Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels made with rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, Colby Jack, bleu cheese, and Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for parties and easy to make!
You ever have one of those panic moments where guests are on their way, and you realize you forgot to make something to snack on? Yep, that was me last summer. My cousin texted, “Be there in 20! Can’t wait for those snacks you promised!” Snacks I definitely forgot to plan.
But there I was, staring into the fridge like it held the answers to life’s problems. And then—aha!—a rotisserie chicken, tortillas, and some hot sauce. Game on. I shredded the chicken, threw together a quick mix of cream cheese and hot sauce, rolled it all up in tortillas, and hoped for the best.
Well, guess what? Those Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels disappeared faster than the bag of chips I had also thrown on the table as backup. Now, they’re my go-to for parties, potlucks, or those random Tuesday nights when you just need something awesome.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe?
So, what makes these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels so special? Let me break it down for you:
- Super Fast: 10 minutes. That’s it. No cooking, no fuss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, holiday parties, or just snacking.
- Buffalo Flavor, No Mess: You get all the spicy goodness without saucy fingers.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep them a day early, slice before serving, and you’re golden.
- Customizable: Craving extra heat? Need a milder version? You’re in control!
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down the essentials because details matter.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Perfect for speed and tenderness. But hey, if you have leftover chicken from last night’s dinner? Even better.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends easier. Trust me—cold cream cheese and patience don’t mix.
- Frank’s Red Hot Sauce: Classic. Tangy. Spicy. Adjust the heat level to your taste!
- Colby Jack Cheese: Melty and mild. Cheddar works too if you’re out of Colby.
- Bleu Cheese: Gives it that sharp tang. Not a fan? Swap it for feta or skip it altogether.
- Green Onion: Adds a fresh bite and color. Fresh chives could also work.
- Flour Tortillas: Stick with the large ones for easier rolling and slicing.
Pro Tip: If your tortillas feel stiff, microwave them for 10 seconds to make them more flexible!
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
Alright, here’s how you can whip up these party-perfect pinwheels in no time:
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken into a large bowl. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and salt—they add just enough seasoning without overpowering the hot sauce.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Next, stir in the softened cream cheese and Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Mix it well so everything’s coated evenly.
Step 3: Cheese Time!
Toss in the Colby Jack and bleu cheese next. If you’re skipping the bleu, just add extra Colby or another favorite cheese instead.
Step 4: Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay out the tortillas flat. Spread about ¾ cup of filling evenly across each one, right up to the edges for maximum coverage.
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Step 5: Roll and Chill
Roll each tortilla up tightly (like a burrito, but no tucking). Place them seam-side down on a plate and chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours. This helps the pinwheels hold their shape when slicing.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter and serve!
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—the cream cheese can get a weird texture when frozen.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the rolls the night before and slice just before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to shake things up? Try these twists:
- Spicy Upgrade: Add extra cayenne or sliced jalapeños to the mix.
- Mild Option: Swap the hot sauce for ranch dressing.
- Meat Swap: Use shredded turkey, ham, or even plant-based chicken for a veggie version.
- Cheese Change: Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or monterey jack for a new twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas and double-check the sauce labels for gluten content.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
Pinwheels are delish on their own, but if you’re hosting a spread, try these perfect pairings:
- Dips: Ranch, bleu cheese dressing, or extra Frank’s on the side.
- Fresh Veggies: Celery, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch.
- Other Appetizers: Think deviled eggs, loaded potato skins, or mozzarella sticks.
- Salads: A crisp green salad balances the richness beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these pinwheels the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, they’re even better after chilling for a few hours, so the flavors blend perfectly.
What if I don’t like bleu cheese?
No worries! Just leave it out or swap it for something milder like feta or extra Colby Jack.
How do I keep my pinwheels from getting soggy?
The key? Don’t overdo the sauce and make sure the filling is well-blended. Also, chilling helps keep them firm.
So, there you have it—the perfect appetizer that’s fast, fun, and full of flavor. Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are bound to steal the show.
Give them a try, and let me know how they turned out! Snap a pic, tag me on Instagram, or drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your twist on this recipe!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 3 cups of shredded Chicken rotisserie chicken works great
- ⅓ cup chopped green onion
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese shredded
- ½ cup Bleu Cheese crumbled
- 5 ounces Frank’s Red Hot Sauce adjust to taste
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese room temperature
- 5 or 6 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Begin by shredding a rotisserie chicken into a bowl and sprinkle it with ¼ tsp of garlic powder and ¼ tsp of salt.
- Next, add 8 oz of cream cheese at room temperature, and 5 oz of Franks Red Hot Sauce to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Now mix in 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese and ½ cup of Bleu Cheese.
- For an added burst of freshness toss in ⅓ cup of chopped onions.
- Take flour tortillas. Lay them out. Spread about ¾ cup of the filling, on each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas tightly. Place them seam-side down on a tray.
- Let the pinwheels chill in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours.
- Once chilled slice the rolls into 1 inch pinwheels. Arrange them nicely on a platter.
- Now you're ready to serve these delicious Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels at your gathering or enjoy them as a snack!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
