Easy & Weight Watchers Friendly Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: The Ultimate Appetizer!
Yes, I confess! I have a undeniable passion for all things buffalo chicken. And honestly, what’s not to adore? The irresistible blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and the zesty kick of Frank’s Hot Sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is simply divine. As the holiday season approaches, especially with U.S. Thanksgiving on the horizon, I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite simple appetizers: these mouth-watering Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels.
In our busy lives, who truly has time for overly complicated appetizers? I’m all about keeping things delicious yet effortless, and these pinwheels fit the bill perfectly. Despite their elegant appearance, they are incredibly simple to make, yet they look impressively “fancy” on any platter. What’s even better? Each delightful pinwheel comes in at just 2 points plus or 2 SmartPoints, making them a fantastic and guilt-free snack to serve your guests. It’s a win-win situation for both your taste buds and your healthy eating goals!
These pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a game day party, or simply looking for a satisfying snack. They combine the classic flavors of buffalo chicken dip into a portable, easy-to-eat format that everyone will love. Get ready to add this incredible recipe to your go-to appetizer list – it’s about to become a staple!
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
Creating these delightful pinwheels begins with a few simple, accessible ingredients that come together to form a truly spectacular flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward components, allowing the classic buffalo chicken taste to shine through while keeping things light and wholesome.
- 1 package pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls
- 1/4 cup light cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup light shredded cheese, such as WW brand or similar, a 3-cheese blend works wonderfully
- 1 Tbsp light ranch dressing
- 2 Tbsp Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 4 oz shredded cooked chicken (approximately 1 cup)
Instructions
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Prepare the Creamy Buffalo Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your softened light cream cheese, light shredded cheese, light ranch dressing, and Frank’s RedHot sauce. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, as this will help you achieve a smooth, consistent spread. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy and vibrant.
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Unroll and Prep the Dough: Carefully open your package of Pillsbury reduced-fat crescent rolls. Unroll the dough completely and separate it into two rectangular pieces (each piece will consist of four crescent roll triangles). Lay them flat on a clean surface or a sheet of parchment paper. Gently pinch together any perforations or open seams to create a solid, continuous surface for each rectangle of dough. This ensures your filling stays neatly enclosed when rolled.
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Spread the Cheese Mixture: Divide the buffalo cheese mixture equally between the two prepared dough rectangles. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture evenly from edge to edge on each piece of dough. Aim for a thin, consistent layer to ensure even flavor distribution in every bite.
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Add the Shredded Chicken: Generously sprinkle your shredded cooked chicken over the top of the cheese mixture on both dough pieces. For perfectly tender, easy-to-shred chicken, I highly recommend cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a crock pot with a little broth on high for about 4 hours. It shreds beautifully and is excellent for meal prep throughout the week. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or simply boil and shred chicken breasts.
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Roll and Chill for Firmness: Starting from one long side, carefully roll up each dough rectangle tightly into a log. Once rolled, gently pinch and seal any open seams to secure the filling. To make slicing easier and prevent squishing, place both rolled logs in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes. This chilling step helps the dough and filling firm up significantly.
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Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by spraying it lightly with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Slice the Pinwheels: Remove the chilled dough logs from the freezer. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut each roll into 8 equal pieces. It helps to trim off the very small, uneven ends first to ensure each pinwheel is roughly the same size and presents well. The serrated knife is key here for clean, precise cuts without deforming the pinwheels.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Arrange the sliced pinwheels cut-side up on your prepared cookie sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 16 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on the crescent dough, ensuring it’s cooked all the way through. The cheese filling should be bubbly and melty.
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Yield and Weight Watchers Points: This recipe makes a total of 16 delicious Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels. Each pinwheel is a lean 2 SmartPoints (SP) across all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, and Purple), making them an ideal choice for a mindful snack or appetizer.
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Nutritional Information: Per serving (adapted from MyFitnessPal) – Calories: 66, Fat: 2.8g, Saturated fat: 1.2g, Carbohydrates: 7.5g, Fiber: 0g, Sugars: 1.9g, Protein: 3.1g.
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels aren’t just an appetizer; they’re a revelation for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy entertaining. Here’s why they’ll become a fast favorite:
- Irresistible Flavor: They perfectly capture the tangy, spicy, and creamy essence of classic buffalo chicken dip, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crescent roll. Each bite delivers a burst of deliciousness.
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these pinwheels come together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests or relax.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: From casual game nights to elegant holiday parties, these pinwheels are always a hit. They’re also fantastic for lunchboxes, potlucks, or even a satisfying snack.
- Diet-Friendly Option: Being Weight Watchers friendly (just 2 SmartPoints per pinwheel!), they allow you to indulge without derailing your healthy eating goals. It’s a testament that delicious food can also be mindful.
- Crowd-Pleasing Power: Seriously, who can resist a warm, savory pinwheel? They disappear quickly from any platter, making them a surefire winner.
The Magic of Simple Ingredients
One of the true beauties of this recipe is how it transforms readily available and budget-friendly ingredients into something extraordinary. The reduced-fat crescent rolls provide a tender, flaky base, while light cream cheese and shredded cheese offer the perfect creaminess without excessive calories. Light ranch dressing adds a subtle herby tang, beautifully complementing the fiery kick of Frank’s RedHot sauce, the undisputed king of buffalo flavor. And of course, the shredded chicken brings satisfying protein to complete this wholesome appetizer. These simple staples prove that you don’t need fancy components for a truly delicious and impressive dish.
Making Them Weight Watchers Friendly
The fact that these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are just 2 SmartPoints per serving on all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, and Purple) is a huge bonus! This makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful food while managing their intake. By opting for reduced-fat crescent rolls, light cream cheese, and light shredded cheese, we significantly reduce the fat and calorie content without sacrificing taste or texture. This recipe demonstrates that you can still enjoy your favorite comfort food flavors and participate in social gatherings without feeling deprived. They’re a smart and satisfying way to stick to your wellness goals.
Tips for Pinwheel Perfection
Achieving perfectly shaped and deliciously cooked Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels is easy with a few simple tricks. Follow these tips to ensure your appetizers are a resounding success:
- Ensure Cream Cheese is Softened: This step is critical! Cold cream cheese will be difficult to mix smoothly and spread evenly, leading to lumpy filling. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start.
- Evenly Spread the Filling: A consistent layer of the buffalo chicken mixture across the crescent dough ensures that every pinwheel has the perfect balance of flavors and cooks uniformly. Avoid piling it too thick in any one spot.
- Roll Tightly: When rolling the crescent dough, aim for a tight, compact log. A loose roll can cause the pinwheels to unravel during baking or result in a less defined spiral.
- Don’t Skip the Freezer Trick: Chilling the rolled dough logs for 10-15 minutes in the freezer is a game-changer. It firms up both the dough and the filling, making it incredibly easy to slice clean, beautiful pinwheels without squishing them.
- Use a Serrated Knife for Slicing: A sharp serrated knife is your best friend when cutting the chilled dough. The saw-like edge glides through the layers without tearing or flattening, preserving that lovely spiral shape.
- Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pinwheels during the last few minutes of baking. You want them golden brown and cooked through, but not overly crispy or burnt. The edges should be lightly browned, and the dough should feel firm.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are fantastic on their own, but a few additions can elevate them even further:
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of light blue cheese dressing, extra light ranch, or even a bowl of extra Frank’s RedHot for those who crave more heat.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or thinly sliced green onions just before serving adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Add-ins: For a little crunch, finely minced celery can be mixed into the buffalo chicken filling before spreading.
- Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with other light shredded cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a Monterey Jack blend, to slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce to suit your preference. For more heat, add an extra splash; for less, reduce it slightly.
- Make-Ahead Option: The buffalo chicken mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can even roll the pinwheels and chill them, then slice and bake just before serving for ultimate freshness.
There you have it – a recipe for truly irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels that are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to make and friendly to your health goals. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast, a casual get-together, or simply want a satisfying snack, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit. Their perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors, encased in a flaky pastry, makes them an unforgettable appetizer that guests will rave about. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch (or two!) and watch them disappear. Enjoy every delicious, guilt-free bite!