Bite-sized Chicken Parmesan Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties, gamedays, and fun dinners. Pizza dough is wrapped around rotisserie chicken, mozzarella cheese, and pasta sauce for a tasty take on your favorite chicken parmesan.
Table of contents
- Chicken dinners with a delightful twist
- Why you'll love this recipe
- Ingredients: Simple and flavorful
- How to make chicken parmesan pinwheels
- Recipe variations: Customize your chicken pinwheels
- Serving suggestions: Perfect for any occasion
- How to store and reheat leftovers
- More recipes for tasty chicken dishes
Chicken dinners with a delightful twist
Chicken is a healthy, delicious choice for dinner but you don't want it to become boring. (been there, done that!) So take it up a notch by rolling it up, wrapping it, or putting it on a skewer, and voila, the meal becomes a new offering that's so much better than the ordinary.
The best part, I can have chicken 3 times a week with a variety of options that make each meal seem entirely different. Some of my favorites range from Chicken Kabobs, to Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken, and these deliciously easy Chicken Roll Ups.
Why you'll love this recipe
Size Matters: These Chicken Parmesan Pinwheels have everything you love about classic chicken parm, but in a fun, bite-sized form!
Crispy, Golden Crust: Using pizza dough gives you that golden, crispy crust just like your favorite pizza.
Cheesy Goodness: The mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses melt into gooey perfection.
Quick & Easy: A store-bought rotisserie chicken and refrigerated pizza crust make this appetizer a breeze to assemble.
Ingredients: Simple and flavorful
This recipe comes together with just a few easy-to-find ingredients. Here's a handy list and the exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
Pizza Crust: Use store-bought pizza dough to keep things simple, or make your own, if you prefer. A pre-rolled refrigerated dough works great here! No pizza crust? No problem! You can also use a sheet of crescent dough or puff pastry. Cooking temperature and time may need to be adjusted for these alternatives.
Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. It adds protein and pairs perfectly with the sauce and cheese. You can also use a leftover chicken breast.
Pasta Sauce: Any marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce works for this recipe. Choose your favorite!
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy mozzarella is a must for these pinwheels. Use shredded mozzarella for easy prep.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that sharp, nutty flavor and brings the classic Chicken Parmesan vibe.
Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of basil or parsley adds a fresh, herby touch and makes the pinwheels look beautiful when served.
How to make chicken parmesan pinwheels
- Roll out pizza dough, if needed, on parchment paper or a lightly floured surface. Spoon pasta sauce over the dough, evening it out and keeping it slightly away from the two long edges.
- Evenly distribute shredded chicken over the sauce.
- Sprinkle ¾ cup mozzarella cheese on top of chicken followed by a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Roll up tightly starting with the long end. Chill the log on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Remove the log to a wooden cutting board and slice into 1" wide slices. You should get about 16 slices.
- Lay the slices, cut side down, onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle pinwheels with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 17-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
What could be better for your next tailgating party, casual get-together, or a hearty after-school snack than these deliciously cheesy Italian pinwheels. They're easy to make, versatile, and are always a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Recipe variations: Customize your chicken pinwheels
These Parmesan Chicken Pinwheels are delicious as they are, but if you want to switch things up, here are a few fun variations to try:
BBQ Chicken Pinwheels: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara, and add some cheddar cheese for a smoky, sweet version.
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: Swap the pasta sauce for buffalo sauce, and add a sprinkle of blue cheese along with the mozzarella and Parmesan for a spicy twist.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: Use deli ham and a combination of mozzarella and Swiss cheese for a comforting, kid-friendly snack.
Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels: For a classic pizza flavor, replace the chicken with pepperoni slices and keep the pasta sauce and cheeses as is.
Serving suggestions: Perfect for any occasion
As an Appetizer: Serve these pinwheels at your next party or gathering. They're easy to eat with your hands and perfect for sharing.
For a Fun Dinner: Pair the pinwheels with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies for an easy, satisfying weeknight meal.
Game Day Snack: These pinwheels are a crowd-pleaser and make a great snack for game day. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
How to store and reheat leftovers
If you have any leftover pinwheels, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, but they'll stay crispier if you use the oven.
To freeze leftovers: Place cooled pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours, until firm. Transfer the frozen pinwheels to a plastic freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen pinwheels: Place them in a 350°F oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melty again. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as directed above.
More recipes for tasty chicken dishes
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Chicken and Orzo Skillet
- Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
- Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- French Onion Chicken
Find lots of easy recipes for chicken right here on 2CM!
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Chicken Parmesan Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust refrigerated, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup pasta sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish: chopped basil or parsley
Instructions
- Roll dough into a rectangle or purchase a refrigerated dough that is already rolled out. Mine was a family-size pizza crust measuring about 11x17". It is best to work on a floured surface or a sheet of parchment paper if you need to roll the dough out.
- Spoon sauce over pizza dough, smoothing it around but keeping it slightly away from the edges.
- Place the shredded chicken on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with ¾ cup mozzarella cheese and a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Roll up as tightly as you can. Place the log on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to make slicing easier.
- When you are ready to bake the pinwheels, preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Move the log to a cutting board and slice it into 16 pieces, about 1" wide.
- Place the pieces, cut side down, on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and finish with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.
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