Hey there, my friend 👋. These buffalo chicken pinwheels are the perfect snack. They’re spicy, creamy, and have just the right crunch. I love them because they come together in minutes, and you don’t even need to turn on the stove. Plus, they’re great for game nights, picnics, or just a quick bite. Let me show you how to make them.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap (optional, for chilling)
- Sharp knife (for slicing)
Important Info
- Servings: Makes 16 pinwheels
- Estimated Cost: About $8 for the entire batch
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Additional Time: 20 minutes (if chilling before slicing)
- Calories per Serving: About 100 calories per pinwheel
- Cook Method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: Perfect for any season
- Courses: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: LowCarbDiet, HighProteinDiet
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 large flour tortillas
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | Canned chicken or rotisserie chicken |
| Cream cheese | Greek yogurt or mashed avocado |
| Buffalo sauce | Hot sauce mixed with melted butter |
| Cheddar cheese | Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese |
| Green onions | Chopped cilantro or parsley |
| Flour tortillas | Whole wheat or spinach tortillas |
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface and divide the buffalo chicken mixture evenly between them.
- Spread the mixture across each tortilla, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly like a burrito. If time allows, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This makes slicing easier.
- Unwrap and use a sharp knife to cut each rolled tortilla into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a plate and serve immediately, or store them for later.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra crunch, add some chopped celery to the filling.
- Chilling the rolled tortillas before slicing makes the pinwheels hold their shape better.
- Use a serrated knife to get clean cuts without squishing the pinwheels.
- Want them spicier? Add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Buffalo chicken pinwheels are great on their own, but they pair well with these sides:
- A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Fresh celery and carrot sticks
- A simple green salad
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
These pinwheels are best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to make them fancy, arrange them on a platter with a small bowl of ranch dressing in the center.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These pinwheels are a hit at parties, picnics, and game nights. They travel well, so they’re great for packed lunches too. You can also serve them at holiday gatherings when you need an easy, no-cook appetizer.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If serving within a few hours, keep the pinwheels covered on a plate to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If they start getting soggy, place them on a paper towel before serving to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
- Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the tortillas and cream cheese may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make buffalo chicken pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and slice them before serving.
What type of tortillas work best?
Soft flour tortillas work best because they roll up easily. You can also use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a healthier option.
How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart?
Chilling them before slicing helps keep their shape. Also, make sure to roll them tightly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.
What’s the best dipping sauce for buffalo chicken pinwheels?
Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing are classic options. You can also try a yogurt-based dip for a lighter alternative.
