filling.
- Herbs – A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary adds an aromatic touch.
- Salt and pepper – To season the filling and bring out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Ready to get started on these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels? It’s a simple process that comes together quickly, and the end result is sure to impress. You’ll need about an hour from start to finish, and the only equipment required is a food processor, a rolling pin, and a sharp knife.
1- Begin by cooking the chicken breasts until tender and shredding them into bite-sized pieces.
2- In a food processor, blend the cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, herbs, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface.
4- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the pastry, jelly-roll style, until you have a long log.
5- Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6- Bake the Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels until they’re golden brown and flaky, about 20-25 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels is all in the preparation. Make sure to toast the pecans before chopping them to intensify their flavor, and be sure to thoroughly blend the cream cheese filling to achieve that velvety texture.
When rolling up the pastry, go slowly and gently to prevent it from tearing. And don’t be afraid to adjust the baking time if your pinwheels are getting too dark on the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
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 wonderful main dish, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A fresh green salad or roasted veggies would be the perfect accompaniment. And for a festive touch, serve them alongside a cranberry mimosa or a glass of crisp white wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
You can also make these pinwheels ahead of time – the filling can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before assembly. And the unbaked pinwheels can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Creative Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Variations
While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels. Try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or use a blend of different nuts. You could also add in a touch of orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
And for a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and use extra cream cheese, nuts, and veggies in the filling.
Making Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Diet-Friendly
To make these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels a little more diet-friendly, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and opt for a whole-wheat puff pastry. You can also cut back on the amount of pecans or use a smaller portion size.
For a gluten-free version, simply swap the puff pastry for a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Shredded leftover chicken works perfectly in the Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels filling. Just make sure to use about 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken.
Q: How do I know when the pinwheels are fully baked?
A: The pinwheels are done when they’re golden brown on top and the puff pastry is flaky and cooked through. You can also use a toothpick to check – it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Q: Can I make the pinwheels ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How many pinwheels does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 12-16 Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels, depending on how thinly you slice the log. It’s a great dish to serve a crowd, with plenty to go around.
Q: What if my pinwheels are getting too brown on the outside before the inside is cooked?
A: If this happens, simply tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent the outside from burning while the inside finishes cooking. You can also try lowering the oven temperature slightly.
Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
- Total Time: 42
- Yield: 24
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy chicken, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
– 1/4 tsp. salt
– 1/8 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chicken, cranberries, pecans, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. – Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
4. – Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on one of the long sides.
5. – Starting from the long side with the filling, tightly roll up the puff pastry into a log.
6. – Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels and place them on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
7. – Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
8. – Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 22
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are the ultimate comforting and crowd-pleasing dish. With their irresistible flavors and textures, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in my household. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the same joy my family does every time these pinwheels come out of the oven. Let me know in the comments how you like them!