Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are delicious little bites packed with zesty chicken, creamy ranch, and a kick of spice! They’re rolled up in a soft tortilla, making them perfect for snacks or parties.
Making these pinwheels is a breeze! Just mix the ingredients, spread them on the tortilla, roll it up, and slice. They disappear fast, so prepare for a fun challenge at snack time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is ideal for this recipe. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works well, too! You can also use canned chicken if that’s what you have on hand.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. If you’re looking for something milder, try a mix of hot sauce and honey for a sweeter flavor. You can also use a homemade buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter.
Ranch Dressing: Any ranch dressing works great. If you’re healthier, you can use Greek yogurt with herbs, or for a vegan option, try a plant-based ranch alternative. Homemade ranch is also a fun choice!
Flour Tortillas: While large flour tortillas are perfect for rolling, whole wheat or spinach tortillas add extra nutrients and flavor. Gluten-free tortillas can also be used if needed.
Chives: Fresh chives add a light onion flavor. If you don’t have chives, green onions or parsley can substitute in quite well.
How Do I Roll the Pinwheels Without Them Unraveling?
Rolling pinwheels can sometimes feel tricky, but here’s a simple way to do it! Start with a soft, pliable tortilla. Spread the ranch and chicken mixture to the very edges, but keep on a thin layer. This helps your roll be tight and neat.
- Begin at one end, gently but firmly roll the tortilla, tucking in the filling as you go.
- Ensure you roll it tightly without squishing the filling out.
- Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheels. A serrated knife can help cut through without squashing them.
Practice makes perfect! If your pinwheels unravel a little, don’t worry—they’ll still taste delicious!
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing, divided
For Assembling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time to mix and roll the ingredients. After that, you’ll need either 30-45 seconds in the microwave or about 10 minutes in the oven. In total, you can have these delicious pinwheels ready in less than 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the Buffalo wing sauce and half of the ranch dressing (1/4 cup). Stir the mixture well until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. This will give it that delicious spicy flavor!
2. Assemble the Pinwheels:
Take one flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the remaining ranch dressing evenly over the tortilla, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3. Add the Filling:
Now, take a quarter of the buffalo chicken mixture and spread it evenly across the ranch-covered tortilla. Be sure to distribute it nicely.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese and Chives:
Top the chicken mixture with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, and add some chopped chives for extra flavor.
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a log. Make sure it’s snug enough to keep everything inside. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
6. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch pinwheels. You should get several delightful bite-sized pieces!
7. Heat the Pinwheels:
Arrange the pinwheels cut side up on a microwave-safe plate or baking dish. For heating, microwave them in batches for about 30-45 seconds, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and just warm.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once warmed, drizzle the remaining ranch dressing over the pinwheels or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra chopped chives and blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Enjoy!
These Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are perfect for game day, parties, or a tasty snack anytime. Enjoy the spicy, creamy, bite-sized goodness!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to your pinwheels. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the Buffalo sauce as directed!
How Can I Make These Pinwheels Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce or replace it with a combination of hot sauce and ranch dressing for a lighter kick. You can also use a gourmet wing sauce with a milder heat level.
Can I Prepare These Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes! You can make the pinwheels ahead of time. Just roll them up, slice, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to a day before serving. Just reheat before enjoying!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently microwave them in short intervals or warm them in the oven at a low temperature to avoid sogginess.
