Looking for the perfect afternoon snack or appetizer for your next party? Whether you’re whipping up appetizers for a crowd or need easy-to-make appetizers for a party, these Chicken Shawarma Pinwheels are the move. I love making them for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy weekend snack. They’re bite-size, packed with flavor, and perfect for those “what can I make that’s easy but impresses everyone?” moments.
These chicken pinwheels are definitely one of the best appetizer recipes I’ve tried—super simple, yet so crowd-pleasing! They’re also amazing as chicken appetizers for a party, or even cold lunches for busy school days. Seriously, you can prep them ahead, throw them in the fridge, and pull them out when you need something quick to feed the kiddos or guests.
Whether you’re in need of fall pinwheel recipes, chicken recipes for football games, or just something to snack on, these pinwheel appetizers are always a win. And for the mom life like mine, make-ahead brunch recipes like this are a total game changer!
I’ve been loving these chicken pinwheels baked or cold, either way they’re a hit every time. So, if you’re looking for easy carry-in food ideas or yummy appetizers for parties, these will be a total crowd-pleaser, guaranteed! Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shawarma Chicken
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works like magic here)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp coriander
- A pinch of cayenne (skip if your kids have zero spice tolerance like mine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ a lemon
For the Wraps
- 4 large tortillas or flatbreads (spinach wraps if you’re feelin’ fancy)
- ½ cup hummus
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional but worth it for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- parsley for garnish
How to Make Chicken Shawarma Pinwheels
Step 1: Spice Up Your Chicken
Start with your shredded chicken in a bowl. Toss it with olive oil, lemon juice, and all those dreamy shawarma spices. Mix it all up until every piece is coated. Your kitchen’s gonna smell like a Mediterranean food truck, and honestly, that’s a vibe.
Step 2: Prep Your Tortillas
Lay out your tortillas on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of hummus on each one. If you want extra creamy, mix the hummus with Greek yogurt before spreading. Don’t skip this step—hummus is the glue that holds your pinwheels together.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Now layer it up. Start with the shawarma chicken, then add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and red onions. Don’t overdo it, though—you gotta be able to roll these bad boys up.
Step 4: Roll It Like a Pro
Here’s the trick: roll the tortilla up as tightly as you can without squishing all the filling out. Then wrap each one in plastic wrap and toss them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes slicing so much easier, and they’ll hold their shape better.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
When you’re ready, grab a sharp knife and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. Line them up on a platter, and boom—you just made a snack that looks like it came from a catering company.
Tips from a Mom of Three
- Rotisserie Chicken Saves Lives: Seriously, I use it for everything. If you’re in a rush (which, let’s be real, we always are), it’s a lifesaver.
- Make It Your Own: Add some shredded cheese, or swap the lettuce for baby spinach if you wanna get fancy.
- Keep It Cool: If you’re making these for a party, keep them chilled until serving so they don’t get soggy.
FAQs for Chicken Shawarma Pinwheels
Can I make these Chicken Shawarma Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, I highly recommend prepping them ahead of time. You can roll them up, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. This makes them super easy to slice when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for busy moms or party planners!
Are these pinwheels good for a crowd?
Absolutely! These chicken shawarma pinwheels are perfect for parties or potlucks. They’re bite-sized, easy to share, and always a crowd favorite. You can easily double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Yes, you can! If you want to make them ahead for a future party or meal, just assemble the pinwheels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge and slice them up. You can even bake them straight from the freezer for a warm option.
How long do these pinwheels last?
If stored in an airtight container, these pinwheels will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. They make great leftovers for lunches or snacks!
Chicken Shawarma Pinwheels Recipe
Chicken Shawarma Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shawarma Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp coriander
- A pinch of cayenne optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Wraps:
- 4 large tortillas or flatbreads
- ½ cup hummus
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt optional for creaminess
- 1 cup lettuce shredded
- ½ cup tomatoes diced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, and all spices. Mix well until chicken is evenly coated.
Prepare the Tortillas:
- Lay out your tortillas and spread a thin layer of hummus over each one. For extra creaminess, mix in the Greek yogurt before spreading.
Add the Fillings:
- Layer the shawarma chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion onto the tortillas.
Roll It Up:
- Roll each tortilla tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold shape.
Slice & Serve:
- Use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch pinwheels. Serve cold or warm (see tips for warming).
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prep these pinwheels the night before for an easy grab-and-go snack or appetizer.
- To Warm: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 10 minutes before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unwrapped pinwheels for up to a month—just thaw and slice when ready to serve!
So, there you have it—your new go-to recipe for Chicken Shawarma Pinwheels! Whether you’re looking for an afternoon snack, appetizers for a crowd, or something yummy for a party, these chicken pinwheels are here to make life easier and more delicious. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and always a hit when you need appetizers for a party, potluck, or even for a cozy meal at home.
These chicken pinwheels are honestly some of the best pinwheel appetizers out there, whether you’re serving them cold for a lunchbox or warming them up for a party. They’re perfect for game days, fall pinwheel recipes, or make-ahead brunch recipes. Plus, they work as chicken appetizers for a party or a simple bite-size snack to keep the kids (and grown-ups) happy.
So next time you’re thinking about appetizers easy enough to make but fancy enough to impress, give these pinwheel appetizers a try. You’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe—don’t worry, I won’t tell! Enjoy your crowd-pleasing, simple, and totally delicious chicken shawarma pinwheels!
