There are days when dinner needs to be quick, fun, and still feel special. That’s exactly where Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups save the day.
The first time I made these, it was for my son’s school soccer party. I remember standing in the kitchen, tortillas spread out on the counter like little canvases, while the kids ran in and out of the kitchen asking if the food was ready. By the time I sliced those pinwheels and set them on the platter, the colors popped—cheese, ranch, chicken, and crispy beef bacon spiraled together like edible confetti.
They disappeared faster than I could say “grab a napkin.” To this day, they’re one of my go-to recipes for game days, potlucks, or when I just want something fun and easy that the whole family devours.
What are Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups?
Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups (also known as pinwheels) are tortillas spread with creamy ranch, shredded chicken, crispy beef bacon, and cheese, then rolled tightly, chilled, and sliced into bite-sized spirals. They’re served cold, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or lunchbox filler.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups
- No oven required—quick, easy, and portable.
- Family-friendly with flavors everyone loves.
- Perfect for potlucks, parties, or meal prep.
- Pork-free with beef bacon substitution.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and veggies.
Tips for Making the Best Roll Ups
- Use room-temp tortillas. Cold tortillas crack when rolling.
- Chill before slicing. An hour in the fridge helps them hold shape.
- Spread thin, roll tight. Too much filling = messy slices.
- Use a serrated knife. Cuts clean pinwheels without squishing.
- Wrap in plastic wrap. Keeps them fresh and firm until serving.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas (soft, room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 6 strips beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 green onions, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spread Ranch – Lay tortillas flat. Spread a thin, even layer of ranch dressing over each.
- Add Chicken & Bacon – Sprinkle shredded chicken and crispy beef bacon evenly across tortillas.
- Add Cheese & Onion – Top with cheddar, mozzarella, and green onions.
- Roll Tight – Starting at one end, roll the tortilla into a tight log.
- Chill – Wrap each log in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Slice & Serve – Use a serrated knife to slice into 1-inch pinwheels. Serve cold.
You Must Know
- Ranch is the flavor anchor—don’t skimp.
- Rolling tightly is key for neat, spiral shapes.
- These are best served within 24 hours of making.
Top Tips
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby for different flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra crunch.
- Serve with a side of salsa or buffalo ranch for dipping.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store roll ups wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as tortillas get soggy.
- Reheat: These are best served cold—no reheating needed!
Helpful Notes
- Keep tortillas soft and flexible to avoid breaking.
- These make excellent lunchbox fillers.
- Perfect finger food for game days and holidays.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) suggests adding cream cheese to bind the filling better.
- Ina Garten always emphasizes seasoning chicken well, even in simple recipes.
- Giada De Laurentiis recommends fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling tortillas (leads to messy rolls).
- Using cold tortillas (they crack).
- Skipping chill time (rolls fall apart when slicing).
FAQs
What are Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups made of?
They’re made with tortillas, shredded chicken, beef bacon, ranch dressing, shredded cheese, and green onions.
Can you make Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes! They can be made a day in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, refrigerate, and slice before serving.
What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast works perfectly.
What cheese goes best in Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby can also be used.
Are they served hot or cold?
Typically cold, as an appetizer or snack, but you can warm them lightly for a gooier texture.
How do you keep them from getting soggy?
Don’t overload with ranch, and always chill before slicing.
Conclusion
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups are more than just appetizers—they’re edible joy. They come together in minutes, disappear in seconds, and somehow taste even better when shared with friends and family.
From school lunches to game-day spreads, these little pinwheels never fail to bring smiles. They remind me that sometimes the best recipes aren’t complicated—they’re the ones that bring people closer, one bite at a time.
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll Ups
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
Description
Quick and easy tortilla roll ups filled with chicken, crispy beef bacon, ranch, and cheese. Perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 6 strips beef bacon
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 green onions
Instructions
- Spread ranch on tortillas
- Top with chicken, bacon, cheese, and onions
- Roll tightly
- Wrap in plastic and chill 1–2 hrs
- Slice into pinwheels
Notes
Serve cold as an appetizer or snack. Best eaten within 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
Keywords: chicken bacon ranch roll ups, pinwheels, tortilla appetizer, ranch pinwheels
