The moral of this story is that I like to roll any delicious dip recipe in tortillas, slice it into pinwheels and serve it as an easy appetizer. Buffalo Chicken Dip was no exception.
Pinwheels bring the best of two appetizer foods- dip and finger foods. Delicious Buffalo chicken pinwheels are a marriage made in heaven. Bonus points for being no-cook and make ahead.
Pinwheel Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels always go over like wildfire in my house. Probably even faster than buffalo chicken dip, seriously. It is just so easy to grab one and go. They are ideal for any season and any event like watching sports, BBQs, potlucks and any general party.
I also like to only make half of the recipe and then also make half of my Bacon Ranch Chicken Pinwheels and sometimes even Turkey Club Pinwheels. They are super colorful, tasty and everyone loves them- the perfect party appetizer.
Ingredients for Tortilla Roll Ups
A short and sweet ingredient list is the perfect kind for your busy lifestyle and the perfect finger food.
- Cream Cheese– Choose full fat or reduced fat, but either way make sure it is very soft (close to room temperature) before trying to mix everything together and spread. Some folks also add sour cream, but it is not necessary as long as the cream cheese is soft enough.
- Hot Sauce– Just plain hot sauce (opposed to buffalo sauce), our favorite brands are Frank’s Red Hot and Diamond Crystal. Tabasco can also be used.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese– Do yourself a favor and freshly shred the cheese. Pre Shredded cheese are tossed in starch, which can create a grainy texture and make your creamy dip gummy.
- Coarse Sea Salt or Kosher Salt- If using a fine salt, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Cooked Chicken– This recipe is great for using up leftover chicken breasts or chicken thighs. To save time, you can grab cooked chicken in the meat department or even frozen foods sections and finely chop it, or my favorite kitchen hack, shred a rotisserie chicken from the store.
- Scallions (green onions)– These give crunch and freshness. Chives can also be used, or if you just aren’t a fan of onions, omit them.
- Tortillas– Any type of tortilla, size or flavor, will work, but I find the bigger ones are easier for making pinwheels since you’ll have to trim off the edges. It creates less waste and a fuller pinwheel. Smaller tortillas might only get one and a half rolls in and these will have a tougher time staying rolled. Consider using toothpicks to help them stay formed if you pick the smaller ones.
How to Make Chicken Pinwheels
Making them is super easy, even get the kiddos to help.
- Make the filling by blending the cream cheese, hot sauce, cheese,and salt, make sure it is good and mixed with no hot sauce streaks. Next, fold in the chicken and scallions by hand. Doing this keeps these larger items in bigger pieces instead of breaking apart.
- Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture between four large flour tortillas. Having a super softened cream cheese filling is important in this step, otherwise it will be challenging to spread and could possible rip the delicate tortilla. Spread out evenly all the way to the edges and then tightly roll up the tortilla. To help it mold and keep its shape, wrap it firmly in plastic wrap and then chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. You can keep it at this stage for up to 2 days if you are making it ahead.
- For the cleanest cuts without crushing your perfect pinwheels, use a super sharp knife, or even better yet, a serrated knife, to make 10-inch slices on the rolled tortillas. Discard the ends with no filling that are uneven.
- If desired, serve with a side of blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing.
Variations
The beauty of any tortilla roll up is the wide variety of customizations. Here are just a few, but we’d love to hear your creative ideas in the comments.
- Add green chiles or jalapenos! Just 1-2 tablespoons of canned chopped green chiles or jalapenos gives these a kick. Drain before adding.
- Salsa also provides pizazz, use a thick and chunky version and add 1-2 tablespoons or try making our quick and easy blender salsa recipe.
- Swap chicken for turkey. No one said you had to use chicken!
- Bacon makes everything better- Doesn’t it? Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the buffalo chicken filling.
- Get cheesy– Sharp cheddar gives full flavor, but try using a blend of cheeses including pepper jack, monterey jack, smoked gouda or even white cheddar. A habanero laced cheese will really bring on the heat.
- Add ranch! Adding a packet of dry ranch seasoning to the mixture will also pack and punch before the base is both seasoned and has powdered buttermilk for a little tang. If you do this, omit the additional salt.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles– I left these out before some folks aren’t big fans of chunky soft cheese, but feel free to blend in 1/2 cup of feta or blue cheese crumbles with the chicken so they stay fairly whole.
- Tortilla Flavors– Have fun with the flavors and grab green spinach or red tomato tortillas. I’ve even seen some jalapeno laced ones.
- Vegetarian– Make them just buffalo cream cheese pinwheels (vegetarian pinwheels) by doubling the cream cheese.
- Make them Puffy– Listen, I love the no-cook aspect of these, but you can use the same filling and technique from my Ham and Cheese Pinwheels and use crescent dough.
- Make a Board- For a visually stunning center piece, make several types of pinwheels. Try our Italian, Pizza and Mexican varieties!
- Crunchy– Ok, this might be a totally different recipe, but if you like these, give Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls a whirl!
Make Ahead & Storage
Like we mentioned above, you can make buffalo pinwheels ahead up to 24 hours, although I strongly suggest not slicing them until you are ready to serve. Anything slices means more air and surface space which leads to them drying out. Store leftovers wrapped or covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
We do not suggest freezing these pinwheels. Cream cheese has the tendency to get a weird, cakey consistency when thawed.
More Delicious Buffalo Chicken Recipes
I just can’t get enough of the heat! Here are more to tempt your palate!
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a quick and spicy baked mac and cheese recipe the whole family will love. Perfect as a potluck recipe or for a BBQ side dish!
See The Recipe!
Buffalo Chicken Casserole
This creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole combines spicy hot sauce and ranch-style flavor with chicken, cheese, and pasta to make a hearty meal!
See The Recipe!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Searching for the BEST dip recipe? EASY Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip comes together easily with just a few ingredients! Easy to make in the crock pot!
See The Recipe!
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Buffalo Chicken Nachos are loaded with all of your favorite chicken nachos ingredients and topped with delicious buffalo chicken for extra flavor and spicy. Perfect for game days, holiday parties, or a Tex-Mex dinner.
See The Recipe!
Buffalo Chicken Meatball Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a quick and easy appetizer that will spice up any party! Simmered in spicy wing sauce and cooling blue cheese, these will be the winning party appetizer!
See The Recipe!
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are creamy, spicy buffalo dip rolled in tortillas. The perfect no-cook and make-ahead appetizer for any event!
Servings: pinwheels
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese , finely shredded
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 cup cooked chicken , shredded or chopped
- 1 tablespoon scallions , chopped
- 4 10-inch flour tortillas
Instructions
- Blend together the cream cheese, hot sauce, cheese,and salt until fully mixed.
- Add the chicken and scallions, folding by hand.
- Evenly divide the spread between 4 flour tortillas. Spread out evenly all the way to the edges. Roll the tortilla tightly and wrap in plastic wrap to help it keep its shape.
- Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to reform.
- Using a sharp knife or a serrated knife, cut into 1-inch slices. Discard the ends with no filling that are uneven.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!
Notes
Make these ahead of time up to 24 hours in advance!
- Add green chiles or jalapenos! Just 1-2 tablespoons of canned chopped green chiles or jalapenos gives these a kick. Drain before adding.
- Salsa also provides pizazz, use a thick and chunky version and add 1-2 tablespoons.
- Swap chicken for turkey. No one said you had to use chicken!
- Bacon makes everything better- Doesn’t it? Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the buffalo chicken filling.
- Get cheesy– Sharp cheddar gives full flavor, but try using a blend of cheeses including pepper jack, monterey jack, smoked gouda or even white cheddar. A habanero laced cheese will really bring on the heat.
- Add ranch! Adding a packet of dry ranch seasoning to the mixture will also pack and punch before the base is both seasoned and has powdered buttermilk for a little tang. If you do this, omit the additional salt.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles– I left these out before some folks aren’t big fans of chunky soft cheese, but feel free to blend in 1/2 cup of feta or blue cheese crumbles with the chicken so they stay fairly whole.
- Tortilla Flavors– Have fun with the flavors and grab green spinach or red tomato tortillas. I’ve even seen some jalapeno laced ones.
- Make them just buffalo cream cheese pinwheels (vegetarian pinwheels) by doubling the cream cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 71 kcal, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 5 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 11 mg, Sodium: 179 mg, Potassium: 26 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 1 g, Vitamin A: 143 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 48 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
These creamy yet spicy pinwheels are the perfect appetizer!
We needed a new recipe for a little picnic party and these turned out to be perfect for it! So yummy!
What a tasty recipe! We love buffalo chicken wings and I love that you figured out how to put those delicious flavors in a pinwheel. Thanks for the variation suggestions, too – I’m definitely trying your idea to add crumbled bacon.
Love how easy these are and great to serve at a party. Look yummy.
Such a fun way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken!
Yummy! So simple and no special ingredients required! The best thing was – all the kids in the family loved them! 🙂 Thanks.
I adore both puff pastry and Buffalo chicken, so these were made for me! Everyone loved them, thanks for sharing!
What if we need it for an event the next day? What if we cant serve it immediately ?
Just simply reheat the next day.