Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

This buffalo chicken pinwheel recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing party appetizer that never fails to impress. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas creates the perfect bite-sized treat for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

I created these pinwheels for a last-minute Super Bowl party when I needed something quick that would still wow my guests. Since then, they've become my most requested appetizer—the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory in every bite.

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken: Provides the protein foundation and takes on the buffalo flavor beautifully. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
• Cream cheese: Creates the creamy base for the filling and helps bind everything together.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creates a smoother texture in the filling.
• Buffalo wing sauce: Brings the signature spicy kick. Frank's RedHot offers authentic buffalo flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly into the mixture, adding richness and sharp flavor.
• Green onions: Contribute a mild onion flavor and fresh color contrast.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
• Large flour tortillas: Work best as they're easy to roll and slice. Look for fresh, pliable ones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Base:

Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth with no cream cheese lumps. The mixture should have a spreadable consistency and uniform orange color from the buffalo sauce.

Incorporate Chicken and Aromatics:

Add the shredded chicken and sliced green onions to the cheese mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the creamy buffalo mixture. The filling should be thick enough to hold together but still spreadable.

Create the Pinwheels:

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean work surface and spread about a quarter of the mixture evenly across the entire surface, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Press the mixture gently into the tortilla, then roll it up tightly starting from one edge, applying even pressure as you roll to prevent air pockets.

Chill for Firmness:

Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight. This crucial step allows the filling to set and makes clean slicing possible. The tortillas also absorb some moisture from the filling, making everything more cohesive.

Slice and Present:

Remove plastic wrap and place rolls on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, trim the uneven ends of each roll, then slice into six equal pieces about 1.5 inches thick. Arrange pinwheels cut-side up on a serving platter, garnish with chopped chives or drizzle with extra wing sauce if desired.

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The buffalo sauce is truly the star ingredient here. I once accidentally used mild sauce instead of regular, and my hot-sauce-loving brother immediately noticed the difference. Now I keep a dedicated bottle of Frank's RedHot in my pantry specifically for these pinwheels.

Making Ahead and Storage

These buffalo chicken pinwheels are perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the wrapped rolls up to 24 hours before your event and keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. For the best presentation, wait to slice them until about 30 minutes before serving. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the tortillas may soften slightly over time.

Variations to Try

While the classic buffalo chicken version is hard to beat, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a milder option, substitute ranch dressing for half the buffalo sauce. Vegetarians can enjoy a similar treat by replacing the chicken with finely chopped cauliflower that has been roasted with buffalo sauce. For extra tang and authentic buffalo wing flavor, try adding 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese to the filling mixture.

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Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels shine when served alongside complementary dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a complete appetizer spread, pair them with celery and carrot sticks to mirror the traditional buffalo wing experience. I often serve these at room temperature, but they taste great cold from the refrigerator too. For presentation, arrange them in a spiral pattern on a round platter with a small bowl of extra buffalo sauce in the center.

Common Questions

→ Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This actually helps them firm up and hold their shape better when sliced.

→ How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. For milder pinwheels, use less hot sauce or choose a mild version. For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or include a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Greek yogurt cheese (strained Greek yogurt) makes a good substitute for cream cheese with less fat. Neufchâtel cheese is another option that's similar to cream cheese but with about 1/3 less fat. Both will maintain the creamy texture needed for the filling.

→ Are there gluten-free options for Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?

Yes, simply substitute the regular flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas. Just ensure your buffalo sauce is also gluten-free, as some commercial brands may contain gluten in their additives or thickeners.

→ What sides pair well with Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?

These pinwheels pair wonderfully with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside celery and carrot sticks, a vegetable platter, or crispy potato chips.

→ Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels?

While possible, freezing isn't ideal as the tortillas and cream cheese filling can change texture when thawed. If needed, freeze the assembled rolls before slicing, well-wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.