These Garlic Chicken Pinwheels are an easy, cheesy appetizer made with pizza dough, garlic cream cheese, and tender chicken, perfect for holidays and parties. With only five simple ingredients and minimal prep, this pinwheel recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together fast.
Garlic Chicken Pinwheels are one of those recipes that disappear almost as fast as they come out of the oven. They are warm, cheesy, and packed with garlicky flavor, yet surprisingly simple to make. If you need an easy appetizer for the holidays, game day, or any party, this recipe checks every box.
What makes these pinwheels so great is how flexible they are. You can switch up the protein, change the cheese, or even make a vegetarian version without any trouble. Starting with store-bought pizza dough keeps prep easy, while the garlic cream cheese adds big flavor without needing a long list of spices.
Once baked, the pinwheels turn golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, with a soft, cheesy center. Serve them with warm tomato or pizza sauce for dipping and watch them disappear.
What I Love About This Recipe
- It uses just five simple ingredients, which makes prep fast and stress-free for parties.
- The garlic cream cheese adds tons of flavor without needing extra seasoning.
- These pinwheels are easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables.
- They bake up golden, cheesy, and irresistible every single time.
Equipment You May Need
- Rolling Pin – Helps roll the pizza dough into an even rectangle.
- Mixing Bowl – Used to combine the chicken and cream cheese filling.
- Baking Sheets – Provide space for the pinwheels to bake evenly.
- Parchment Paper – Makes cleanup quick and prevents sticking.
- Sharp Knife – Allows clean slicing of the rolled dough into pinwheels.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough – Acts as the soft, chewy base for the pinwheels.
- Spreadable Garlic Cream Cheese – Adds rich, garlicky flavor to the filling.
- Precooked Shredded or Chopped Chicken – Makes this recipe quick and filling.
- Shredded Italian Blend Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds cheesy goodness.
- Tomato Sauce – Served warm for dipping and extra flavor.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Pinwheels
Step One: Prepare the Oven and Dough
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the pizza dough out on a well-floured surface into a rectangle about 10×15 inches.
Step Two: Make the Filling
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the garlic cream cheese and precooked chicken until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
Step Three: Roll and Slice
Starting on the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam gently to seal, then slice the dough into 1-inch pieces.
Step Four: Bake and Serve
Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm with tomato sauce for dipping.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Garlic Chicken Pinwheels with warm tomato or pizza sauce for dipping to bring out the garlic and cheese flavors.
- Add them to a game day snack board alongside chips, veggies, and other dips for an easy party spread.
- Pair with a simple side salad or a bowl of soup to turn these pinwheels into a light lunch or casual dinner.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, pesto, or marinara, so guests can customize their bites.
- Use them as a fun appetizer for holiday parties or potlucks, where finger foods are easiest for guests to grab and enjoy.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Make sure the pizza dough is at room temperature so it rolls out more easily and does not spring back.
- Roll the dough on a well-floured surface to prevent sticking and to help you get a tight, even log.
- Slice the pinwheels with a sharp knife using gentle sawing motions so they hold their shape and do not squash.
- Leave enough space between each pinwheel on the baking sheet so they can puff and bake evenly.
- If the tops are browning too quickly before the centers are done, loosely tent the pan with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Garlic Chicken Pinwheels FAQ
How should I store Garlic Chicken Pinwheels?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Garlic Chicken Pinwheels?
Yes, they freeze well. Freeze baked pinwheels in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How long will Garlic Chicken Pinwheels last?
They will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Substitutions?
You can use precooked shrimp, sausage, or vegetables instead of chicken. Any shredded cheese works well, and flavored cream cheese can be swapped in easily.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Low-fat cream cheese and cheese can be used, but the pinwheels may be slightly less creamy.
What else can I add to this recipe?
Diced mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning are great additions for extra flavor.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – This would be a tough one to make vegan, but you can try using vegan ingredients, including a cream cheese and cheese substitute, as well as omitting the chicken or using a vegan substitute.
Vegetarian – You can omit the chicken or use a vegetarian substitute, such as vegetables or a meat substitute.
Low-Carb – You can try a lower-carb homemade dough.
Gluten-Free -Try a gluten-free dough.
Hope you enjoy these Garlic Chicken Pinwheels too! You might also like this Chipotle Corn Dip!
Garlic Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (about 14 to 16 oz.) pizza dough
- 1 (7 oz.) container spreadable garlic cream cheese
- 2 cups precooked shredded (or chopped) chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce warmed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured work surface to a rectangle about 10×15 inches.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and chicken until well combined. Spread over pizza dough leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Roll up dough starting on the long side. Pinch seams to help keep the dough together. Slice the dough into 1-inch pieces.
- Place pinwheels on baking sheets, cut sides up, leaving room for them to spread. Bake about 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve pinwheels with warm tomato sauce.
Notes
- Be sure to roll the pizza dough out on a well-floured surface so it’s easy to roll.
- Instead of chicken, you could use precooked shrimp, sausage, and/or vegetables.
- Instead of Italian blend cheese, you could substitute your favorite shredded cheese.
- Instead of garlic cream cheese, you can use your favorite spreadable cream cheese flavor.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
JEAN W. NOLAND says
CAN THE FINLANDIA BLACK GARLIC CREAMY GOURMET CHEESE BE SUBSTITUTED WITH ANOTHER CREAMY CHEESE? I AM IN CANADA AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN THE FINLANDIA BRAND. Jean
Lisa Huff says
If you don’t have it in your area, I would try a soft spreadable flavored cream cheese that you have in your area.
Zack says
These look so good. I’ll have to try these out someday! :)
Jill says
The Italian blend cheese….is that sprinkled on top of the pinwheels prior to baking or added to the garlic cheese/chicken spread?
Lisa Huff says
Hi Jill! Although you could probably do it either way, I sprinkled the shredded cheese over the garlic cheese/chicken, then rolled. Sorry for the confusion!
Suchi @elegantmeraki says
Never tried black garlic, but I will be on a look out now. Perfect game food!!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
These would be perfect for our next football party – they’d be gone in a snap!
Meg | Meg is Well says
I have yet to try black garlic so it’s pretty cool that Finlandia has put it in their cheese! I’m sure I could easily eat a whole container and with it in pinwheels…well let’s just say I’d be in danger of eating way too much. Great appetizer!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
That first picture of your son – why that was my same expression when I first stumbled on these pinwheels! I have a screen between me and them but gosh – I can almost smell how good these were! Such a delightful holiday snack!
Platter Talk says
This looks and sounds like an amazingly good app. Better yet, you have made it simple while keeping it interesting. Do you think honey mustard would be good with this, too?