It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the holidays are here! And let me tell you, I’ve got the perfect recipe to make your holiday season even more delectable. It’s my Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels, and let me just say, they are the talk of every party I bring them to.
You see, a few years back, I was hosting my annual Christmas get-together, and I wanted to really knock everyone’s socks off with a show-stopping appetizer. That’s when I stumbled upon this Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels recipe, and let me tell you, it was an instant hit. The moment I brought that platter of flaky, creamy, and slightly sweet pinwheels out, they disappeared in a flash! Everyone was raving about the perfect balance of flavors, the tender chicken, the pops of tart cranberry, and the crunch of those toasted pecans.
From that moment on, these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels became a staple on my holiday menu. I make them for all my parties, potlucks, and even just as a special treat for my family. They’re so easy to put together, yet they look and taste like they came straight from a high-end catering company. I just can’t get enough of them, and I know your friends and family will feel the same way.
Why This Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
The secret to these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels is in the way the flavors all come together. The creamy chicken filling is the perfect base, with just the right amount of seasoning to let the other ingredients shine. The tart cranberries and crunchy pecans provide a delightful contrast, while the flaky, buttery puff pastry ties it all together. It’s a harmony of textures and tastes that will have your guests coming back for more.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Cooked and shredded or chopped into small pieces.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to make the filling extra creamy.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried, for that perfect pop of tart flavor.
- Pecans: Toasted and chopped to add a delightful crunch.
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought or homemade, flaky and golden-brown.
- Herbs and Spices: A blend of dried thyme, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to season the filling.
Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Instructions
Preparing Your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels come together quickly, making them the perfect appetizer for any holiday gathering. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a platter of these irresistible bites ready to wow your guests.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-incorporated.
3- Unfold your puff pastry sheets and roll them out on a lightly floured surface to a 12×9-inch rectangle.
4- Spread the creamy chicken filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
5- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the puff pastry, jelly-roll style, to create a log.
6- Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels is to make sure the chicken is well-seasoned and the cream cheese is softened to create a smooth, creamy filling. Be careful not to overfill the pinwheels, as that can cause them to unravel during baking. And be sure to toast the pecans beforehand to bring out their nutty flavor and crunch.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for any holiday gathering, from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s Eve. They pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or a festive holiday cocktail. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a hearty soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are incredibly versatile when it comes to storage and make-ahead prep. You can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Or, you can bake the pinwheels ahead of time and simply reheat them in the oven for 5-10 minutes before serving. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
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 always a hit, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try swapping the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or mix in some diced apples or pears for a seasonal twist. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to complement the other flavors.
Making Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels Diet-Friendly
To make these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels a little 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, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and for a nut-free option, simply omit the pecans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use cooked turkey instead of chicken in the Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels?
A: Absolutely! Turkey is a great substitution and will work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to use the same amount of cooked, shredded turkey as you would chicken.
Q: How do I know when the Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are done baking?
A: The pinwheels are ready when the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky, and the filling is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on them and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach that perfect, irresistible texture.
Q: Can I make the Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these pinwheels in advance. Assemble the rolls, slice them, and then bake them right before serving. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: How many Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 20-24 pinwheels, depending on how thick you slice the log. It’s a great appetizer for a crowd, but you can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.
Q: What should I do if my Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are a bit soggy?
A: If your pinwheels come out a little soggy, it’s likely due to overfilling the pastry or not baking them long enough. Make sure to spread the filling evenly and not overload the pinwheels. And be sure to bake them until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of these Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels. Flaky, golden-brown pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken mixture, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 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, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. – Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 12×9-inch rectangle.
4. – Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. – Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the puff pastry, jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam to seal.
6. – Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
7. – Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown.
8. – Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– For a creamier filling, use softened cream cheese.
– Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans, if desired.
– These pinwheels can be prepared in advance and baked right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – my secret recipe for the most delectable Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels. These little bites of holiday heaven are sure to be the hit of your next gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive party with friends. So what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients, get in the kitchen, and get ready to wow everyone with these amazing Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels. Trust me, they’ll be begging you for the recipe!
