If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, playdates, or game day, then you’ve got to try these Classic Chicken and Cream Cheese Pinwheels! These bite-size snacks are the ultimate chicken appetizers for a party—they’re creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re searching for easy pinwheel appetizers or appetizer sandwiches that are simple to make, this recipe is one of the best pinwheel appetizers you can make!
Pinwheels are such a great way to serve up easy-to-make appetizers that everyone loves. These chicken pinwheels appetizers are especially great because they’re shredded chicken pinwheels wrapped in soft tortillas, making them an amazing option for party food pinwheels or even fall pinwheel recipes. Plus, they’re a perfect choice for appetizers for a crowd—whether you need easy carry-in food ideas or simple appetizers for your next gathering.
With only a few ingredients, you’ll have these chicken pinwheels ready in no time, and trust me, they’ll be gone in seconds! So, if you’re hunting for the best pinwheel recipes, these easy pinwheel appetizers will definitely hit the spot. Keep reading for the recipe, and get ready to wow your guests with these delicious party pinwheels!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (Rotisserie chicken works GREAT for this, seriously!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Let it sit out for a bit before you start so it’s easier to mix)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (You can use any kind you like, but cheddar is a crowd fave)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (This is like, the secret sauce! So good!)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (Totally optional, but I like to add it for extra flavor)
- 4 large flour tortillas (I usually use the big ones, but smaller ones work too)
- Optional: Chopped green onions, bell peppers, or spinach for a lil’ crunch and color
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken
First things first—let’s get that chicken ready! I usually grab a rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred it up with a fork (or if you’re feeling fancy, use your stand mixer for a super quick shred). If you’re cooking fresh chicken, no worries—just cook it up and shred it too! Set it aside and we’ll mix it all together in a sec.
2. Mix Everything Together
Now comes the fun part! In a big bowl, toss in the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. Don’t forget to give it a good stir—mix it until everything’s nice and creamy! If you want to add any veggies for a little crunch or color, like green onions or bell peppers, this is the time to throw them in. It’s totally up to you—this recipe is super flexible!
3. Assemble the Pinwheels
Grab a tortilla and lay it flat on your counter. Use a spatula or spoon to spread a generous layer of that creamy chicken mixture over the entire tortilla. Don’t spread it too thick, just enough to cover it. You want it nice and even so every bite has all that yummy flavor. If you’re using bigger tortillas, you can even go a little lighter.
4. Roll It Up
This part is simple but key! Starting from one edge, carefully roll the tortilla up. Try to keep it tight, but not too tight that it squishes all the filling out. Just a nice gentle roll. If you have little helpers, this is a fun part they can join in with!
5. Slice It Into Pinwheels
Once you’ve got your tortilla rolled up, take a sharp knife and slice it into about 1-inch wide pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter, and look at that—you’ve got yourself some gorgeous pinwheels!
A Few Tips:
- You can prep these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight!) so they’re ready to go when you need them.
- These pinwheels freeze super well too! Just wrap them up and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften up.
Why My Kids LOVE These Pinwheels:
- They’re SUPER easy for little hands to pick up and eat. (And trust me, if my kiddos can handle it, ANY kid can!)
- They’re customizable—you can add veggies or switch up the cheese for something different.
- And, they taste so creamy and cheesy that even the picky eaters (like my son) can’t resist!
Honestly, these are always a hit in my house. They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or just as an after-school snack. You’ve gotta try ‘em out, I promise you won’t regret it!
FAQs for Classic Chicken and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! These pinwheels can easily be made ahead of time. Simply assemble them, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The flavors will actually get better the longer they sit! When you’re ready to serve, just slice and enjoy!
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Yes! You can freeze the uncut pinwheels. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge or microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up.
What are some other variations I can try?
If you want to mix things up, you can add different ingredients like chopped bell peppers, onions, or olives. You can also try using a flavored cream cheese (like ranch or garlic) for an extra burst of flavor. Get creative with what you like!
How do I serve these pinwheels?
These pinwheels are perfect for appetizers for a crowd or party pinwheels—just slice them into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter. They’re great for game day, potluck pinwheels, or any casual get-together. You can also serve them with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or buffalo sauce!
How many pinwheels will this recipe make?
This recipe should make about 12-16 pinwheels depending on how thick you slice them. It’s perfect for serving at a party food pinwheels event, but you can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd!
Classic Chicken and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Classic Chicken and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Rotisserie chicken works great!
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional: Chopped green onions bell peppers, or spinach for extra crunch
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Shred your cooked chicken (rotisserie works best to save time!). Set aside.
Mix the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth. Add any veggies like green onions or bell peppers if desired.
Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Lay a tortilla flat, spread the chicken mixture evenly over it. Don't overdo it—spread evenly to cover.
Roll It Up:
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the tortilla tightly without squishing the filling out.
Slice and Serve:
- Slice the rolled-up tortilla into 1-inch wide pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter and serve!
Notes
So, if you’re looking for the best appetizer recipes that are quick, easy, and sure to please a crowd, these Classic Chicken and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are your new go-to! Whether you’re making appetizer sandwiches for a party or searching for easy pinwheel appetizers, this recipe checks all the boxes. They’re simple to whip up, easy to serve, and make the perfect bite-size snacks that everyone will love.
These chicken pinwheels appetizers are not only tasty but also versatile—you can mix up the ingredients to fit your taste or add a twist for fall pinwheel recipes or chicken recipes for football games. Plus, they’re perfect for potluck pinwheels, party food pinwheels, or even a quick snack for your kiddos.
So go ahead and give these shredded chicken pinwheels a try! Trust me, they’re one of the best pinwheel appetizers you can make and will become a favorite for party pinwheels, appetizers for a crowd, or any gathering. Warm pinwheel appetizers or cold, they’re always a win. Happy cooking, and enjoy these yummy appetizers for parties with your friends and family!
