Easy Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Creamy, spicy, and ridiculously simple to throw together, these buffalo chicken pinwheels are perfect for game day, potlucks, or any party. They disappear faster than almost anything else on the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (dry powder)
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge at least 30 minutes before starting. If forgotten, microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing mix, and shredded cheddar. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined. Scrape down sides halfway through.
- Fold in the chicken and blue cheese: Add shredded chicken and crumbled blue cheese (if using). Fold gently with a spatula until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
- Assemble the pinwheels: Lay one tortilla flat on a cutting board. Spread about 1/2 cup of filling evenly over the entire surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll it up tight: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla as tightly as possible without tearing. Use fingers to keep filling tucked in. Place seam-side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Wrap and chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap, twisting ends like a candy wrapper. Place on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is better).
- Slice and serve: Unwrap rolls and place on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Trim messy ends if desired.
- Optional golden finish: Brush tops with melted butter before serving for a nice sheen.
Notes
Chill time is non-negotiable for clean slices. Use a serrated knife and wipe between cuts. For best flavor, make ahead and refrigerate overnight. If filling is too runny, add less hot sauce; if too stiff, add a tablespoon of milk or extra hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pinwheels
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: buffalo chicken pinwheels, cream cheese pinwheels, game day appetizer, easy appetizer, buffalo chicken, pinwheels, party food