Name: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 2 oz cream cheese softened; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 scallions chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 sheets thawed puff pastry; 1 egg beaten

You’re about to discover a game-changer for game day, parties, or any snack craving moment. These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe bring together spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry – a combination that just can’t be beat.

The image shows several round puff pastry swirls with a golden brown and flaky crust, each swirl having visible layers of light beige dough and an orange filling inside. The orange filling looks creamy and slightly textured, spread evenly within the swirl layers. The pastries are topped with small pieces of bright green chopped scallions scattered over the surface. They rest on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, and a small glass bowl with a white creamy dip sits nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I fell in love with this dish the first time I bit into one of these pinwheels. They're perfect bite-sized pockets of flavor that somehow taste both indulgent and homemade, making every gathering feel extra special.

Savory and Spicy Flavor Fusion: Cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and mozzarella blend beautifully for that signature tangy kick you crave.
Flaky Puff Pastry Crust: The golden, buttery puff pastry holds all the filling inside, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Easy to Make Ahead: >You can prep these pinwheels in advance, chill or freeze them, then bake when ready for a stress-free appetizer.
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: >These bite-sized treats vanish fast, whether at parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe comes from balancing spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements wrapped with a flaky crust. Each ingredient plays a key role in building that heavenly texture and flavor you’re aiming for.

Flat lay of cooked shredded chicken, a small mound of softened cream cheese on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl with bright orange buffalo sauce, a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, a few chopped green scallions scattered neatly, a small white bowl containing a pale beige garlic powder, a small white bowl with black peppercorns, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, two sheets of smooth thawed puff pastry, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed side by side, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cooked and Shredded Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken keeps this recipe quick and lets the buffalo sauce soak in perfectly.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess that tempers the spice from the buffalo sauce and binds everything together.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Lightens the filling while adding a little tanginess and protein.
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show – spicy, tangy, and full of flavor, it elevates the filling dramatically.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey richness and texture inside each pinwheel.
Scallions: Offers fresh, mild onion flavor with a nice pop of color.
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and round out the flavors.
Thawed Puff Pastry Sheets: Your golden, flaky exterior – just be sure to keep them cold before rolling to get the flakiest layers.
Beaten Egg: Brushed on top to create a shiny, golden crust when baked.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch things up based on what I have and who I'm serving. You can absolutely make it fit your taste buds!

Variation: I once swapped out the mozzarella for cheddar and added some chopped celery for crunch – it brought a fun twist and made it feel more like a classic buffalo wing experience.
Mild Version: If you want less heat, try a milder wing sauce or mix buffalo sauce with some honey for sweetness.
Vegetarian Alternative: Use shredded jackfruit or cauliflower seasoned with buffalo sauce instead of chicken for a plant-based take.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe

The image shows a white plate with eight golden-brown puff pastry pinwheels arranged in a circle. Each pinwheel has multiple flaky, layered spirals with an orange filling mixed with bits of light brown inside. Small green onion pieces are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh bright green color. In the center of the plate is a small glass bowl filled with white creamy dip. A woman's hand is holding one pinwheel, dipping it into the white sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by making sure your chicken is cooked and shredded—rotisserie chicken works wonders and saves you time. Soften your cream cheese so mixing is easier, and let your puff pastry thaw but keep it chilled until you roll. Having everything ready makes the process so much smoother.

Step 2: Mix That Flavorful Buffalo Filling

In a big bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, scallions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything gently but thoroughly. You want a nice, even mix with no big lumps of cream cheese hiding around.

Step 3: Roll Out and Spread

Lightly flour your work surface and unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Roll it out gently to thin it just a bit—this helps it cook evenly and become extra flaky. Spread half of your buffalo chicken filling evenly over the entire sheet, right to the edges.

Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Prep for Baking

Starting with the short edge facing you, roll the puff pastry tightly away from you to form a log. Grab a sharp knife and slice it into eight equal pinwheels. Repeat with the second sheet and remaining filling. Place the pinwheels spaced well on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush them with beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Flaky, Spicy Perfection

Pop the tray into a 400°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that puff pastry to rise, turn golden, and sizzle. When they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before plating so they hold their shape.

Top Tip

From my trials in the kitchen, I’ve learned a few secrets that make these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe shine every time. Follow these to avoid common pitfalls and impress your friends.

Keep Puff Pastry Cool: If the pastry gets too warm, it becomes sticky and tough to roll. Pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes if it starts getting soft.
Don’t Overfill: Spreading a thin, even layer prevents the filling from leaking out during baking – it’s all about balance.
Use a Sharp Knife: A clean cut helps each pinwheel hold its spiral shape beautifully, which looks great on the plate.
Egg Wash for Golden Crust: That final brush of beaten egg gives your pinwheels a gorgeous sheen and helps seals the edges just right.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped scallions or a handful of chopped cilantro over these pinwheels. It adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich filling. A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing also makes for a fantastic dip.

Side Dishes

Consider serving these with crunchy celery and carrot sticks to keep that buffalo wing vibe alive. A crisp green salad or some roasted veggies also balance the richness nicely for a more complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I once arranged these pinwheels standing upright in a round platter like flower petals, surrounding a bowl of blue cheese dip. It made for quite the eye-catching appetizer display that guests loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay delicious but keep in mind the puff pastry softens a bit — reheating is key to refreshing that crunch.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After slicing the pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want a quick snack, just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

I find reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes works best to bring back that flaky texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?

You absolutely can, but make sure the chicken is completely cooked and shredded finely before mixing with the buffalo sauce and other ingredients. Preparing the chicken ahead of time helps with easy assembly.

What if I don’t have puff pastry sheets?

Puff pastry gives the pinwheels their signature flaky texture, but if you don’t have it, you can use crescent roll dough or pizza dough. The texture will be different, but they’ll still be tasty and fun to eat.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with shredded jackfruit or cauliflower, and use a vegan cream cheese and plant-based buffalo sauce. The result is just as flavorful and satisfying.

How spicy are these pinwheels?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce brand you choose. They usually have a moderate heat, but you can control it by adjusting the amount of sauce or mixing it with yogurt or ranch dressing to mellow the spice.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe have become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want to wow guests with minimal effort. The balance of spice, creaminess, and flaky pastry makes them irresistibly good. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing them just like I do—give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!