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 fun about bite-sized snacks that burst with flavor, and that's exactly what makes the Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe so irresistible. The crispy, flaky puff pastry wraps around a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken filling that’s perfect for game days, parties, or casual family dinners—you’re going to want to keep making this again and again.

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

From the first time I made these, I was hooked—not only on how easy they are, but also how the buffalo chicken filling pairs so perfectly with the buttery puff pastry. They’re impressive enough to serve guests yet simple enough for weeknight snacking.

Super simple assembly: These pinwheels come together quickly, making them great for last-minute gatherings or appetizer platters.
Flavor-packed filling: Creamy, cheesy, and tangy buffalo chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, and the Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang without extra heaviness.
Crispy, flaky crust: Puff pastry bakes up golden and flaky, providing the perfect texture contrast that makes these pinwheels unforgettable.
Highly customizable: Spice level, cheese choices, and garnishes can all be adjusted to fit your tastes and what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component of this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe plays its part in making the pinwheels flavorful, creamy, and perfectly textured. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients and why I love them:

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: I like using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for extra juiciness and a smoky flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened to blend easily, it adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together without being too heavy.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens the richness of the cream cheese, balancing the buffalo sauce nicely.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show, bringing that unmistakable spicy kick and tangy flavor we all love.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, bringing cheesy goodness and gooey texture that everyone enjoys.
Scallions: Their fresh, slightly sharp bite gives brightness and a little crunch to the filling.
Garlic powder, black pepper, salt: The simple seasoning lifts all the flavors without overpowering the buffalo spice.
Puff pastry sheets: Thawed and ready to roll, puff pastry creates that flaky, buttery crust that’s so addictive.
Egg wash: Brushed on for a gorgeous golden color and a little extra shine.

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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 that this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe is versatile enough to suit my mood or what I have in the fridge. You can amp up the heat, swap cheeses, or add crunchy extras depending on your taste and occasion.

Variation: When I’m serving kids or prefer milder heat, I reduce the buffalo sauce and add a little ranch seasoning to mellow the spice.
Cheese swap: Feel free to use pepper jack for a spicier punch or sharp cheddar for a richer flavor.
Extra crunch: Toss in chopped celery or finely diced bell peppers with the filling for an added texture contrast.
Vegetarian twist: Substitute shredded chicken with cooked chickpeas and buffalo sauce for a tasty plant-based alternative.

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: Mix the magical buffalo chicken filling

In a big mixing bowl, I combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, mozzarella, buffalo sauce, scallions, and seasonings. Using a rubber spatula works best to fold everything together until it’s creamy and evenly mixed. This step is key for flavor balance and making sure every bite tastes just right.

Step 2: Prep and roll the puff pastry

After thawing the puff pastry sheets according to package directions, I lightly flour a cutting board and roll each sheet out just a bit to thin it. Spreading half the buffalo chicken filling evenly to the edges on the pastry gives each pinwheel a perfect burst of flavor without too much filling falling out during baking.

Step 3: Roll, slice, and arrange

With the short edge facing me, I carefully roll the pastry away from me toward the other edge, creating a tight log. Using a sharp knife, I slice each log into eight equal pinwheels, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced out so they can puff up beautifully.

Step 4: Brush, bake, and enjoy

Brushing the tops and sides with beaten egg gives the pinwheels a gorgeous golden color and a delicate sheen after baking. I pop them in the oven preheated to 400°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re puffed and golden. Letting them cool for 5 minutes is worth the wait before digging in!

Top Tip

Having made Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned that small details make a big difference. Here are a few tips to help you get perfect pinwheels every time:

Don’t overfill: Stick to the recommended amount of filling per puff pastry sheet to avoid messy pinwheels that won’t puff properly.
Sharp knife is your friend: A clean, sharp knife helps you slice the rolled pastry smoothly without squishing the pinwheels.
Even spacing: Make sure to space pinwheels apart on the baking sheet to allow room for puffing and prevent sticking together.
Rest before cutting: Let puff pastry thaw fully but not too long—too warm and it may become sticky, making rolling and slicing tougher.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra chopped scallions on top for color and freshness—it brightens the rich flavors beautifully. Cilantro is another favorite garnish that adds a fresh herby note, especially if you like a little twist.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels pair wonderfully with simple sides like crunchy celery sticks and carrot fingers, which also help cool down the heat. For something heartier, a crisp green salad or coleslaw balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these pinwheels standing upright on a platter with little bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing nearby for dipping. It’s a playful way to serve finger food that invites sharing and snacking throughout the event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. To avoid sogginess, I recommend reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave for best texture.

Freezing

One of my favorite tricks is to freeze unbaked pinwheels laid out on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag once firm. That way, I can bake fresh pinwheels straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the pinwheels in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the puff pastry regains some crispiness. Using the oven is key for preserving that flaky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

You definitely can, but be sure to fully cook and shred the chicken before using it in the recipe. Poached or grilled chicken breasts work great. Having cooked chicken ready saves time and avoids undercooked filling.

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked, then bake fresh when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?

They go great with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, plus veggies like carrot sticks and celery for crunch. A side salad or coleslaw also works well if you want something light and fresh.

Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your heat preference. You can also add more Greek yogurt or cream cheese to mellow the spice for milder tastes. It's a very forgiving recipe.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and fun to make. Whether you're serving them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, they never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love the crispy, spicy, cheesy bites that come together in no time. Trust me, it’s worth every delicious minute.