Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe: Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that packs a punch, Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are the way to go.

These tasty bites combine the bold flavors of spicy buffalo chicken with creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.

They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun snack at home.

Ingredient List

To make delicious Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels, I gather the following ingredients:

• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups shredded (I usually use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• Buffalo Sauce: ½ cup (adjust to your spice preference)
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz softened (this adds a creamy texture)
• Ranch Dressing: ½ cup (or blue cheese dressing if you prefer)
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (for that cheesy goodness)
• Green Onions: 2 chopped (they add a fresh taste)
• Flour Tortillas: 4 large (I use the big ones for easy rolling)
• Lettuce: 1 cup shredded (for crunch and freshness)

Having these ingredients on hand makes it easy to whip up these delightful pinwheels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, ½ cup of buffalo sauce, 8 oz of softened cream cheese, and ½ cup of ranch dressing. Use a spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. The mixture should be well blended to ensure even distribution of flavors.
2. Add the Cheddar and Green Onions
   Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 chopped green onions. Make sure to fold these ingredients gently into the mixture. The cheddar adds a nice creamy texture while the green onions contribute a fresh crunch.
3. Spread the Mixture
   Lay out 4 large flour tortillas on a clean surface or large cutting board. Evenly spread a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture onto each tortilla, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. It’s important not to overfill, as that can make rolling difficult.
4. Add the Shredded Lettuce
   Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded lettuce over the chicken mixture on each tortilla. The lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the spicy filling.
5. Roll the Tortillas
   Starting at one edge, carefully roll each tortilla tightly to encase the filling. Be gentle but firm to keep the ingredients from spilling out. Once rolled, the edges may need a little tuck to keep everything secure.
6. Slice the Pinwheels
   Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch thick pinwheels. I usually aim for about 8 slices per pinwheel. This creates bite-sized pieces that are perfect for serving.
7. Plate and Serve
   Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a serving platter. For an extra touch, I like to drizzle a little additional buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on top for presentation. Enjoy these delightful Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels at your next gathering or as a fun snack.

Recipe Notes & Variations

Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels or to customize them to your taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken: You can use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor. Canned chicken also works in a pinch.
• Cheese: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
• Dressings: For a tangy twist, try using a ranch blue cheese blend.

Spice Level Adjustments

• For less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder sauce.
• To crank up the heat, mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the filling.

Veggie Mix-Ins

• Add diced celery or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
• Consider incorporating spinach or kale for a healthier option and a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
• Pair with fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery for a refreshing contrast.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the pinwheels right before serving for the freshest taste.
• You can also roll and slice the pinwheels a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pinwheels may become slightly soft due to the dressing, but the flavors will meld beautifully.

These notes and variations make my Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels versatile for any occasion, allowing me to customize them according to preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels in a way that really highlights their flavors and brings a fun vibe to any gathering. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas to elevate your dish:

Dipping Sauces

I always include a variety of dipping sauces to offer guests options. Classic ranch and creamy blue cheese dressings pair perfectly with the spicy kick of the pinwheels. I also enjoy mixing things up with a tangy honey mustard or a spicy sriracha sauce for those looking for an extra kick.

Veggie Accompaniments

To balance the richness of the pinwheels, I like to serve fresh veggie sticks alongside. Crunchy carrots celery and cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch and make the platter visually appealing. I often arrange them in a colorful display around the pinwheels.

Garnishes

For a pop of color and extra flavor I sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top of the pinwheels before serving. Alternatively chives or cilantro can add a fresh touch too. A drizzle of additional buffalo sauce can also create a beautiful finishing touch.

Entertaining Platter

I find that presentation matters so I arrange the pinwheels artfully on a large serving platter. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces not only makes them easy to grab but also invites everyone to dig in. If I’m feeling extra fancy I might even include small toothpicks for easy serving.

Party Themes

If I’m hosting a themed event like a game day party I often incorporate fun table decor that matches. I might add some football-themed napkins and serving dishes to make the pinwheels a highlight on the table.

Using these serving suggestions I make sure my Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels stand out and are a hit with everyone. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration these ideas enhance the experience and let the tasty pinwheels shine.

Nutrition Information

When preparing my Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels, I always keep an eye on the nutrition content to ensure they align with my dietary preferences.

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition information for one pinwheel, assuming the recipe yields about 16 pinwheels.

Nutrient	Amount per Pinwheel
Calories	100
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	300mg
Total Carbohydrates	6g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	1g
Protein	7g

These pinwheels provide a nice balance of protein and carbs, making them a satisfying snack or appetizer.

The use of shredded chicken adds lean protein, while cream cheese and ranch dressing contribute to the creamy texture and flavor.

If I want to reduce the calorie count or fat content, I can substitute low-fat cream cheese and dressing, or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

By customizing the ingredients, I can make these pinwheels fit a variety of dietary needs while maintaining their delightful taste.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels at your next gathering. They’re not just tasty but also super easy to make.

With a few simple ingredients and a little prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love.

Feel free to get creative with the fillings and dips to make them your own.

Whether you’re serving them for game day or just a cozy night in, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and happy snacking!

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