Name: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 large tortillas.; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.; 1/4 cup ranch dressing.; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken.; 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce.; 3/4 cup finely shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend).; 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles.; 1 tablespoon minced chives.

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are the perfect combination of spicy and cheesy, making them an ideal appetizer or snack. These pinwheels are made by rolling up soft tortillas filled with a mixture of shredded buffalo chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and minced chives. After chilling in the fridge, they’re sliced into bite-sized pieces that are easy to serve and enjoy. The tangy buffalo sauce adds heat, while the cream cheese and ranch provide a creamy balance. The addition of cheddar and blue cheese adds extra flavor, making these pinwheels a hit at parties, game-day gatherings, or as a fun snack for family and friends.

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful appetizer that brings together the spicy, tangy goodness of buffalo chicken with creamy cheeses, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with something delicious and easy to eat.

INGREDIENTS

Tortillas: 3-4 large tortillas form the base of the pinwheels, making it easy to roll up the buffalo chicken filling.
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese provide a creamy, smooth texture that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
Ranch Dressing: 1/4 cup of ranch dressing adds a cool, tangy flavor that complements the spicy chicken.
Shredded Chicken: 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken act as the hearty base for the filling. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: 1/3 cup of buffalo wing sauce gives the pinwheels their signature spicy kick.
Cheddar Cheese: 3/4 cup of finely shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, cheesy flavor that melts perfectly into the filling.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: 1/4 cup of blue cheese crumbles provide a bold, tangy contrast to the buffalo chicken.
Chives: 1 tablespoon of minced chives adds a fresh, oniony bite and a pop of color to the filling.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with 1/3 cup of buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of ranch dressing until smooth and creamy. This mixture will provide the creamy base for your pinwheels, balancing out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla, making sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cheese: Once the cream cheese is spread, evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over the tortillas. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and minced chives on top of the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Roll the Tortillas: Tightly roll each tortilla into a tube, making sure to tuck in the sides as you roll to keep the filling secure. Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour. This step helps the pinwheels set and makes them easier to slice.
Step 6: Slice and Serve: Once the pinwheels have chilled, unwrap the tortillas and slice them into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, and for an extra touch, garnish with additional minced chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are best served chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for parties or potlucks. They hold their shape well, and the flavors are at their peak after chilling in the fridge.
If you're making them ahead of time, store the rolled and wrapped tortillas in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before slicing. This helps save time on party day and ensures the pinwheels are fresh when served.
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture and flavor, try to eat them within the first two days.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can lightly grill the pinwheels on each side for a minute or two before serving, adding a warm, toasty layer to the wrap.

Helpful Notes

You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with more cheddar or use a milder cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
For added crunch, consider adding shredded lettuce or sliced celery to the filling before rolling the tortillas. This brings in a fresh element to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Bobby Flay suggests grilling the tortilla wraps lightly after rolling to create a toasted exterior, which adds a nice crunch and extra flavor to the pinwheels.
Chef Ree Drummond recommends serving the pinwheels with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, enhancing the flavor and giving guests a fun dipping option.
Chef Guy Fieri advises sprinkling the tortillas with a bit of garlic powder before assembling to add an extra layer of savory flavor.