These Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are a fun and tasty snack! Made with shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and a kick of hot sauce, they’re rolled up in tortillas for easy eating.
Perfect for game day or a party, these pinwheels are bite-sized and packed with flavor! I love serving them with extra ranch dip. Trust me, they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is essential for the filling. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even canned chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try shredded jackfruit or a mix of beans for a hearty alternative.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade hot sauce. For a milder option, try a BBQ sauce mixed with a touch of hot sauce. If you don’t like heat, swap in a sweet chili sauce instead.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch works well, but you can easily make your own using Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and herbs. Need a dairy-free version? Try a plant-based ranch dressing, or create your own with cashew cream and seasonings.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are great for rolling, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, though they might crack more easily. If you’re looking for something different, try using flatbreads or wraps.
How Do I Roll and Slice the Pinwheels Without Making a Mess?
The rolling part is simple but requires a little technique for the best results. Here’s how to do it neatly:
- Lay the filled tortilla on a clean surface, ensuring you leave a little margin at the edges to prevent spilling out when you roll.
- Start rolling tightly from one side to the other, pressing lightly to keep it compact.
- Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels. A serrated knife works well to prevent squishing.
- As you slice, wipe the knife with a damp cloth if it gets sticky; this helps keep the cuts clean.
Making these pinwheels is not only easy but satisfying! Enjoy making them for your next gathering.
Delicious Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for when you need a tasty snack or appetizer in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the pinwheels. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together until all the chicken is coated in the spicy, creamy goodness.
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
Take one tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle about 2 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tortilla, making sure to leave a little space along the edges to avoid overflow.
4. Add the Chicken Mixture:
Now, take a quarter of your buffalo chicken mixture and spread it evenly over the cheese layer on the tortilla.
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one side, carefully roll the tortilla up tightly into a log shape. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight, or the filling might ooze out.
6. Slice Into Pinwheels:
Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled tortilla into 1-inch thick pinwheels. A serrated knife is great for this since it won’t squish the roll!
7. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place your sliced pinwheels flat on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
8. Bake These Delicious Snacks:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are slightly golden.
9. Garnish:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the top with chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these pinwheels warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!
These Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are a fantastic choice for a gathering, and they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works great. Just shred it up, and it’s ready to mix into the filling!
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Wing Sauce?
If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you can replace buffalo wing sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor profile. Alternatively, try a mild hot sauce mixed with a bit of honey for a balanced taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick warming or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels and keep them in the fridge before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and bake them within 24 hours for the best freshness. You can also freeze unbaked pinwheels and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
