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

There's something incredibly satisfying about the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and flaky—and that's exactly what you get with this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe. These bite-sized delights make for an unbeatable crowd-pleaser whether it's game day, a snack, or a casual get-together.

The image shows a close-up of multiple puff pastry pinwheels stacked on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pinwheel has three visible layers: a light golden-brown outer flaky crust, a middle spiral layer of melted orange cheese, and a soft, slightly darker beige layer of dough inside. Small green onion pieces are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh green contrast. A small glass bowl with a white creamy dip is partially visible to the left side. The pinwheels show a lightly toasted texture with some browned spots on the cheese layer. 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

I’ve made these pinwheels multiple times for friends and family, and they always disappear fast. What makes this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe stand out is its simplicity combined with that classic buffalo flavor wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It’s like a party in every bite!

Easy Prep: The filling mixes up in minutes using common ingredients you probably have around.
Flavorful Layers: Cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and mozzarella create a creamy, spicy, cheesy center that's utterly addictive.
Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or even a cozy solo treat.
Impressive Presentation: The spiral pinwheel shape looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe plays its part to make the final dish pop. The creamy base, the spicy buffalo kick, and the flaky outer layer come together to create a delicious balance of textures and tastes. Here’s why I love each one and what to look for when shopping.

Flat lay of cooked and shredded chicken, a smooth mound of softened cream cheese, a small white bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl filled with vibrant orange buffalo sauce, a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh whole scallions with green stalks and white bulbs, a small white bowl containing fine garlic powder, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl with fine salt, two rectangular sheets of thawed puff pastry, and a single whole egg with a clean shell, all arranged in 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: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut — tender, juicy, and saves prep time.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese brings richness and creaminess that balances the heat nicely.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a touch of tang and lightens the mixture without extra fat.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for that signature heat.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooeyness and mild flavor.
Scallions: Fresh and slightly sharp, they add brightness and a little crunch.
Garlic powder: A subtle depth of flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Black pepper and salt: Season to taste and enhance all the ingredients.
Puff pastry sheets: Pre-made puff pastry makes flaky crust magic super easy—you'll want to thaw them properly before handling.
Egg: Beaten egg brushed on top gives pinwheels that gorgeous golden shine and helps them crisp up.

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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

I love making this recipe my own depending on the occasion — sometimes I like it extra spicy, other times, milder and creamier. The beauty of these buffalo chicken pinwheels is you can easily swap ingredients or add some special touches to suit your taste.

Variation: Once, I added some chopped celery for extra crunch, and it was a game changer—gives that traditional buffalo wing feel right inside.
Dietary swap: Using dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt makes it accessible for those with lactose intolerance, and it still tastes great!
Cheese twist: Mixing in some sharp cheddar with the mozzarella adds a smoky depth you might find irresistible.
Veggie boost: Try tossing in finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for an added pop of flavor.

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

There is a white plate with a beaded edge holding nine golden-brown pastry pinwheels, each topped with small green onion pieces. The pinwheels have visible layers of flaky dough with an orange filling spread inside, showing a slightly rough texture. A clear glass bowl of white dipping sauce sits in the middle of the plate. A woman's hand is holding one of the pinwheels, dipping it partly into the sauce. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the Flavor-Packed Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, I combine shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, shredded mozzarella, chopped scallions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up with a rubber spatula until it’s well blended and creamy, making sure the buffalo sauce is evenly distributed so each bite has that perfect kick.

Step 2: Prepare and Roll the Puff Pastry

Once your filling is ready, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. I like to roll mine out just a bit to thin it evenly—don’t go too thin or it might tear. Spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the pastry, all the way to the edges, so every spiral slice is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Roll Up and Slice

With the short side facing you, gently roll the puff pastry away until you have a tight log. I find using a sharp knife and a slow hand prevents squishing the filling out. Carefully slice this log into eight equal pinwheels for perfectly portioned bites. Repeat for the second sheet and filling.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffy

Arrange the pinwheels spaced out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brushing the tops with beaten egg is my secret for that golden, shiny crust. Pop them in the oven at 400°F, bake for 20-25 minutes, and watch those pinwheels puff up beautifully until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

After baking, I let these cool for about 5 minutes—it helps the filling set so they hold their shape when you pick them up. A sprinkle of fresh scallions or some chopped cilantro on top adds a lovely fresh note and makes the presentation pop.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few simple tricks make all the difference when making Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe. These little touches will help you nail the texture and flavor every time.

Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Make sure it's fully thawed but still cold—this keeps it easier to roll and less sticky.
Don't Overfill: Spreading the filling too thick can make rolling tricky and cause the pastry to burst during baking.
Sharp Knife is Key: Using a very sharp knife helps you slice clean pinwheels without squashing the filling.
Egg Wash Enhances Color: Never skip the egg wash for that irresistible golden-brown, shiny look that says, “Eat me!”

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually garnish mine with freshly chopped scallions. The mild oniony crunch cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, cilantro or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a lovely cooling touch that balances the heat.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks for that classic buffalo vibe. For a heartier option, a fresh mixed green salad or roasted veggies balance out the richness. When I serve this at parties, I like to have some creamy dips on the side for extra flavor fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the pinwheels upright in little shot glasses with a bit of ranch dressing at the bottom—that way, guests can grab-and-dip easily. Another fun idea is to place them on a large wooden board with bowls of blue cheese dip, celery, and carrot sticks arranged artfully around for a festive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—sometimes separating layers with parchment paper to keep the pinwheels from sticking together. They stay delicious for up to 3 days and make quick snacks or lunches.

Freezing

Buffalo chicken pinwheels freeze really well uncooked. I like to prep and slice them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I want them, I bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe because it saves time and is already juicy and flavorful, making it perfect for shredding and mixing with the buffalo filling.

Can I make the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and roll the pinwheels ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for a few hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash and bake right before serving.

What if I want it less spicy?

If you prefer mild flavors, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or substitute it with a milder wing sauce. Adding a bit more cream cheese or yogurt can also tone down the heat without sacrificing creaminess.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator before you try to unfold and roll it to prevent tearing.

Final Thoughts

Making the Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to appetizers. It’s effortless, impressive, and packed with bold flavors. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do because nothing beats sharing warm bites with friends and family, especially something this easy and delicious. So next time you want to treat yourself or your guests, whip up a batch—you’ll be glad you did!