Nina Johnson
Looking for a quick, no-fuss appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes? These Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are your new best friend. With just a handful of ingredients and zero cooking involved, they bring all the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness of buffalo chicken dip—rolled up in a soft flour tortilla and sliced into bite-sized spirals.
Perfect for game days, potlucks, or last-minute snack cravings, these pinwheels deliver bold flavor with minimal effort. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, and they taste even better after chilling for a bit in the fridge. Tangy buffalo sauce, tender shredded chicken, smooth cream cheese, and sharp cheddar come together for a crowd-pleasing combo wrapped in a tidy little roll.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here. It’s flavorful, moist, and shreds easily—making it a top choice for these pinwheels. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken breast if you have it on hand.
Ingredients for the Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: The heart of the filling. Tender, juicy, and packed with protein. Rotisserie or leftover chicken both work great.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to spread easily. Acts as the creamy base that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Sauce: Brings the signature tangy, spicy kick. Use your favorite brand or make your own.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds melty richness and sharp contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Green Onions (Optional): For a fresh bite and added color.
- Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping the filling into neat pinwheels.
How To Make the Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This makes it easier to mix and spread evenly onto the tortillas.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth. Then fold in the shredded chicken and green onions if using. Mix until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Spread and Roll
Lay out a flour tortilla and spread a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture across the entire surface. Make sure to spread all the way to the edges for full coverage.
Step 4: Chill Before Slicing
Tightly roll up the tortilla, then wrap it in plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove from the fridge and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with extra green onions or parsley if desired.
How to Serve and Store Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
These pinwheels are best served cold or at room temperature. They make a perfect appetizer platter when paired with fresh celery sticks, baby carrots, or a cool ranch dip. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra cheese for a polished presentation.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese may separate and affect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of buffalo sauce should I use?
Use any brand you love! Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but feel free to go milder or spicier depending on your heat preference.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, and they’re actually better that way. Making them ahead lets the flavors meld together and makes slicing cleaner.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas are the most flexible and easy to roll. Stick with soft taco size for easy handling.
Can I add blue cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of that tangy blue cheese flavor, crumble some into the mix or use in place of cheddar.
How do I keep them from unrolling?
Make sure to chill the rolls before slicing. The cold helps set the filling, which keeps them intact.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
They do have a kick, but the cream cheese and cheddar balance the heat. For extra spice, use hot buffalo sauce or sprinkle in some cayenne.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels got you hungry for more party-perfect bites, you’ll love these flavorful options:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a crispy, hearty tray bake.
- Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion if you’re craving a fun and crispy restaurant-style snack.
- Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly for a savory-sweet twist.
- Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie when you want something extra filling.
- Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken for that addictively crunchy coating.
For even more easy and delicious ideas, head over to my Pinterest board: Life with Nina Recipes where I share daily recipe inspiration.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Description
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a no-cook, flavor-packed appetizer made with creamy buffalo chicken filling wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick snack, these pinwheels are easy to make ahead and serve chilled.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
1. Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
2. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in shredded chicken and chopped green onions (if using).
4. Lay out one tortilla and spread the mixture evenly to the edges.
5. Roll the tortilla tightly and wrap it in plastic wrap.
6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
7. Chill all wraps in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
8. Remove from fridge, unwrap, and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
9. Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
For best slicing, chill the wraps for at least 1 hour to help the filling set.
You can prep these up to 24 hours in advance for party-perfect results.
Swap cheddar for blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor twist.
