These Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are tasty bites filled with spicy chicken and creamy ranch dressing, all rolled up in a tortilla. Perfect for parties or game day!
They disappear fast, so be ready to whip up another batch! I love to serve them with extra ranch for dipping—because who wouldn’t want more flavor? 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for these pinwheels because it’s already cooked and full of flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use boiled chicken breast or even shredded turkey.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand. For a milder taste, look for a wing sauce labeled “mild” or use half the amount. You can also make your own by mixing hot sauce with butter.
Ranch Dressing: You can use store-bought ranch for convenience, but homemade ranch adds a personal touch. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider vegan ranch alternatives made from cashews or plant-based ingredients.
Cheese: Mozzarella provides great meltiness, but you could substitute with cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor! For a dairy-free version, look for vegan cheese varieties.
How Do I Get Perfectly Rolled Pinwheels?
Rolling the tortillas tightly helps ensure that the pinwheels hold together. Here’s how to do it successfully:
- Use large tortillas (10 inches) so you have enough space to spread the fillings and roll them up tightly.
- Spread the chicken mixture first, then add the ranch-cheese mix lightly. Don’t overload the tortillas as it could make rolling difficult.
- Start rolling from one edge, keeping it tight as you go. If the tortilla cracks a bit, don’t worry, just keep rolling!
- After rolling, slice with a sharp knife for clean cuts. This keeps everything neat and manageable.
With these tips, you’ll have lovely, tasty pinwheels that look as good as they taste!
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ranch dressing for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy option for appetizers or snacks. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to whip up these delicious pinwheels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, you can prepare your pinwheels. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. This will add that spicy kick to your pinwheels!
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, combine the ranch dressing with shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Stir it up until everything is mixed nicely. This creamy filling is going to be so tasty!
4. Assemble the Pinwheels:
Take one tortilla and lay it flat on a clean work surface. Spread about a quarter of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, making sure to leave a little border around the edges. Then, spread a quarter of the cheese mixture on top of the chicken.
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the tortilla into a log shape. It’s important to keep it tight so the pinwheels hold together. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Slice and Bake:
Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch pinwheels. Place the slices upright on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once your pinwheels are baked, take them out and let them cool for a minute. Then, garnish with extra crumbled blue cheese and chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing for dipping if you like!
Enjoy your spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels as a delicious snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor to the pinwheels. Just shred it and combine it with the buffalo sauce as directed.
How Can I Make These Pinwheels Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add extra buffalo wing sauce to the chicken mixture or use a spicier hot sauce. Adding diced jalapeños or even some red pepper flakes can kick it up a notch!
Can I Prepare the Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake as directed, adding a couple of minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through for the best texture, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
