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Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs and shred them once they’re cooked through.
2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cream cheese (softened), buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, and a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you want more heat, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce to taste. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to season.
3. Add the Veggies
Finely chop some celery and green onions, then stir them into the buffalo chicken mixture. These ingredients not only add crunch but also balance out the richness of the creamy filling.
4. Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Spread a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Don’t overfill it, as the mixture might spill out when you roll it up.
5. Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the tortilla up, starting from one edge and tucking in the filling as you go. Try to make the roll as tight as possible without squeezing the filling out. Once it’s fully rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheel into 1-inch pieces. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the buffalo chicken pinwheels on a platter and serve immediately, or refrigerate them for up to an hour to allow the filling to set and make slicing easier. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
- Adjust the heat: If you like your buffalo chicken less spicy, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce in the mixture. On the other hand, if you’re a heat lover, kick it up with extra hot sauce or even some diced jalapeños!
- Substitute the cream cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese. This will still give you the creamy texture but with fewer calories.
- Use whole wheat tortillas: For a healthier twist, opt for whole wheat or spinach tortillas.
- Add other fillings: Want to add some extra flavor? Try adding a handful of spinach or shredded lettuce for more crunch, or even some crumbled blue cheese for a more authentic buffalo wing taste.
- Serving suggestion: These pinwheels go great with a side of extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dip for dipping, as well as some crunchy veggies like carrot sticks and cucumber slices.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Buffalo Pinwheels: Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs plenty of flavor.
- Spicy Ranch Pinwheels: If you’re not into buffalo sauce, you can make a spicy ranch version by mixing ranch dressing with a bit of hot sauce or sriracha. This is a milder take on the classic buffalo flavor.
- Bacon Buffalo Pinwheels: For an extra indulgent twist, add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling. The bacon adds a smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the buffalo chicken.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are the ultimate finger food: flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for a crowd. With their creamy, spicy filling and the satisfying crunch from the celery, they’re a fun and tasty way to enjoy all the bold flavors of buffalo chicken without the mess. Whether you’re serving them at your next party or enjoying them as a quick lunch or snack, these pinwheels will definitely become a family favorite. So, roll up, slice, and enjoy these irresistible little bites of buffalo chicken goodness!
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