If you’re looking for a quick, fun, and family-friendly snack, appetizer, or light lunch, these Chicken Pinwheels are a total winner. Soft tortillas filled with creamy chicken mixture, cheese, and your favorite add-ins, rolled up and sliced into irresistible bite-sized spirals. They’re perfect for parties, meal prep, picnics, or after-school snacks.
You can make them ahead, customize the fillings, and they disappear fast—kid-approved, adult-loved, and totally delicious!
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup ranch dressing or mayo
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning or taco seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped lettuce
- 4–5 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- Optional mix-ins: diced bell peppers, green onions, bacon bits, sliced olives, etc.
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Pinwheels
- Soften cream cheese to room temp—it spreads much easier!
- Use room temperature tortillas to prevent cracking during rolling.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill before slicing for the neatest spirals.
- Add crisp veggies like peppers or lettuce for extra crunch.
- Slice with a sharp serrated knife for clean, even pieces.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap ranch for buffalo sauce for a spicy version
- Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for extra flavor and color
- Add chopped cooked bacon for a chicken-bacon-ranch twist
- Make it vegetarian with black beans and cheese instead of chicken
- Try hummus instead of cream cheese for a dairy-free option
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp serrated knife
- Plastic wrap for chilling
- Serving platter
🕒 Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Pinwheels can be made 1 day ahead, wrapped tightly and chilled
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Not recommended for freezing (tortillas can get soggy)
🔥 How to Make Chicken Pinwheels
1️⃣ Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, ranch dressing, and seasoning until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Assemble the Wraps
Spread filling evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border. Top with spinach or your choice of veggies.
3️⃣ Roll & Chill
Roll tortillas tightly into logs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
4️⃣ Slice & Serve
Unwrap and slice into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp serrated knife. Arrange on a platter and enjoy!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store sliced pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Serve chilled for best texture
- Not freezer-friendly—best enjoyed fresh
🥪 Easy, Cheesy, and Totally Shareable
These Chicken Pinwheels are the ultimate grab-and-go snack or appetizer for parties, lunchboxes, or anytime munchies. Creamy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they’re fun to make and even better to eat.
Tried them? Let me know your favorite flavor twist—buffalo, bacon, veggie-packed? 🌯🧀
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