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Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Game Day Appetizer

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Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are creamy, spicy tortilla roll-ups made with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. These easy make-ahead appetizers are perfect for game day parties, potlucks, tailgating events, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
  • Category: Appetizer

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (optional)
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced celery (optional)
  • 1/4 cup bacon crumbles (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell peppers (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature.
  2. Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add buffalo sauce and mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add shredded chicken and cheddar cheese.
  5. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  6. Stir in any optional ingredients if desired.
  7. Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Roll each tortilla tightly into a log.
  9. Wrap each roll securely in plastic wrap.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  11. Remove the plastic wrap.
  12. Trim the ends if desired.
  13. Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife.
  14. Arrange on a serving platter.
  15. Serve chilled with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

  • Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
  • Rotisserie chicken works well and saves preparation time.
  • Roll tortillas tightly to create attractive spirals.
  • Refrigerate thoroughly before slicing.
  • Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
  • Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to control the heat level.
  • Add ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
  • Prepare up to 24 hours ahead of serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Best enjoyed within 3 days.
  • Avoid freezing, as the texture may become watery.
  • Serve with celery sticks, carrots, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing.
  • Use flavored tortillas for additional variety.
  • Perfect for game day parties, potlucks, and tailgating events.

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