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 magical about crisp, golden puff pastry wrapped around spicy, creamy chicken filling — it’s why this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. These pinwheels are irresistible finger foods packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, from game day to casual snacks.

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 first made these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe on a whim for a friend’s gathering, and the crowd went wild. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and classy enough to impress without the hassle. Plus, they’re so versatile you can tweak the heat or cheese to your liking.

Bold flavor combination: Tangy buffalo sauce and creamy cheeses create that perfect zesty-smooth bite.
Made with puff pastry: The flaky, buttery exterior adds a lovely texture contrast that you just can’t beat.
Simple assembly: Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, rolling these pinwheels is easier than you’d expect.
Perfect for any occasion: They work as appetizers, snacks, or party finger foods with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish is all about balancing creamy, spicy, and savory flavors wrapped in that flaky puff pastry. Each ingredient plays its part in delivering a satisfying bite that makes you want another.

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: I usually use rotisserie chicken here — it’s juicy and effortlessly shredded.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds that rich creaminess that buffers the spice nicely.
Plain Greek yogurt: This brings a subtle tang and keeps the filling fresh, plus it lightens the texture.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show, giving the filling its distinct spicy kick — feel free to adjust the brand for your heat preference.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted cheese is a must for that gooey, inviting center.
Scallions: They add just the right crunch and a mild onion flavor for depth.
Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: Simple seasoning ups the savory notes without overpowering.
Puff pastry sheets: Thaw them fully and roll lightly for that perfect flaky crust that’s buttery and golden.
Beaten egg: Used to brush on top — it helps the pinwheels achieve a shiny, appetizing golden brown finish.

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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 these pinwheels my own by sometimes mixing the cheeses or adding extras like chopped celery for crunch. You can easily dial up or down the spice level depending on who’s eating — that’s what makes this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe a keeper in my kitchen.

Variation: Once, I swapped out mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to give it an extra spicy twist and it was a huge hit at a summer potluck.
Dietary modification: You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or use dairy-free cheese to make these a bit lighter or allergen-friendly.
Seasonal tweak: Adding some finely chopped bell peppers or roasted corn can add a fun seasonal crunch.

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: Whip up the creamy chicken filling

Start by combining shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, shredded mozzarella, and chopped scallions in a mixing bowl. I like to mix this with a rubber spatula until it's well combined and creamy. Don’t forget to season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This mix is what brings all the flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Roll out and layer the filling on puff pastry

Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. I gently roll it out just a bit to thin it evenly, making it easier to spread the filling. Spread half the buffalo chicken mixture over the puff pastry, pushing the filling all the way to the edges so every corner gets that delicious taste.

Step 3: Roll and slice into pinwheels

With the short edge closest to you, roll the pastry tightly away from you, like a jelly roll. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the roll into eight equal pinwheels. This step might feel fiddly but taking your time ensures neat, even pinwheels that bake consistently.

Step 4: Bake to golden, flaky perfection

Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them (about 2 inches) so they puff up and bake evenly. Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg — this gives that irresistible golden sheen. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden. Let them cool briefly before serving.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really help these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe shine. These tips can save you time and make your bites just perfect every time.

Don’t skimp on softening the cream cheese: If it’s too cold, it won’t mix smoothly, resulting in uneven filling.
Properly thaw puff pastry: Let it thaw fully in the fridge overnight or for a few hours; partially thawed pastry can crack when rolling.
Use a sharp knife to slice: A serrated or sharp chef’s knife helps keep the pinwheels intact without flattening them.
Brush with egg wash just before baking: It creates that gorgeous golden color and adds a subtle crisp.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra chopped scallions or fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, colorful finish. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing gives a creamy cooling contrast that's just dreamy alongside that spicy buffalo kick.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair beautifully with crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, or even a simple green salad to round out your snack or appetizer spread. On busy days, I’ll serve them with sweet potato fries for a satisfying combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve stacked them on tiered trays with small bowls of dipping sauces on the side—it gets everyone chatting and reaching for seconds. Another idea is arranging them in a circular pattern with different sauce options in the center for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or packed lunches.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing unbaked pinwheels for up to a month. Just flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes — they still come out flaky and delicious.

Reheating

To keep that crispy texture, I reheat leftover pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make puff pastry soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?

I recommend cooking and shredding the chicken ahead of time, as it’s easier to handle and mixes better with the filling. If you prefer, you can cook fresh chicken breasts by poaching or baking, then shred once cooled.

What type of buffalo sauce works best?

I usually use the classic medium buffalo sauce you find at most grocery stores, but you can adjust based on your heat preference. Some sauces are spicier or tangier, so tasting as you go helps you achieve the right balance.

Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them, covered tightly, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to brush the egg wash right before they go into the oven for the best golden color.

Are these pinwheels good for parties?

Absolutely. These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry are crowd-pleasers and easy to serve. Their finger-food style makes them perfect for potlucks, game days, or casual get-togethers where guests want tasty bites without fuss.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it brings people together effortlessly. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but feels relaxed to make and eat. Give it a try next time you want a baked snack that’s packed with flavor and fun — I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds!