Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels
Whenever I think of comfort food, Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels come to mind. They remind me of cozy family dinners when I would help my mom in the kitchen, rolling up these delightful bites filled with savory goodness. The combination of tender chicken and fresh broccoli wrapped in a buttery, flaky dough is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made these for friends; their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bite. This dish not only satisfies hunger but brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia that’s hard to replicate. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a delightful main dish, Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
10 mins
20 mins
Medium
250 kcal
15 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Oven, Food Processor, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet
Why This Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels Shines
Easy to Make
One of the reasons I adore Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels is how simple they are to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a fantastic dish in no time. The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to bring this dish to life!
Flavor Explosion
The blend of flavors in Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels is truly amazing. The creamy cream cheese paired with the fresh broccoli and tender chicken creates a rich, satisfying taste. Add in the crunch of French fried onions, and you’ve got a delightful texture that complements the flavors perfectly. Every bite is a mini explosion of taste!
Versatile Dish
Another reason to love these pinwheels is their versatility. You can serve them as a main course, appetizers, or even as part of a party platter. They fit perfectly into any occasion, whether it’s a casual family meal or a festive gathering. You can also customize the filling to suit your tastes, making them even more appealing.
Kid-Friendly
Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels are a hit with kids too! They’re fun to eat and packed with nutrients. The combination of broccoli and chicken offers a healthy option that parents can feel good about serving. Plus, the pinwheel shape makes them more appealing to little ones, turning them into a fun finger food.
Make Ahead Option
If you’re like me and enjoy meal prepping, you’ll be thrilled to know that these pinwheels can be made ahead of time. You can prepare them in advance and pop them in the freezer, making it easy to pull them out for a quick snack or meal. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels Shopping List
When it comes to making Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels, the ingredients are simple yet effective. Each component plays a vital role in creating a delightful dish that everyone will love. The key players here are fresh broccoli, fluffy crescent rolls, and creamy cream cheese. Together, they form the perfect filling that is both flavorful and satisfying.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, broccoli provides a nutritious crunch that balances the creaminess of the filling.
- 1 tube crescent dinner rolls: Flaky and buttery, these rolls form the base of the pinwheels, providing a delicious outer layer.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Rich and creamy, cream cheese acts as the perfect binder and adds a luscious texture to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This seasoning enhances the flavor profile, giving the dish a subtle kick.
- 1 cup boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded: Tender and protein-packed, this chicken is the star of the filling.
- 1/2 cup French’s French Fried Onions, coarsely chopped: These crispy onions add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Brushing the pinwheels with butter helps achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Making Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels
Let’s dive into the fun part of making Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels! This recipe is not only easy but also allows you to get creative in the kitchen. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a dish that your family will request time and again.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures a perfectly baked pinwheel that is golden brown.
- In a food processor, place the broccoli florets; pulse a few times until the broccoli is finely chopped. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the broccoli with a knife instead.
- Unroll the crescent dinner rolls onto a clean work surface, forming one large rectangle. Make sure to press the perforations and seams to seal them well.
- In a small microwavable bowl, microwave the cream cheese on high for thirty seconds. This will make it easier to spread. Add the garlic powder and stir until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about a quarter-inch border on one side. This helps to seal the pinwheels later.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped broccoli evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Then, add the cooked and shredded chicken on top of the broccoli evenly.
- Place a sheet of waxed paper over the dough and gently press down to compress the filling. This step ensures that all the ingredients stick together nicely.
- Starting with the side of the dough opposite the clean edge, roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into eight equal slices, forming the pinwheels. Place the cut side down in an ungreased 8- or 9-inch round pan.
- In a small dish, stir the French fried onions and melted butter, coating the onions lightly with the butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each pinwheel.
- Bake the pinwheels for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are light golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
- Once baked, serve the pinwheels warm. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they taste amazing at room temperature as well.
Things Worth Knowing
- Don’t skip the sealing: Be sure to seal the seams of the crescent rolls well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Experiment with fillings: You can switch up the filling ingredients by adding different vegetables or seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the pinwheels as they bake. The golden brown color is a good indicator that they are ready to come out.
- Let them cool slightly: Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle.
Pro Tips and Tweaks
When making Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels, consider these pro tips to elevate your dish. They’ll help you create a meal that’s not just tasty but also visually appealing and satisfying.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked pinwheels for up to one month. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Pairing: These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli.
- Customizing: Feel free to add extra seasonings or swap out the chicken for another protein like turkey or tofu for a different flavor.
- Presentation: For a lovely presentation, arrange the pinwheels on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels, the possibilities are endless! Here are some fantastic ideas:
- As Appetizers: Serve them as bite-sized snacks at your next gathering. They’re perfect for parties or game day!
- Lunch or Dinner: Pair these pinwheels with a simple green salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
- Kids’ Lunchboxes: These pinwheels make a great addition to kids’ lunchboxes. They’re easy to hold and will keep well until lunchtime.
- Seasonal Occasions: Enjoy these during any season as they can be made fresh throughout the year. They’re great for summer picnics or winter gatherings.
- Freezing for Later: Make a double batch and freeze them for a quick meal option on busy nights. Just bake from frozen!
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels are not just a meal; they are a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy to every table. Their savory flavors and satisfying texture make them a favorite for any occasion. I encourage you to try making these pinwheels for your next family gathering or cozy dinner at home. You won’t be disappointed, and your loved ones will thank you for such a delicious treat!
Chicken and Broccoli Pinwheels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures a perfectly baked pinwheel that is golden brown.
- In a food processor, place the broccoli florets; pulse a few times until the broccoli is finely chopped. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the broccoli with a knife instead.
- Unroll the crescent dinner rolls onto a clean work surface, forming one large rectangle. Make sure to press the perforations and seams to seal them well.
- In a small microwavable bowl, microwave the cream cheese on high for thirty seconds. This will make it easier to spread. Add the garlic powder and stir until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about a quarter-inch border on one side. This helps to seal the pinwheels later.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped broccoli evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Then, add the cooked and shredded chicken on top of the broccoli evenly.
- Place a sheet of waxed paper over the dough and gently press down to compress the filling. This step ensures that all the ingredients stick together nicely.
- Starting with the side of the dough opposite the clean edge, roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into eight equal slices, forming the pinwheels. Place the cut side down in an ungreased 8- or 9-inch round pan.
- In a small dish, stir the French fried onions and melted butter, coating the onions lightly with the butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each pinwheel.
- Bake the pinwheels for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are light golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
- Once baked, serve the pinwheels warm. They are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they taste amazing at room temperature as well.
