Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a tasty treat! They combine shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch, all rolled up in a tortilla. Perfect for parties or game day!
These rolls are super fun to make and even more fun to eat! I love serving them with some extra ranch on the side for dipping. Trust me, your guests will keep coming back for more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken breast works best, but you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using shredded jackfruit instead.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite, but feel free to use any brand you love. For a milder version, look for a mild wing sauce or use a mix of hot sauce and honey.
Cream Cheese: If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative. I’ve made this with whipped tofu too, and it turned out surprisingly well!
Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch is delicious if you have the time! Otherwise, store-bought dressing works great. You can also substitute it with blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Not a fan of blue cheese? You can easily swap it for feta cheese or simply leave it out entirely.
How Do You Roll Perfect Pinwheels?
Rolling these pinwheels tightly is key to keeping everything packed together. Follow these tips for great results:
- Spread the filling evenly, allowing a small border around the edge.
- Keep it tight as you roll, starting from one end and rolling towards the other.
- Use plastic wrap to help shape and chill the rolls quickly; this also makes slicing easier.
- Slice with a sharp knife to avoid squishing the filling out.
Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfectly on your first try! Each pinwheel will still taste amazing. Enjoy making these fun appetizers!
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Wrapping:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- Toothpicks, for securing pinwheels
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour to chill in the fridge. You’ll mix up the filling, roll it up in tortillas, and then let them set before slicing. They’re quick to make and easy to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Chicken Filling:
Start by combining the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce in a medium bowl. Mix it well until all the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. This will give your filling that extra kick of flavor!
2. Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate large bowl, take your softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is going to make your pinwheels deliciously rich!
3. Combine Everything:
Now, stir in your buffalo chicken mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions into the cream cheese mixture. Mix until everything is well combined; you want all those flavors to come together!
4. Prepare Tortillas:
Lay out each flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. You want the tortilla to be nice and spacious for your filling!
5. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over each tortilla, but make sure to leave about a 1/2 inch margin around the edges. This helps when you’re rolling them up!
6. Add Blue Cheese:
Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles evenly over the filling. If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to skip this step!
7. Rolling Up the Tortillas:
Starting from one edge, tightly roll up each tortilla into a log shape. The tighter you roll, the better your pinwheels will look!
8. Chill the Rolls:
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the pinwheels firm up for easier slicing.
9. Slice the Pinwheels:
After they’re chilled, remove the wraps and slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheel portions. Look at those beautiful layers!
10. Plate and Serve:
Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and secure each with a toothpick for easy serving. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature.
11. Enjoy Your Creation!
These pinwheels are perfect for parties or just a fun snack at home. Serve with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy this spicy, creamy, and cheesy appetizer that’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a nice flavor. Just ensure it’s cooled before mixing it with the buffalo sauce.
How Do I Make These Pinwheels Vegeterian-Friendly?
You can substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit, tempeh, or even mixed vegetables for a tasty vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to keep it flavorful!
Can I Prepare These Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes, you can make them a day ahead! Just keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld together even more!
How Should I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for lunch the next day or a quick snack!