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 irresistibly fun about finger foods that pack a punch, and these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe fit that bill perfectly. The flaky puff pastry surrounding spicy buffalo chicken filling creates a bite that's both cozy and exciting — trust me, these little pinwheels disappear fast!

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

I’ve made these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry more times than I can count, and every time, they’re a hit whether it’s game day, a party, or a cozy night in. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and the buttery puff pastry is simply unbeatable.

Quick and easy to assemble: Ready in under an hour, perfect for last-minute entertaining or snacks.
Crowd-pleaser: These pinwheels vanish quickly because they’re deliciously addictive and easy to eat.
Customizable heat level: You control how spicy they get by adjusting the buffalo sauce to your taste.
Elegant yet casual: Puff pastry makes these snacks look fancy, but they’re super simple to make—no intimidating techniques!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. The creamy base balances the heat, while puff pastry wraps it all in a flaky, golden crust. Let’s look at why each part matters:

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: This is your protein-packed, hearty filling base—leftover chicken works great here!
Cream cheese (softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps bind the filling.
Plain Greek yogurt: Gives tanginess and lightens up the richness a bit while keeping the filling moist.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—the spicy, tangy heat that defines this recipe.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey texture and mild flavor.
Scallions: Freshness and a slight bite, giving wonderful contrast to the richness.
Garlic powder, black pepper, salt: Essential seasonings that deepen the flavor without overwhelming.
Puff pastry sheets: The ultimate flaky, buttery wrapping that elevates these pinwheels beyond ordinary snacks.
Egg (beaten): Used to brush the pinwheels, giving them that gorgeous golden shine when baked.

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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

This Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe is a great canvas for adding your own twists. I’ve swapped in blue cheese crumbles for mozzarella when I wanted extra tang, and it worked beautifully—totally your call on what cheese you prefer! You can also play with different hot sauces depending on how bold you want it.

Variation: Try adding some chopped celery for crunch, or mix in a bit of ranch dressing to mellow out the buffalo heat, which is something I do when serving kids or for a milder crowd.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms and a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Seasonal twist: In colder months, warm up the filling with a sprinkle of cayenne or smoked chili powder for extra cozy heat.

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 filling until creamy and flavorful

I start by tossing shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, scallions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into a bowl. Using a rubber spatula, I gently fold everything so it becomes one creamy, evenly mixed filling. You want no lumps but still some texture from the chicken and scallions for bite — this step sets the stage for a delicious roll.

Step 2: Prepare your puff pastry and spread the filling

On a floured surface, I carefully unfold one sheet of puff pastry. To help it roll up nicely, I gently roll it a bit thinner with a rolling pin, but don’t overdo it – it still needs some structure to hold the filling. Then, I spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly all the way to the edges of the puff pastry. Getting the filling close to the edges means each pinwheel is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Roll, slice, and prep for baking

Facing the short edge toward me, I roll the pastry away gently but tightly enough to hold shape. Using a sharp knife, I slice the roll into eight equal pieces. The trick is to use a gentle sawing motion so you don’t squish the roll. Repeat with the second sheet and remaining filling. Then, I place the pinwheels spaced well apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheet and brush them with beaten egg for that golden shine.

Step 4: Bake until golden and puffed

Bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end — the pastry should look puffed up and beautifully golden brown. That first whiff of baking puff pastry and spicy filling is honestly one of my favorite kitchen smells!

Step 5: Cool slightly and serve

Once out of the oven, I let the pinwheels cool for 5 minutes. It helps them firm up and makes them easier to pick up. I like to scatter some extra chopped scallions or cilantro on top for freshness and color before serving.

Top Tip

After making this Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve learned a few things that really make a difference. These tips save you time and keep those pinwheels looking and tasting their best.

Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but too much can cause the pastry to burst or the roll to be hard to slice.
Use a sharp knife: A serrated knife or a very sharp chef’s knife cuts through the rolled pastry smoothly without squashing.
Chill before slicing (optional): If the filling feels too soft and sticky, chilling the rolled log for 10-15 minutes helps hold shape.
Keep puff pastry cold until ready: Puff pastry can become too soft and hard to work with if it warms up, so keep it chilled until you start assembling.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe

buffalo chicken pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or fresh cilantro—it cuts through the richness and adds a pop of vibrant green. Sometimes, I drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping because, honestly, who doesn’t love a cool dip with something spicy?

Side Dishes

When I’m serving these as part of a bigger spread, I like to pair them with crisp celery and carrot sticks—the classic buffalo accompaniments. A simple mixed green salad or baked sweet potato fries also balance out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a game party, I nestled the pinwheels on a large platter lined with lettuce and surrounded them with mini dipping bowls of blue cheese and ranch. It made for a festive, colorful display that guests loved. You could also skewer a couple together for bite-size “kabobs”—great for cocktail parties or fancy finger food platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually last 2-3 days, but to be safe, I recommend enjoying them within that window so the puff pastry doesn’t get soggy or lose its crispness.

Freezing

These freeze surprisingly well! I assemble and slice the pinwheels, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until firm. Then I move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to bake, just pop them straight into a hot oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Super handy for planning ahead.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Microwaving can make them soggy, which is a shame because you want that flaky, golden texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and roll the pinwheels, then refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?

No worries! You can quickly poach chicken breasts by simmering them in water or broth for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked, then shred. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, too.

Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes! The buffalo sauce dictates the heat level, so use milder or hotter varieties depending on your preference. You can also add more or less sauce to the filling mixture to fine-tune the spice.

Is puff pastry hard to work with?

It’s surprisingly easy! Just keep it cold until you’re ready to use it, and roll gently to thin out. If it gets too warm or sticky, popping it back in the fridge for a bit helps.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Puff Pastry Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s guaranteed to please any crowd with minimal effort. Whether you're whipping up a quick snack or aiming to impress at your next gathering, these pinwheels show off your culinary skills without a sweat. Give them a try—you’ll find it hard not to go back for seconds!