Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: The Ultimate Creamy, Spicy, Make-Ahead Appetizer
Get ready to impress your guests with these incredibly easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels! They are the quintessential party, barbecue, game day, or large gathering appetizer, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing hit every single time. Imagine the zesty kick of buffalo wings combined with the cool, creamy goodness of a dip, all rolled up in a convenient, bite-sized tortilla. These pinwheels are simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion where delicious, fuss-free finger food is a must!
Why You’ll Adore These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
There are countless reasons why these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels will become your go-to recipe for entertaining and snacking:
- Effortless Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the biggest advantages is how easily these pinwheels can be prepared in advance. You can whip up the filling and roll them up hours, or even a full day, before your event. Just keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve, freeing you up to enjoy your gathering without last-minute stress.
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: Each bite delivers a fantastic medley of cool, creamy, and tangy notes, bursting with that signature buffalo wing flavor that everyone loves. The blend of cheeses, combined with the spicy sauce and tender chicken, creates a perfectly balanced and utterly addictive taste.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip in a Portable Wrap: If you’re a fan of classic buffalo chicken dip, you’ll find these pinwheels offer the same incredible flavors in a much more convenient, handheld format. No need for chips or extra serving utensils – just grab and enjoy! They’re like a deconstructed dip, reassembled for ultimate snackability.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick snack, a substantial appetizer for a party, or even a light lunch option, these buffalo chicken roll-ups fit the bill. Their adaptability makes them a fantastic addition to tailgates, potlucks, family dinners, or simply as a satisfying treat during game night.
- Simple Ingredients, Quick Prep: With just a few common ingredients and a minimal prep time of about 20 minutes, you can create a show-stopping appetizer that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This recipe proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you’re looking to expand your appetizer repertoire beyond pinwheels, some of our other favorite appetizer recipes include savory oven sliders, classic sausage balls, a decadent spinach dip from scratch, and delightful deviled potato bites.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Crafting the perfect Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to assemble these irresistible bites:
- Shredded Chicken: Chicken is the star of these pinwheels, providing a hearty base. For the best flavor and texture, we highly recommend using tender, juicy rotisserie chicken. Its pre-cooked convenience is a major time-saver. Alternatively, you can boil or bake boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then shred them. In a pinch, canned chicken can be used, but fresh chicken will always yield superior results in both taste and texture.
- Cream Cheese: This is the foundation of the creamy filling. Always use softened, full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and richest flavor. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with other ingredients, preventing lumps. While low-fat cream cheese can be substituted, we do not recommend fat-free versions, as they can compromise the overall creaminess and taste.
- Cheese Blend: Our recipe calls for a dynamic duo of cheeses: shredded sharp cheddar and crumbled blue cheese. Sharp cheddar adds a wonderfully savory, robust flavor, while blue cheese provides that distinct, pungent tang that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce, mirroring the classic buffalo wing experience. You can use pre-shredded bagged cheese for convenience, or shred your own from a block for a fresher taste and better melt.
- Buffalo Sauce: The heart of the “buffalo” flavor! We prefer Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce for its balanced heat and authentic taste. However, feel free to choose your favorite brand, whether you lean towards a milder or hotter variety. Ensure you’re using a dedicated “wing” sauce rather than just plain hot sauce, as wing sauces typically include butter and other flavorings for a richer profile.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions (especially the green tops) add a crucial burst of fresh, mild onion flavor and a touch of vibrant color. They cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken, adding a welcome brightness. Chives make an excellent substitute if green onions are unavailable.
- Tortillas: You will need five large flour tortillas, approximately 10 inches in diameter. Flour tortillas are essential for pinwheels because of their pliability; they roll up tightly and hold their shape beautifully, ensuring neat, even slices. Corn tortillas, while delicious, are generally too stiff and prone to cracking, making them unsuitable for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Delicious Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Making these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base. In a large mixing bowl, begin by beating the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This ensures a smooth, lump-free base for your filling. Once creamy, fold in the crumbled blue cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until just combined. You can also incorporate a tablespoon or two of sour cream at this stage for an even richer, tangier consistency, if desired.
Step 2: Combine the Buffalo Chicken Filling. Now it’s time to add the stars of the show! To the cream cheese mixture, add your shredded cooked chicken breast meat, finely chopped green onions, and the buffalo hot sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy, spicy sauce. This is where using leftover rotisserie chicken truly shines, making this step even quicker.
If you love buffalo chicken, you should definitely try our Oven-Baked Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings for another fantastic appetizer!
Step 3: Spread the Filling. Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean cutting board or work surface. Take about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the buffalo chicken filling and spread it evenly over the tortilla. Be sure to spread the mixture almost to the edges, leaving a small border (about half an inch) around the perimeter. This helps prevent the filling from squeezing out when you roll the tortilla.
Step 4: Roll and Chill. Carefully roll up the tortilla tightly, starting from one edge and moving towards the other. The tighter you roll, the better the pinwheels will hold their shape. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down on a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture. Once all tortillas are rolled, cover the plate tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling is crucial as it allows the cream cheese mixture to firm up, making the pinwheels much easier to slice cleanly.
Step 5: Slice and Serve. Once thoroughly chilled, remove the rolled tortillas from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each rolled tortilla into approximately 1-inch thick pieces. You can discard the very ends if they are uneven. Arrange the beautiful pinwheel slices on a serving platter or tray, garnished with a sprinkle of extra green onions if desired. For an extra treat, serve with a side of creamy ranch dressing or rich blue cheese dressing for dipping. These easy buffalo chicken roll-ups are always a hit and sure to please!
Expert Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Achieving perfectly delicious and presentable Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels is easy with these helpful tips:
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Key: Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing. This makes it much softer and easier to beat, ensuring a smooth, lump-free filling that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Use an Electric Mixer: For the smoothest cream cheese base, an electric hand mixer is your best friend. It quickly incorporates air and eliminates any lumps, creating a wonderfully creamy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the rolled tortillas is a critical step. The cream cheese mixture needs time to firm up in the refrigerator, which is what allows you to slice the pinwheels cleanly and neatly without the filling oozing out. Aim for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight.
- Mind the Edges: When spreading the filling onto the tortilla, do not extend it all the way to the very edge. Leaving about a half-inch border helps contain the filling as you roll, preventing it from spilling out and creating a neater pinwheel.
- Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal for this recipe due to its exceptional flavor and tender texture. If cooking chicken breast from scratch, oven roast or boil it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). While canned chicken can be used in a pinch, fresh chicken will always provide a superior taste and texture.
- Keep Them Together with Toothpicks: If you find your pinwheels are struggling to hold their shape after slicing, a simple toothpick inserted into each slice can help secure them, especially for serving.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your preference. For more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce. For a milder version, use less buffalo sauce or mix in a bit more cream cheese or sour cream.
- Serve with a Side of Coolness: The heat of the buffalo sauce is beautifully balanced by cool, creamy dips. Ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic pairings that offer a refreshing contrast. Celery sticks and carrot sticks also make great accompaniments.
Exciting Variations for Your Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
While the classic Buffalo Chicken Pinwheel recipe is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations to customize them to your taste or ingredients on hand:
- Cheese Choices: Beyond cheddar and blue cheese, many other shredded cheeses work wonderfully. Consider using Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick, Gouda, or even Muenster cheese. A blend of cheeses can also add depth and complexity.
- Buffalo Sauce Alternatives: Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is our go-to for its authentic flavor, but explore other brands to find your favorite. You can also make a homemade buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce with melted butter and a touch of garlic powder for a richer, more customizable flavor. Adjust the heat by mixing in a little honey or maple syrup for a “sweet heat” variation.
- Tortilla Options: While large flour tortillas are recommended for their flexibility, you can try flavored tortillas (like spinach or sun-dried tomato) for an added layer of taste and visual appeal. Whole-grain tortillas are also a great option for a slightly healthier twist. If you use smaller tortillas, remember you will need more of them to use up all the filling.
- Add Extra Texture and Flavor: Introduce finely chopped celery or shredded carrots to the filling for a pleasant crunch and extra vegetable goodness. Other popular additions include a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, a spoonful of finely diced red bell pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra savory notes.
- Make it a Meal: Turn these appetizers into a light meal by serving larger portions alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Absolutely! These pinwheels are an excellent make-ahead appetizer, perfect for reducing stress on the day of your event. You can prepare the entire recipe, including rolling the tortillas, up to 24 hours in advance. Once rolled, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying and refrigerate. Slice them just before you are ready to serve for the freshest presentation and best texture.
It is generally not recommended to use corn tortillas for pinwheels. Corn tortillas are inherently less pliable and tend to crack or break when rolled tightly, especially when cold. They don’t hold their shape as easily as flour tortillas, which are much more flexible and resilient, making them the superior choice for this recipe.
To prevent soggy pinwheels, there are a few key steps. First, adhere to the recipe’s recommended amount of hot sauce; using too much can introduce excessive moisture. Second, ensure your shredded chicken is relatively dry before mixing; pat it with paper towels if it seems overly moist. Third, make sure the cream cheese mixture is firm before spreading and rolling, and thoroughly chill the rolled tortillas. Excess moisture is the main culprit for sogginess.
Leftover buffalo chicken pinwheels should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their best quality for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the tortillas may start to become a bit soft.
While technically possible, freezing is not generally recommended for optimal quality due to the cream cheese and tortilla texture. However, if you must freeze them, place the sliced pinwheels in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching. Freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
These pinwheels are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. Classic choices include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, crisp celery sticks, and carrot sticks to complement the buffalo flavor and offer a cooling crunch. For a heartier spread, consider serving them alongside other appetizers like mini quiches, bruschetta, or a fresh fruit platter.
More Delicious Buffalo Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you can’t get enough of that spicy, tangy buffalo flavor, here are a few more buffalo chicken recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Print
Pin
Rate
Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
American
20 minutes
20 minutes
35
90
kcal
Don’t Sweat The Recipe
Ingredients
-
1
pound
cooked chicken breast, shredded
-
1/2
cup
Buffalo wing sauce
(your favorite)
-
8
ounces
cream cheese, softened
-
1/2
cup
blue cheese, crumbled
-
1 1/4
cups
sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
-
5
10 inch
large flour tortillas
-
2-3
green onions, thinly sliced
(green tops only)
Instructions
-
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in the blue cheese and cheddar cheese until well combined.
-
Add the shredded cooked chicken, thinly sliced green onions, and 1/2 cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce to the cream cheese and cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated.
-
Lay one 10-inch flour tortilla flat on a clean cutting board. Spread approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edges.
-
Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from one side. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down on a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
-
Cover the plate tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the filling to firm up, making the pinwheels easier to slice neatly.
-
Once chilled, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each rolled tortilla into approximately 1-inch thick pieces. Discard the uneven ends. Arrange the buffalo chicken pinwheel slices on a serving platter and garnish with extra green onions if desired. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so you can mix the other ingredients in easily.
- Use an electric hand mixer to beat the cream cheese; this helps to prevent any lumps.
- Be sure to chill the pinwheel wrap. The cream cheese needs to chill again to set up for easy slicing.
- Do not spread the filling all the way to the edge of the tortilla. This helps prevent the filling from spilling out.
Make Ahead – You can prepare them up to 24 hours ahead of time. Leave it rolled up, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Slice when you are ready to serve.
Storing – Place the buffalo chicken pinwheels in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing these pinwheels.
Freezing – If you must freeze, place them in a single layer not touching on a parchment-lined baking sheet, place in the freezer, and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Nutrition
Calories:
90
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
6
g
|
Protein:
5
g
|
Fat:
5
g
|
Saturated Fat:
3
g
|
Cholesterol:
21
mg
|
Sodium:
262
mg
|
Potassium:
83
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
1
g
|
Vitamin A:
153
IU
|
Vitamin C:
1
mg
|
Calcium:
57
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
Recipe inspired by HomeCookingMemories
Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or just looking for a simple, satisfying snack, these Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are an unbeatable choice. Their bold flavors, creamy texture, and incredible convenience make them a guaranteed favorite. Give this recipe a try, and watch them disappear!