Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: A Comforting and Festive Dish

The aroma of tangy buffalo sauce and the gentle crunch of fresh vegetables fill the air, wrapping around you like a warm embrace. It’s on days like these—perhaps after a long week or during a cheerful gathering with friends—when I find myself reaching for my beloved Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels recipe. This is more than just food; it’s a comforting dinner that brings everyone closer, evoking laughter and stories shared around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are not only a delightful indulgent treat but also an incredibly versatile dish. Here’s why this homemade recipe stands out:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s game day or a holiday party, these pinwheels always steal the spotlight.
• Customizable: Personalize the ingredients to suit your taste, making this recipe flexible and forgiving.
• Satisfying and Flavorful: The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy cheese makes for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels, turning mealtime into a fun event.

Ingredients with Notes

Here is everything you need to create your mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels, along with helpful notes and substitution suggestions:

• Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded) – Rotisserie chicken works great for added flavor and convenience.
• Buffalo Sauce (½ cup) – Choose your favorite brand for a kick of heat.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened) – Adds creaminess; for a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt or avocado.
• Shredded Cheese (1 cup, cheddar or mozzarella) – Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends.
• Green Onions (¼ cup, chopped) – Freshness complements the richness; can substitute with finely chopped celery for a crunch.
• Flour Tortillas (4 large) – Whole wheat tortillas make for a healthier wrap option.
• Salt and Pepper – Use to taste.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

In half an hour, this dish transforms from humble ingredients to an impressive, festive favorite.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Use a spatula to mix until everything is well incorporated. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and coating the chicken beautifully, inviting you to dig in!

2. Add Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped green onions, seasoning your mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. The scent of buffalo sauce combined with cream cheese creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.

3. Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla, spreading it evenly, but leave a small border around the edges. This is where all the flavor gets locked in!

4. Roll Up: Starting from one side, tightly roll the tortilla away from you, creating a log. Make sure to keep it snug to avoid unrolling during slicing.

5. Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled tortilla into 1-inch pieces to create your pinwheels. You’ll be greeted with colorful swirls of chicken filling and tortilla, ready to wow your guests.

Tips and Variations

• Healthier Swaps: Opt for low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat tortillas to lighten up the recipe.
• Seasonal Twists: Consider adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for an extra burst of flavor and seasonal color.
• Flavor Upgrades: Toss in some crumbled blue cheese or a dash of ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Serving Ideas

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels can be enjoyed in a number of delightful ways. Pair them with crispy celery sticks and a zesty ranch dip for an authentic appetizer experience. For a festive mood, serve with a chilled craft beer or a refreshing lemonade during warm summer evenings. These pinwheels are also perfect for casual family dinners, wrapped tightly in foil for a picnic, or presented on a platter for a game day celebration.

Storage and Reheating

These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can also be frozen; simply lay the assembled pinwheels on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a zip-top bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about a minute or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Let the Chicken Cool: Allow the shredded chicken to cool before mixing it with the cream cheese to prevent it from melting prematurely.
• Chill Before Slicing: If time permits, refrigerate the rolled pinwheels for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps them hold their shape beautifully.
• Experiment with Sauces: Don’t hesitate to swap out the buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce or teriyaki for a completely different twist!

FAQs

1. Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
   Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by using dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option or gluten-free tortillas for those with gluten sensitivities.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Prepare the pinwheels in advance, store them in the fridge, and slice just before serving for the freshest taste.

3. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
   The microwave works well, but for better texture, a quick bake in the oven can help regain crispiness.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are more than just a dish; they carry with them the essence of comfort and joy, perfect for gatherings with loved ones or cozy nights at home. I hope you take the time to try this recipe, share it with your family, and enjoy the happiness it brings to your table. With every bite, you’ll taste not only the delectable flavors but also the warmth of togetherness, which is what cooking at home is all about. Enjoy!

Contents

• 1 Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
  • 1.2 Method 
  • 1.3 Notes

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Delicious and easy-to-make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels, perfect for gatherings and customizable to suit your taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded Rotisserie chicken works great for added flavor and convenience.
• ½ cup Buffalo Sauce Choose your favorite brand for a kick of heat.
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened For a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt or avocado.
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese, cheddar or mozzarella Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends.
• ¼ cup Green Onions, chopped Can substitute with finely chopped celery for a crunch.
• 4 large Flour Tortillas Whole wheat tortillas make for a healthier wrap option.
• Salt and Pepper Use to taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Use a spatula to mix until everything is well incorporated.
2. Gently fold in the chopped green onions, seasoning your mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assembly

1. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla, spreading it evenly, but leave a small border around the edges.
2. Starting from one side, tightly roll the tortilla away from you, creating a log.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled tortilla into 1-inch pieces to create your pinwheels.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing is also an option; lay the assembled pinwheels on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag. To reheat, use the microwave for about a minute or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.