Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels - Easy Appetizer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: Approx. 40-50 pinwheels
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup hot wing sauce or cayenne pepper sauce; 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled; 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese (about 4 ounces); 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken breast; 5 large flour tortillas (approximately 10 1/2 inches in diameter)

Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe, oh how we love you! There’s something incredibly satisfying about these spicy, tangy, and creamy pinwheels. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, parties, or even just a fun weeknight snack. What makes this particular Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of heat from the buffalo sauce, the savory shredded chicken, the cool creaminess of the cheese and ranch dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla and sliced into bite-sized perfection. Each pinwheel is a flavor explosion, a delightful texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Forget the fuss of traditional buffalo chicken dips; these pinwheels offer all the deliciousness in a portable, dippable (or not!) format that’s incredibly addictive. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this guaranteed hit!

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup hot wing sauce or cayenne pepper sauce
1/4 cup crum extractbled blue cheese
1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 pound cooked and shredded chicken breast
5 large flour tortillas (approximately 10 1/2 inches in diameter)

Preparing the Spicy Chicken Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the hot wing sauce. Use a spatula or a sturdy spoon to mix these two ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated and form a smooth, cohesive base for your filling. The cream cheese will provide a creamy texture, while the hot wing sauce will bring the signature spicy kick. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This step is crucial for an even distribution of flavor throughout the pinwheels. I find that using cream cheese that has been left at room temperature for about an hour works best, as it’s easier to mix and creates a silkier consistency.
Arum extractthe crumbled blue cheese and the shredded Colby-Jack cheese to the cream cheese and wing sauce mixture. Continue to mix until all the cheeses are evenly distributed. The blue cheese will add a tangy depth, complementing the heat from the wing sauce, while the Colby-Jack cheese will melt beautifully and bind the filling together. Don’t be afraid to really work the mixture to ensure every bit of cheese is incorporated. If you prefer a less pungent blue cheese flavor, you can adjust the amount slightly, but this quantity offers a balanced taste.
Gently fold in the finely chopped green onions and the cooked, shredded chicken breast into the cheese and sauce mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. You want to make sure the chicken is coated evenly with the spicy cheese mixture. The green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and the heat of the sauce, providing a nice visual appeal with their vibrant green color. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we want to maintain the texture of the shredded chicken.

Assembling and Rolling the Pinwheels

Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean, dry surface. Spread a generous and even layer of the prepared spicy chicken and cheese mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) clear around the edges. This border is important because it will help seal the tortilla when you roll it, preventing the filling from leaking out. Ensure the filling is spread thinly and evenly; too much filling can make rolling difficult and messy. I like to use an offset spatula for this job, as it allows for a more uniform spread. Repeat this process for all five tortillas.
Starting from one edge of the tortilla, carefully and tightly roll it up into a log. The tighter you roll, the neater and more defined your pinwheels will be. Press gently as you roll to compress the filling and create a compact cylinder. Once rolled, wrap each individual tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap. This is a critical step that helps the pinwheels maintain their shape and makes them easier to slice. Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow them to firm up. This chilling process is essential for achieving clean cuts when you slice them into pinwheels. The firmness will prevent the filling from squishing out during the slicing process.

Slicing and Serving

Once the tortilla logs are well-chilled and firm, unwrap them from the plastic wrap. Place each log on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into individual pinwheels, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. The chilling process should have made the logs firm enough to slice cleanly. If you notice any filling starting to ooze out, simply press it back in gently with your fingers. You should aim for consistent thickness for an appealing presentation. If your knife isn’t sharp enough, the tortillas might tear or the filling might squish out, so a good, sharp chef’s knife is your best friend here.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own batch of delicious Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels! We’ve walked through each step, from prepping the tender chicken to rolling and slicing those perfect pinwheels. These vibrant and flavorful bites are incredibly versatile and are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, from casual game nights to more formal parties. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your own touches!

For serving, consider pairing these Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip. They also make a fantastic addition to a buffet spread alongside other appetizers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the buffalo sauce for a BBQ sauce or even a smoky chipotle marinade for a different flavor profile. You could also add finely chopped celery or red onion for an extra crunch and zest. The possibilities are truly endless!

We truly hope you enjoy making and, more importantly, devouring these Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Store them, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. For the best texture, slice them just before serving.

What if I don’t have ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping?

No problem at all! A creamy avocado dip, a simple sour cream and chive dip, or even a mild salsa would also be delicious accompaniments to your Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels. The key is a cool, creamy element to balance the spice.