Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a tasty treat that packs a kick! Made with shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese, they’re rolled up in a soft tortilla. Yum!
These pinwheels are perfect for parties or movie nights. They’re easy to grab and eat, and you’ll probably want to make extra because they disappear fast—trust me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe since it saves time and brings great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try using shredded jackfruit or a mix of beans for a similar texture.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can also use any wing sauce you prefer. For a milder version, you could mix your own using hot sauce and melted butter.
Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing: I love ranch for its creamy flavor, but if you want to skip dairy, there are fantastic vegan ranch options available. You could also make your own dressing using yogurt or a creamy avocado base.
Cream Cheese: This is used to give the filling a smooth texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese made from nuts.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a plant-based cheese that melts well or simply skip it altogether.
How Do I Make Sure My Pinwheels Hold Together?
It’s important to roll the tortillas tightly to keep the filling secure. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Spread the mixture evenly, but don’t overload the tortilla. A thin layer works best.
- When rolling, keep the tortilla taut. Start at one edge and roll smoothly into a log shape, pressing gently as you go.
- Secure the rolled tortilla with toothpicks to hold it together and slice evenly into pinwheels.
Chilling the pinwheels for at least 30 minutes helps the filling set, making them easier to handle and serve. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Assembling:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks for securing pinwheels
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes of chill time in the refrigerator. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, take your shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Mix it all together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. This adds that spicy, tangy flavor we love!
2. Make the Cheese Base:
In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is smooth and evenly blended. This creamy mixture is what makes your pinwheels extra tasty.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, add the buffalo chicken mixture into the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You want every bite to be full of flavor!
4. Assemble the Pinwheels:
Take one tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spread about one-fourth of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, but make sure to leave a small border around the edges. This will help prevent spilling when you roll it up.
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape. Make sure to keep it snug so the filling stays inside.
6. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled tortilla into 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should see those delicious spirals of chicken and cheese!
7. Secure and Arrange:
Take a toothpick and secure each pinwheel to hold its shape. Then, arrange your beautiful pinwheels on a serving platter.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you like, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions or chives on top for garnish. They add a nice touch and extra flavor!
9. Chill and Serve:
Before serving, refrigerate the pinwheels for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up. It’s worth the wait!
Enjoy your tasty Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels as a perfect appetizer or party snack! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it up and mix it with the buffalo sauce as directed.
How Spicy Are These Pinwheels?
The spice level depends on the buffalo wing sauce you choose. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a less spicy sauce or mix in a bit of sour cream to tone it down.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting the chicken with shredded jackfruit, tofu, or even a combination of beans to achieve a similar texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated in the microwave if you prefer them warm!
