These Mexican Chicken Pinwheel Roll-ups are fun, tasty bites perfect for any gathering! Filled with creamy cheese, chicken, and zesty spices, they’re a hit with everyone!
I love how easy they are to make—just spread, roll, and slice! They’re great served with salsa for dipping. Just be ready for your friends to ask for more! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are the base of this dish. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat tortillas can work nicely. For a gluten-free version, corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps are great substitutes.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken breast is essential, but you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Any leftover cooked chicken works too. If you prefer a meat-free option, try using canned black beans for a zesty twist!
Cream Cheese: This provides creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, soft goat cheese or Greek yogurt can be good substitutes, giving a tangy flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a nice sharpness. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat. You can also go cheese-free for a lower-calorie roll-up.
Salsa: You can choose mild or medium salsa depending on your spice tolerance. Fresh pico de gallo can be a fresher alternative as well!
How Do I Roll the Tortillas Without Them Tearing?
Rolling tortillas can sometimes be tricky, especially if they’re stiff. Here are a few tips to make this easier:
- Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) or on a skillet to make them more pliable.
- Spread the filling close to the edges but leave a little space. This prevents overflow when rolling.
- Start rolling from one end tightly but not too tight to avoid tearing. Use your fingers to hold the filling inside as you roll.
With these tips, you should have smooth rolling and beautiful pinwheels!
How to Make Mexican Chicken Pinwheel Roll-ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pinwheel Filling:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty roll-ups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by taking a medium bowl and combining the softened cream cheese, salsa, shredded chicken, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended together. This is your flavorful filling!
2. Lay Out Your Tortillas:
On a clean, flat surface, lay out each flour tortilla. Make sure to keep them flat for easy spreading.
3. Spread the Filling:
Take the chicken and cream cheese mixture and evenly spread it over each tortilla, leaving a tiny border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out when you roll them up.
4. Add Cheese and Veggies:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. Then, add the chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and diced tomatoes (if you’re using them) evenly across the tortillas for extra flavor and crunch.
5. Roll It Up:
Now, carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Try to keep it tight but not too tight, as we don’t want to tear the tortillas.
6. Slice Into Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pinwheel pieces. This should create beautiful little rounds that showcase the colorful filling inside!
7. Chill and Serve:
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter or tray. To make slicing easier and to enhance flavor, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Once ready, you can serve them chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy these colorful and flavorful Mexican Chicken Pinwheel Roll-ups at your next party! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Tortillas Other Than Flour?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option, or corn tortillas if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative. Just be aware that corn tortillas can be a bit more fragile when rolling.
How Can I Make These Pinwheels Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider using spicy salsa instead of mild. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or switch to pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed gently in the microwave.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make these roll-ups vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding black beans, roasted vegetables, or even avocado for a creamy texture. Just adjust the seasonings to your taste!
