Name: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Yield: 8-10 people
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded; 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, plus extra for serving; 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles; 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (from packet); 4 green onions, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 6-8 large flour tortillas (10-inch size); Celery sticks, for serving; Carrot sticks, for serving; Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

These irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels transform the bold flavors of classic buffalo wings into an elegant, handheld appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Tender shredded chicken is blended with creamy cheese, kicked up with spicy buffalo sauce, and rolled into flour tortillas for a neat, crowd-pleasing presentation. Unlike restaurant versions that often arrive soggy or bland, these homemade pinwheels deliver the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and fresh flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the flavor of buffalo wings without the mess or bones
Can be prepared hours ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
Perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors in every bite
Versatile recipe that can be easily adjusted to your heat preference
More economical than ordering appetizer platters from restaurants

Ingredients

For the Filling

Cooked chicken breast – Provides lean protein and serves as the hearty base for the filling

Cream cheese – Creates a smooth, spreadable texture and helps cool the heat of the buffalo sauce

Buffalo sauce – Delivers that signature tangy, spicy kick that defines the buffalo flavor profile

Blue cheese crumbles – Adds traditional buffalo wing accompaniment flavor right into the filling

Ranch seasoning mix – Enhances the creamy elements with herbaceous, savory notes

Green onions – Provides fresh crunch and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness

Garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor that complements the other savory ingredients

For Assembly

Large flour tortillas – Creates the perfect neutral base that holds up to the filling without tearing

Celery sticks – Offers a fresh, crisp garnish that complements the buffalo flavor traditionally

Carrot sticks – Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color to your serving platter

Extra buffalo sauce – For drizzling or dipping to enhance the flavor experience

Ranch or blue cheese dressing – Provides a cooling dip option for those who want extra creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Filling

Begin by ensuring your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature for easy mixing. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce, mixing until smooth and evenly colored. Add the ranch seasoning and garlic powder, stirring until well incorporated. Fold in the shredded chicken, making sure each piece is coated in the creamy mixture. The chicken should be finely shredded for the best texture and easy rolling. Finally, gently fold in the blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.

Assembling the Pinwheels

Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spread approximately 1/3 cup of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the entire tortilla, reaching all the way to the edges. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pinwheels to become messy when sliced. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a log shape, applying gentle but firm pressure to ensure the filling stays compact. Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all ingredients are used.

Chilling and Slicing

Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together, resulting in pinwheels that hold their shape when sliced. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and, using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1/2-inch rounds. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife clean between slices. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, cut-side up to display the spiral pattern of filling.

Garnishing and Serving

For an impressive presentation, arrange the pinwheels on a large platter with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Garnish the pinwheels with additional chopped green onions or a light sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for an appealing finish. If desired, drizzle a small amount of buffalo sauce over the top of the arranged pinwheels for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Pro Tips

Use rotisserie chicken to save time while getting tender, flavorful meat
For less heat, mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch dressing before adding to the cream cheese
Warm your tortillas slightly before spreading the filling for easier rolling
Use a serrated knife for the cleanest cuts without squishing the pinwheels
Line up all your rolled tortillas and cut them at once for uniform thickness

Storage Tips

These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. Keep the unsliced rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Once sliced, the pinwheels are best enjoyed within 2-3 hours, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The filling may soften the tortillas slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious. If you need to prepare further in advance, the buffalo chicken filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble. For a party that spans several hours, consider slicing and arranging only half of your pinwheels at the beginning, keeping the remaining rolls refrigerated until needed for a fresh replenishment of your appetizer platter. Do not freeze assembled pinwheels as the texture of the tortillas and cream cheese will become compromised upon thawing.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels lies in their versatility. For a lower carb option, use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas to create fresh buffalo chicken lettuce wraps. To increase the vegetable content, add finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the filling. Cheddar or pepper jack cheese can replace blue cheese for those who prefer a milder flavor profile. For a tropical twist, add diced pineapple to the filling to balance the spicy buffalo sauce with sweet notes. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with mashed chickpeas or crumbled extra-firm tofu seasoned with buffalo sauce. For a Mediterranean-inspired version, replace the buffalo sauce with a sun-dried tomato pesto and use feta instead of blue cheese. Those who enjoy extra heat can add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling. For gluten-free guests, use certified gluten-free tortillas or wraps, and always check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free as some brands contain wheat-based ingredients.

Special Technique: Achieving Perfect Spiral Patterns

Creating visually stunning pinwheels with distinct spiral patterns requires attention to detail in both the preparation and slicing stages. The key lies in achieving an even distribution of filling and maintaining proper tension while rolling. First, ensure your filling is at the ideal consistency—not too thick (which makes spreading difficult) nor too thin (which can leak out during rolling). Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling in an even layer, leaving a very thin border (about 1/4 inch) at the far edge of the tortilla to prevent overflow when rolled. When rolling, start from the edge closest to you and use both hands to maintain even pressure along the entire width of the tortilla. Pull back slightly as you roll to create tension, which helps create a tight spiral. After rolling, immediately wrap in plastic wrap and twist the ends tightly to compact the roll further. Before slicing, chill thoroughly—at least 2 hours, but preferably 4 hours or overnight. Use a very sharp knife and employ a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down, which can squish the roll. Clean your knife between cuts by wiping with a damp paper towel for the sharpest edges. Finally, when arranging on the platter, position slices with the most attractive spiral pattern facing upward. These careful steps will ensure your Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels aren’t just delicious, but also showcase that professional-looking spiral that makes them irresistible to guests.

Common Questions

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, these pinwheels can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the rolled tortillas wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and slice just before serving for the freshest presentation.

How spicy are these pinwheels?

The spice level can be easily adjusted to your preference. For milder pinwheels, use less buffalo sauce or choose a mild version. For extra heat, use a spicier buffalo sauce or add cayenne pepper to the filling.

What can I substitute for blue cheese if I don’t like it?

Feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar are excellent alternatives. You can also omit the cheese in the filling and serve with a ranch dressing dip on the side.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

While fresh or rotisserie chicken provides the best texture and flavor, well-drained canned chicken can work in a pinch. Be sure to flake it well and pat it dry before incorporating into the filling.

What’s the best way to prevent the pinwheels from becoming soggy?

Ensure your chicken is well-drained before mixing into the filling. If using vegetables in the filling, pat them dry thoroughly. Additionally, don’t slice the pinwheels until shortly before serving.