Golden-Baked Chicken, Spinach & Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pinwheels are crisp on the outside and warm, cheesy, and savory on the inside—making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to assemble, can be made ahead, and are endlessly versatile. Serve them with a dipping sauce, alongside a salad, or as part of a snack board. Whether you’re entertaining or just looking for a fun twist on chicken and spinach, this recipe is a keeper.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil or butter
• Cream cheese or ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: Nutmeg or red pepper flakes for added flavor

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Let cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, mix the cooked spinach with cream cheese, shredded chicken, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and optional spices.
4. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
5. Spread the chicken-spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border along the edges.
6. Starting from one end, tightly roll up the pastry like a jelly roll. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
7. Place pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6 (about 16–20 pinwheels)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Use feta, gouda, or Swiss instead of mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Add Herbs: Stir in fresh chopped parsley, dill, or thyme to the filling for added depth.
• Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the mixture.
• Veggie Additions: Include caramelized onions, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Mini Version: Cut smaller slices for bite-sized appetizers.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. You can also freeze unbaked pinwheels and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect and adds extra flavor and convenience.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate the pinwheels (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid sogginess.

What kind of puff pastry should I use?

Use store-bought frozen puff pastry and let it thaw according to package directions before using.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Roll the pastry tightly and avoid overfilling. Chilling the rolls before slicing also helps.

Can I freeze these pinwheels?

Yes, freeze them unbaked or baked. Reheat in the oven until hot and crisp.

What dips go well with these?

Try marinara, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a creamy mustard sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the chicken and add more veggies or extra cheese.

Should I serve them hot or cold?

They’re best served warm but are still tasty at room temperature.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

No, parchment paper is enough to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Conclusion

Golden-Baked Chicken, Spinach & Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the perfect fusion of savory filling and flaky crust. Whether served as a party snack, lunchbox treat, or easy dinner, these pinwheels are sure to impress. With endless ways to customize and easy prep, this recipe is a go-to for flavorful, fun, and fuss-free bites.

Golden-Baked Chicken, Spinach & Puff Pastry Pinwheels

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Golden-Baked Chicken, Spinach & Puff Pastry Pinwheels are savory, flaky swirls filled with creamy chicken, spinach, and cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, these pinwheels are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 pinwheels
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
2. 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
3. 1 cup fresh spinach (or 1/2 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
6. 1/4 cup cream cheese or ricotta cheese
7. 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
8. 1/4 tsp salt
9. 1/4 tsp black pepper
10. 1/8 tsp nutmeg or red pepper flakes (optional)
11. 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Let cool slightly.
2. In a bowl, mix cooked spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and optional spices.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
4. Spread chicken-spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border at the edges.
5. Roll up tightly from one long side into a log. Chill for 10–15 minutes if soft.
6. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and place cut-side up on prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
9. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

1. Chilling the rolled pastry before slicing helps it hold its shape better.
2. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful filling.
3. Ensure spinach is dry to avoid soggy pastry.
4. Customize with your favorite cheese or add herbs for extra flavor.
5. Serve with dips like marinara, garlic aioli, or ranch for added flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 35mg