If you love bold, tangy, and creamy flavors packed into a fuss-free appetizer, Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels absolutely need to be on your next snack table! These irresistible little bites combine classic buffalo heat with cool, creamy cheeses, plus a pop of crunch from green onions—delicious and perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you want something crowd-pleasing and easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Zesty Flavor: Every bite delivers that classic buffalo chicken tang, balanced with creamy cheeses and a whisper of ranch.
- Irresistible Party Appetizer: These pinwheels vanish in seconds and are guaranteed to be the star at potlucks, parties, or any casual get-together.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them entirely ahead of time and simply slice before serving—stress-free hosting at its finest!
- Easy Customization: Swap up the tortillas, cheeses, or spice level to suit every craving and crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels is chosen to bring out perfect flavor, texture, and color. You’ll be amazed at how a handful of approachable items work together to make something truly addictive.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The dreamy, creamy base that holds everything together and brings wonderful tang.
- Ranch Dressing (2 tablespoons): Adds herby coolness and classic salad dressing savoriness to balance the buffalo heat.
- Sour Cream (2 tablespoons): Lightens the filling, making it silky yet spreadable.
- Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce (⅓ cup): The signature spicy punch—adjust to your preference for more or less zing!
- Cooked Diced Chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for maximum ease; it’s the heart of every bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): Melty, rich, and slightly sharp—cheddar plays beautifully with buffalo flavors.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (½ cup): Adds stretchiness and a mild creaminess that rounds out the cheesy filling.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese (2 tablespoons): Brings that classic, assertive buffalo wing tang; skip if you’re not a blue cheese fan.
- Green Onions (3, thinly sliced): For a fresh, snappy crunch and a hint of color.
- 10-inch Tortillas (4; use spinach and/or regular flour): The vehicle for rolling everything up—spinach tortillas make for a colorful party tray!
Variations
The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels is just how versatile they are. Don’t hesitate to get creative—these rollups are easy to adjust for dietary preferences, leftovers, or whatever tickles your fancy!
- Low-Carb or Gluten-Free: Swap flour tortillas for your favorite low-carb or gluten-free wraps for a lighter twist.
- Extra Veggie Crunch: Mix in finely chopped celery or bell pepper for added color and fresh texture.
- Heat Levels: Use a milder buffalo sauce or stir a few dashes of hot sauce into the filling if you love serious spice.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute with your favorite dairy-free cream cheese, shredded cheese, and vegan ranch.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels
Step 1: Make Your Buffalo Chicken Filling
Start by adding the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, and buffalo wing sauce to a mixing bowl. Use a hand or stand mixer to blend until the mixture is lush, creamy, and perfectly combined—no lumps left behind! This step sets the stage for your flavorful, velvety base.
Step 2: Add the Chicken, Cheeses & Onions
Switch to a sturdy spoon or silicone spatula, then fold in the diced cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, crumbled blue cheese, and those fresh green onions. Mix until every morsel of chicken and cheese is enveloped in that spicy, creamy sauce—the more even the better, so you get great flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Spread and Roll
Lay out your tortillas (spinach and flour both work beautifully), and divide the mixture evenly among them. Spread it in a thin, even layer, leaving a half-inch border to help with a neater roll. Now, roll up each tortilla as tightly as you can—this ensures clean, gorgeous pinwheels with no gaps or fall-apart pieces later!
Step 4: Chill and Slice
Wrap each rolled tortilla snugly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (longer is even better for easy slicing). When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 2-inch rounds. Arrange them cut-side up for the prettiest party platter.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels
- Best Chicken Hack: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and effortless prep—it makes the whole process faster and tastier!
- Softening Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese come fully to room temperature for the silkiest, easiest mixing.
- Clean Cuts, Every Time: Chill your rolled up tortillas and use a sharp, serrated knife to get neat, even pinwheels without smushing the filling.
- Tortilla Selection: Use ultra-fresh, pliable tortillas to prevent cracking and ensure beautifully uniform rolls—if needed, microwave them for just a few seconds before assembling.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels
Garnishes
A scatter of extra sliced green onions or tiny crumbles of blue cheese over the platter amps up freshness and visual appeal. For a little color and crunch, sprinkle with chopped parsley or even thin celery leaves—your Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels will look downright gourmet!
Side Dishes
Pair these zippy pinwheels with crunchy fresh veggies like carrot sticks and celery, or offer a cooling side of extra ranch or blue cheese dip. For heartier snacking, round out your spread with kettle chips or crispy potato wedges—the contrast is so satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay your pinwheels in fun spiral patterns on a wooden board or line up alternating spinach and flour tortilla pieces for a festive, colorful display. For party flair, tuck a toothpick in each piece or nestle into mini cupcake liners—easy to grab and even easier to love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for 2–3 days—just be sure the edges are covered to limit any drying out.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze these pinwheels, the creamy filling and fresh veggies can lose their texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy them fresh or chilled from the fridge—your guests will thank you!
Reheating
Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels are best served chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate creamy bite. If you want to serve them warm, very gently reheat in the microwave (10–15 seconds) just until slightly softened, as over-heating can make the tortillas soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making them a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up, making slicing a breeze. Just keep them tightly wrapped in plastic in the fridge until ready to serve.
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What’s the best way to keep the pinwheels from falling apart?
Chilling the rolled tortillas before slicing is the secret for clean, sturdy pinwheels. Also, be sure to spread the filling evenly and roll tightly for maximum structural integrity!
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Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can work if you’re in a pinch—just be sure to drain it well and shred it lightly with a fork before mixing it in. Rotisserie or cooked chicken breast/thighs give the best flavor and texture, though!
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Are Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels spicy?
They have a pleasant kick, but nothing overwhelming! You can dial up (or dial down) the heat by adding more buffalo sauce or adjusting the ratio of ranch and cheese to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels are a guaranteed hit every single time—whether you serve them at a party, a family gathering, or just as an irresistible snack for yourself. Give them a try, have fun with the flavors, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “buffalo chicken!”
PrintBuffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels are the perfect bite-sized appetizers for any occasion. Packed with creamy, spicy chicken filling and rolled up in tortillas, they are easy to make and even easier to eat!
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened slightly
- 2 tablespoons Ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce
Filling:
- 2 cups cooked diced chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Wraps:
- 4 10-inch tortillas (spinach and regular flour)
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Ranch dressing, sour cream, and Buffalo wings sauce until creamy.
- Filling: Stir in chicken, cheddar, Jack, blue cheese, and green onions.
- Assembly: Spread the mixture on tortillas, leaving a border. Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic. Chill for at least an hour.
- Serving: Slice into 2-inch pieces before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 209 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 585mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 44mg