Name: Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels 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 utterly irresistible about that perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and flaky in the Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe. They’re flaky little bites filled with bold buffalo flavor, perfect for game days, parties, or just a comforting snack to share with friends.

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 Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these pinwheels feel like a little party wrapped in puff pastry. Every time I make them, they disappear fast, and people always ask for the recipe. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to impress guests.

Easily adaptable: You can tweak the heat and ingredients to suit your taste without losing that signature buffalo kick.
Simple prep: Uses pantry staples and cooked chicken, making it quick to put together even on busy days.
Amazing texture contrast: The flaky puff pastry paired with creamy, cheesy buffalo chicken is just chef’s kiss perfect.
Great for sharing: These bite-sized pinwheels are crowd-pleasers at parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating a balanced, flavorful filling that pairs beautifully with crisp puff pastry. Plus, you can find everything easily at most supermarkets. Here’s a quick look at what makes each component shine:

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: The hearty base that soaks up the buffalo sauce and creaminess perfectly.
Cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess that balances the heat and gives the filling a rich texture.
Plain Greek yogurt: A tangy twist that lightens up the cream cheese and keeps things moist.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—spicy, tangy, and packed with flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness adding savory depth to each bite.
Scallions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens things up wonderfully.
Garlic powder: Subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
Black pepper and salt: Simple seasonings that elevate the overall taste.
Puff pastry sheets: Flaky, buttery layers that give the pinwheels their irresistible crunch and hold the filling nicely.
Egg (beaten): For brushing to create that gorgeous golden, glossy crust.

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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 tweaking this Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I kick the heat up by adding extra hot sauce, other times I swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar to deepen the flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite twists!

Variation: When I want a little extra crunch and color, I stir in some finely chopped celery or bell pepper with the filling. It adds a nice fresh bite and texture contrast.
For a milder version: Cut back on the buffalo sauce and add a bit more cream cheese or yogurt so the spicy heat doesn’t overwhelm.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute cooked shredded chicken with chopped cauliflower or jackfruit tossed in buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative that still delivers big flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels 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: Make the filling

Combine your cooked and shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, scallions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything with a rubber spatula until it’s evenly mixed. I like to taste a little at this point to see if it needs a touch more buffalo sauce or seasoning before assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the puff pastry

Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured board. Roll it out gently to slightly thin it — this helps it bake evenly without puffing up too much. Spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture in a thin, even layer right up to the edges. Repeat with the second sheet and remaining filling.

Step 3: Roll and slice

With the short edge facing you, roll the puff pastry tightly away from you into a log. It helps keep the filling intact and creates those pretty pinwheel spirals. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into eight equal pieces. This is where a serrated knife can really help prevent squashing the roll.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Place your pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for puffing. Brush the tops and sides with beaten egg — this little step instantly gives them a gorgeous golden color and shine. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and serve

After baking, let your pinwheels cool for about 5 minutes on the tray — this helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Then transfer to a serving plate and garnish with extra chopped scallions or cilantro for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Top Tip

I’ve made these pinwheels dozens of times, and a few tricks have consistently made the difference between good and unforgettable results.

Chill before slicing: After spreading the filling and rolling the puff pastry, pop the log in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. It firms up the roll and makes slicing neater and easier.
Don’t overfill: Use a thin layer of filling — too much can cause the pastry to burst while baking. Thin and even is the key.
Be gentle with the rolling: Roll slowly and firmly but without squeezing. This keeps the shape uniform and prevents the filling from leaking.
Egg wash magic: That beaten egg glaze not only adds color but also helps seal the edges for puffier, more beautiful pinwheels.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped scallions or fresh cilantro over the top just before serving. The bright green color livens up the plate and that mild oniony freshness balances the spicy richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these pinwheels with crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, and a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a heartier meal, a simple green salad or coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch alongside the savory pinwheels.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern around a bowl of creamy ranch dip, making it inviting and easy for guests to grab with one hand. You can also stack them on tiered platters for a festive look or thread a few on skewers for easy finger food fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge—they stay tasty for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, warming them slightly in the oven helps bring back that flaky crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze the pinwheels before baking. After slicing, place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you always have a spicy snack ready to pop into the oven!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes — this revives the puff pastry’s crispness better than microwaving, which tends to make them soggy. Just keep an eye so they don’t over-brown.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly to keep them fresh.

What’s the best type of puff pastry to use?

I recommend using thawed but still cold store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets. Brands like Pepperidge Farm work great because they puff up nicely and have a delicious buttery flavor.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect here because it’s already cooked and flavorful. Just shred it up and you’re good to go.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe?

The spiciness can be adjusted by how much buffalo sauce you use and the brand of sauce. If you prefer mild, use less sauce or a milder buffalo sauce. For heat lovers, add extra sauce or include some cayenne pepper to kick things up.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Pinwheels have become my go-to for any occasion where I want to impress with minimal effort. They’re flavorful, flaky, and so easy to customize that you can make them again and again without ever getting bored. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.