Description
These Mexican Chicken Pinwheels are a flavorful and fun appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. Made with seasoned shredded chicken, cream cheese, spicy ranch dressing, diced tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and chilled before slicing. They offer a creamy, spicy, and cheesy bite with a hint of Mexican-inspired spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1-2 tablespoons spicy ranch dressing
- 10 oz can Rotel Mexican Lime & Cilantro diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup red onions, diced
- 2 chicken breasts, seasoned, cooked, and shredded
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wrap
- 6 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, spicy ranch dressing, drained diced tomatoes, diced red onions, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly after adding each ingredient to create a smooth, well-integrated filling.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more ranch dressing for creaminess or extra spices to enhance the flavor profile according to your preference.
- Spread the Mixture: Lay a flour tortilla flat on your work surface and evenly spread about 1 cup of the chicken mixture over it, leaving approximately an inch of space around the edges to facilitate rolling without overflow.
- Roll Tightly: Starting from one edge closest to you, roll the tortilla tightly away, ensuring the filling is enclosed securely for neat pinwheels that hold their shape.
- Wrap and Chill: Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step helps the pinwheels firm up, making them easier to slice.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the chilled pinwheel from the refrigerator, unwrap, and using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1- to 1.5-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a platter and serve immediately or keep refrigerated until serving time.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
- You can substitute spicy ranch dressing with regular ranch and add more chili powder if you prefer more heat.
- Rotel tomatoes add a nice lime and cilantro flavor; if unavailable, use regular diced tomatoes with a squeeze of fresh lime and chopped cilantro.
- Chilling the rolled tortillas is essential to maintain their shape when slicing.
- These pinwheels can be prepared a day ahead and stored refrigerated, making them great for entertaining.
- Use a serrated knife for cleaner, easier slicing without squashing the rolls.
