Grilled

Grilled Chicken Pinwheels

Name: Grilled Chicken Pinwheels
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 6 slices of bacon, cut in half; 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (55g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 1 cup (120g) chicken broth

By Gabriel Rutherford · June 19, 2026 · Grilled

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total50 min

Serves4

Grilled Chicken Pinwheels — Juicy grilled chicken pinwheels

There's something about the combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese that just screams 'summer dinner' to me. As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both easy to make and impressive to serve, and my Grilled Chicken Pinwheels recipe fits the bill perfectly.

I first made this recipe for a family barbecue a few years ago, and it was a huge hit. The kids loved the fun, pinwheel shape of the chicken, and the adults appreciated the flavorful combination of ingredients. Since then, it's become a staple of our summer dinner rotation.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize the filling to suit your family's tastes, and it's easy to make in large quantities for a crowd. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken or cheese you have on hand.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make delicious Grilled Chicken Pinwheels, from prep to finish. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, I hope you'll find this recipe easy to follow and fun to make.

So why not give it a try? Your family will love the combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, and you'll appreciate the ease and flexibility of the recipe. Happy cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for summer nights and outdoor gatherings.
The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
You can customize the filling to suit your family's tastes.
It's a great way to use up any leftover chicken or cheese you have on hand.
The recipe is versatile and can be made in large quantities for a crowd.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Grilled Chicken Pinwheels is to cook the chicken to the right temperature, while also ensuring that the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted. To achieve this, it's essential to use a combination of direct and indirect heat when grilling the chicken.

By cooking the chicken over direct heat for a few minutes on each side, you'll get a nice sear on the outside, which will help to lock in the juices and flavor. Then, by finishing the chicken over indirect heat, you'll ensure that it cooks through to a safe internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), without drying out or burning the outside.

Another important factor in making great Grilled Chicken Pinwheels is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. By combining these ingredients in a way that allows each component to shine, you'll create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Grilled Chicken Pinwheels, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, bacon, cheese, and some basic pantry staples. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, including fresh chicken and crispy bacon, to ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and delicious.

When shopping for chicken, look for breasts that are plump and have a good balance of white and dark meat. You'll also want to choose a good-quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessChoose high-quality chicken breasts that are plump and have a good balance of white and dark meat. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
6 slices of bacon, cut in halfUse crispy bacon to add a smoky flavor to your Grilled Chicken Pinwheels. You can also use cooked bacon if you prefer.
1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheeseChoose a good-quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Swiss or feta.
1/2 cup (55g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley to add a bright, fresh flavor to your Grilled Chicken Pinwheels. You can also use other herbs, such as basil or thyme.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse high-quality garlic that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeChoose high-quality thyme that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other herbs, such as rosemary or oregano.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse high-quality salt that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other seasonings, such as pepper or paprika.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse high-quality pepper that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilChoose high-quality olive oil that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other oils, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.
1 lemon, cut into wedgesUse fresh lemons to add a bright, citrusy flavor to your Grilled Chicken Pinwheels. You can also use other citrus fruits, such as limes or oranges.
1 cup (120g) chicken brothChoose high-quality chicken broth that is fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other broths, such as beef or vegetable broth.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Pinwheels

Equipment You’ll Need

Large cutting boardSharp chef's knifeMeat malletInstant-read thermometerGrill or grill panTongs or spatulaLarge bowl

How to Make Grilled Chicken Pinwheels

1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400 F (200 C).
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
5
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch (6mm).
6
Lay the chicken breasts flat and spread a layer of cheese on each breast, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border around the edges.
7
Add a few slices of bacon on top of the cheese, then sprinkle with parsley.
8
Roll the chicken breasts into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks if needed.
9
Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
10
Grill the chicken pinwheels over direct heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
11
Finish the chicken over indirect heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
12
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
13
Serve the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels hot, garnished with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.

Expert Tips

Make sure to cook the chicken to the right temperature to ensure food safety.
Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
Don't overfill the chicken breasts with cheese and bacon, or they may be difficult to roll.
Use toothpicks to secure the chicken pinwheels if needed.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to ensure the juices stay inside.
Serve the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Consider using different types of cheese or herbs to change up the flavor.
You can also add other ingredients, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to the filling for added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to the right temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Overfilling the chicken breasts with cheese and bacon, which can make them difficult to roll.
Not letting the chicken rest before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not brushing the outside of the chicken with oil, which can cause it to stick to the grill.
Not seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, which can affect the flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or feta, for a unique flavor.
Add diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for added flavor.
Use cooked bacon instead of raw bacon for a smokier flavor.
Add some heat to the dish by using spicy cheese or adding diced jalapenos.
Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more tender and juicy texture.
Serve the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels with a side of marinara sauce or salsa.
Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, to the filling for added flavor.

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Pinwheels

Grilled Chicken Pinwheels are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some ideas include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with a side of marinara sauce or salsa for added flavor.

Consider serving the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels at your next outdoor gathering or barbecue. They're easy to make in large quantities and are sure to be a hit with your guests.

Roasted vegetablesMashed potatoesSimple green saladMarinara sauceSalsaGrilled bread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store Grilled Chicken Pinwheels, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw the pinwheels overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or on the grill until cooked through.

When reheating the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels, make sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety. You can also add some extra cheese or sauce to the top of the pinwheels for added flavor.

Grilled Chicken Pinwheels are a great make-ahead dish that can be prepared in advance and reheated when needed. Simply assemble the pinwheels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of cooked chicken?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be at least 165 F (74 C).

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to cook it to the right temperature and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. You can also brush the outside of the chicken with oil and season with salt and pepper to help retain moisture.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or feta, for a unique flavor. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.

How do I add some heat to the dish?

You can add some heat to the dish by using spicy cheese or adding diced jalapenos to the filling. You can also add some red pepper flakes to the cheese for an extra kick.

Can I serve the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels at room temperature?

Yes, you can serve the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels at room temperature. However, make sure to cook them to the right temperature and let them cool completely to room temperature before serving.

How do I store the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels?

To store the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time. Simply assemble the pinwheels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.

How do I reheat the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels?

To reheat the Grilled Chicken Pinwheels, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or on the grill until cooked through. Make sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

The Full Recipe

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