Buffalo chicken ranch pinwheels are tasty wraps filled with spicy shredded chicken and creamy ranch. They’re rolled up tight, making them perfect for snacks or parties!
These little bites pack a punch, and who can resist that spicy goodness? They’re so easy to make that I often whip them up for game days and find them gone in a flash! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or if you’re looking for a healthier option, shredded turkey works great too. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch but ensure it’s well-drained.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: If you want less heat, try mixing buffalo sauce with a bit of BBQ sauce. Alternatively, a homemade version with hot sauce and butter can be a nice touch.
Cream Cheese: A neat substitute is Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though it may change the texture slightly. Goat cheese offers a tangy twist if you like adventurous flavors.
Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch is easy to whip up, and you can control the flavor! If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan ranch options.
Tortillas: While flour tortillas are traditional, whole wheat or spinach tortillas add a fun color and extra fiber. Corn tortillas can work too but will require careful rolling since they’re less flexible.
How Do I Get the Perfect Roll without the Filling Falling Out?
Rolling your pinwheels tightly is key! Start by spreading the cream cheese mix evenly to the edges, then layer the chicken. When rolling, keep tension in your hands while you gently but firmly roll the tortilla. This helps keep everything snug inside. Make it easier by letting the cream cheese soften beforehand so it spreads smoothly.
- After rolling, let the tortilla rest seam-side down for a minute. This helps seal it.
- Slice with a sharp knife to avoid squishing the filling out. A sawing motion works best!
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
For the Wrap:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional: chopped celery or extra green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 25-30 minutes in the kitchen. Perfect for a quick snack or party prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s all ready when you finish assembling the pinwheels!
2. Mix the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, add the cooked shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Stir them together until the chicken is well-coated. This will give your pinwheels a delicious spicy kick!
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, take the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Mix them together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will add a rich flavor to your pinwheels.
4. Assemble the Tortillas:
Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a little space at the edges to avoid spilling when you roll them.
5. Add the Filling:
Next, distribute the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer on each tortilla. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and crunch!
6. Roll and Slice:
Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly, making sure the stuffing stays inside. Once rolled, slice the pinwheels into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces to create tasty little bites!
7. Bake the Pinwheels:
Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly to prevent sticking. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes until the tortillas are golden and the cheese has melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. If you’d like, garnish with more chopped green onions or celery. Serve your warm buffalo chicken ranch pinwheels with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping!
Enjoy these spicy, creamy pinwheels as a delicious appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and mix with the buffalo sauce for a quick preparation.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, mix the buffalo sauce with some ranch dressing or BBQ sauce to tone down the heat. You can always add more spice later if you like it hotter!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the pinwheels a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake them when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them in the oven for crispy goodness!