When it comes to appetizers that are both impressive and easy to make, Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels should be at the top of your list. These savory pastries combine the buttery, flaky goodness of puff pastry with a creamy herbed chicken filling that is both light and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing snacks for game day, or simply looking for a quick appetizer to whip up, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit.

In this article, we’ll break down the step-by-step process for making these delicious pinwheels, provide tips for ensuring success, and discuss variations that will allow you to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.


Why Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels?

Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Here’s why this recipe should be in your appetizer rotation:

  1. Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these pinwheels are simple to prepare. With a few key ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and impressive appetizer in under 30 minutes.
  2. Versatile: You can serve these pinwheels warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties or events where food needs to be prepped in advance. They’re also highly customizable—change up the herbs, add cheese, or swap the chicken for other proteins to suit your taste.
  3. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, cream cheese, fresh herbs, and flaky puff pastry makes these pinwheels irresistibly savory and satisfying. They strike a perfect balance between richness and freshness, with herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme adding bright, aromatic flavors.
  4. Visually Impressive: Puff pastry always bakes up beautifully, and these pinwheels are no exception. They come out golden, flaky, and crisp, with a spiral of creamy, herbed chicken in the center, making them visually appealing on any platter.

Ingredients for Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels

The key to this recipe’s success is using high-quality ingredients to ensure maximum flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels:

For the Pinwheels:

  • Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is the foundation of this dish, providing a light, flaky texture. You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own. Thaw the pastry according to package directions before use.
  • Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is the protein base for the filling. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or quickly cook chicken breasts at home. Make sure the chicken is well-seasoned to enhance the flavor of the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling, helping to bind the chicken and herbs together. It also balances out the freshness of the herbs with a hint of indulgence.
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Thyme): Fresh herbs add bright, aromatic flavors that lift the entire dish. Parsley and basil provide a burst of freshness, while thyme adds a subtle earthiness. You can also experiment with other herbs like chives or tarragon.
  • Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a hint of sharpness and tang that complements the richness of the cream cheese and chicken. It’s optional but highly recommended.
  • Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the filling, adding depth without overpowering the delicate herbs.
  • Egg Wash: Brushing the puff pastry with a beaten egg helps the pinwheels achieve a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delicious appetizers. You’ll be surprised at how quick and easy they are to prepare!


Ingredients:
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions:
  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pinwheels from sticking.
  2. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
    • In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), fresh parsley, basil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
    • Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the puff pastry sheet. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the pastry into a smooth, even rectangle. This helps eliminate any creases and ensures even baking.
  4. Spread the Chicken Filling:
    • Evenly spread the herbed chicken mixture over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the edges.
  5. Roll the Pastry:
    • Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log, similar to how you would roll a cinnamon roll.
  6. Slice the Pinwheels:
    • Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled puff pastry into 1/2-inch thick slices. You should end up with approximately 16 pinwheels.
  7. Brush with Egg Wash:
    • Place the pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish. If desired, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each pinwheel.
  8. Bake:
    • Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. The filling should be hot, and the pinwheels should be crispy on the outside.
  9. Serve:
    • Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be served at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Pinwheels

  • Chill the Puff Pastry: For the best results, make sure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it. If it gets too warm while handling, pop it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before slicing. This ensures the pastry puffs up evenly during baking.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
  • Customizing the Filling: While herbed chicken is a classic filling, you can easily swap out the ingredients to suit your tastes. Try adding grated cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even swapping the chicken for ham or turkey.
  • Cutting the Pinwheels: Use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheels cleanly. If your pastry starts to flatten or squash while slicing, chill the rolled-up pastry log in the fridge for 10 minutes before cutting.

Variations

The beauty of Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels is that they are incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:

  1. Cheese and Spinach Pinwheels: Swap the chicken for sautéed spinach and add a mix of feta and Parmesan cheese for a vegetarian option.
  2. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy twist, and serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dip.
  3. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: Replace the chicken with thin slices of ham and Swiss cheese for a classic combination.
  4. Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Pinwheels: Combine sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese with fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.

Nutritional Benefits

Although puff pastry is known for being buttery and indulgent, this recipe incorporates lean protein and fresh herbs, providing a balance of flavors and nutrition. Here are some benefits of the key ingredients:

  • Chicken: Lean, cooked chicken breast is a great source of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, adding both flavor and health benefits to the dish.
  • Puff Pastry: While puff pastry is rich in fat, using it in moderation as part of an appetizer provides a light, flaky texture that satisfies without being overly heavy.

Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a delicious and elegant appetizer that will impress your guests, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal dinner party. The combination of flaky puff pastry and savory herbed chicken makes for a perfect bite-sized treat that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.

These pinwheels are also highly versatile, allowing you to get creative with the filling based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you stick to the classic herbed chicken or experiment with other fillings, these pinwheels are sure to become a go-to recipe in your appetizer repertoire.

Serve them warm for a cozy, comforting dish that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty!