Chicken Pinwheels are little bites of deliciousness that are packed with flavors that will impress your guests. Tender chicken rolled up with creamy Boursin cheese, tangy cream cheese, and a hint of zesty ranch dressing mix – it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!
A simple snack or appetizer that comes together in just 5 minutes. This pinwheel recipe may look like it took lots of time to prepare, but it’s a simple appetizer idea that’s perfect for quick entertaining.
What are Pinwheels?
Pinwheels or cream cheese rollups are a flavorful recipe known for their rolled-up appearance and creamy filling. They are often served as appetizers but can also be featured as a main course depending on your preference.
We find that they are always a huge hit at events like Superbowl Sunday, Fourth of July celebrations and birthday parties.
Typically served chilled, you can also bake and grill pinwheels. The cooking time and temperature will depend on how crispy you want the tortillas to be. We haven’t tried this method ourselves but if you give it a try, report back to let us know how you like hot tortilla pinwheels!
What to Serve with Pinwheels?
Since they are typically served as an appetizer, you can accompany the recipe with dipping sauces or condiments. From ranch to buffalo sauce, you can pick any flavor you desire. These can also be served without anything as the flavorful ingredients make these chicken pinwheels a delightful dish all on their own.
Here are a few suggestions on how to serve pinwheels:
- On a platter: arrange the pinwheels on a large platter for a finger food option at parties. Garnish the plate with chopped vegetables for visual appeal. Serve with toothpicks, small forks or skewers for easy picking.
- With other recipes: display pinwheels alongside other favorite apps such as Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers and Air Fryer Potato Skins to provide a wide variety of options for guests.
- As a salad topping: place the pinwheel slices on top of a bed of leafy greens along with other salad ingredients then drizzle the entire dish with a vinaigrette.
How To Make
Blend the cheeses
Add the Boursin cheese, cream cheese, and dry ranch dressing to a mixing bowl. Use a hand-held mixer to blend until creamy. Gently stir in the cucumbers, cheese, and chicken with a spatula.
Assemble
Spread 1/3 of the mixture onto each tortilla Carefully roll up tightly. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes then slice into 1/2-inch slices.
Recipe Notes & Ingredient Swaps
- Use a sharp Chef’s knife or serrated knife to slice pinwheels with clean edges. If the cream cheese mixture is on the knife, you can wipe off before slicing the next roll.
- Wait to slice until you are ready to serve. The rolls can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge until it is time.
- Mix buffalo sauce into the cream cheese mixture to make buffalo chicken pinwheels.
- Stir in crumbled bacon pieces along with the diced cucumber for a flavor boost.
- Use leftover shredded Rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken.
- Turn into tuna pinwheels by swapping the canned chicken with canned tuna.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- A hand mixer makes blending the cheeses really easy. However, you could also use a food processor or mix by hand with a spoon. You will want to continue blending until all chunks of cream cheese disappear.
- This recipe calls for peeled cucumbers. Peel cucumbers after washing but before dicing by using a vegetable peeler. Remember to be careful when peeling as the peeler will be sharp. If desired, you can leave the cucumbers unpeeled, keeping in mind that it will alter the texture of the finished product.
- It is going to be extremely important to roll the pinwheels tightly to prevent all the ingredients from spilling out. You can always ask for help if you are struggling to roll the tortilla. It makes it easier if you use two clean hands to roll then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
- Spread the filling evenly: Spread the mixture evenly over the tortillas, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out during rolling.
- Roll tightly: Start rolling the tortilla from one end, keeping it as tight as possible. Use your hands to guide and shape the roll, tucking in any filling that may try to escape. Secure the roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold its shape.
- Chill before slicing: Once the tortilla is rolled, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or until firm. Chilling will make it easier to slice the pinwheels into neat, attractive rounds.
- Slice with a sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled chicken roll into pinwheels. For clean cuts, wipe the knife blade with a damp cloth between each slice.
- Garnish and presentation: Before serving, you can garnish the pinwheels with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or radishes for a pop of color. Arrange them on a platter or serving tray for an attractive presentation.
Storing Instructions
Chicken pinwheels are best stored in the fridge until ready to serve. Store in an airtight container or wrap the pinwheels on a platter tightly in plastic wrap then refrigerate. All leftovers should be returned to the fridge and can be kept for up to 4 days. Discard after the fourth day due to food safety concerns.
We do not recommend freezing chicken pinwheels as the texture when thawed is unappetizing. The tortillas are often soggy and the cucumbers lose their crunch.
If on the search for an appetizer you can freeze, thaw and serve, consider Gluten Free Chicken Wings, Frozen Lemonade or Frozen Cheesecake Bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken pinwheels can be made ahead of time. After rolling and chilling them, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them convenient for parties or gatherings, as you can prepare them in advance and simply cook them when needed.
Pinwheels will last up to 4 days when stored properly.
It is not common for pinwheels to become soggy if you properly drain the chicken and wrap in plastic wrap when storing.
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using Boursin cheese and cream cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavors. For example, you could try using shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or feta cheese. Just make sure the cheese is soft enough to spread and melt well.
Yes, if you prefer not to use ranch dressing mix, you can omit it or substitute it with other herbs and spices to suit your taste. Some alternatives to ranch dressing mix could be Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or a combination of your favorite herbs and spices.
More Easy Appetizers
- Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds
- Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot
- Loaded Sweet Potato Bites
- Gluten Free Crab Dip
- Pulled Pork Sliders
- Cherry Cheesecake Dip
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese ✅
- 4 ounces cream cheese ✅room temperature
- 1 teaspoon dry ranch dressing ✅
- 12.5 ounces canned chicken or 2 cups rotisserie chicken ✅
- 1/3 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese ✅
- 1 medium cucumber peeled and diced
- 3 gluten-free tortillas
Instructions
- Blend the cheeses. Add the Boursin cheese, cream cheese, and dry ranch dressing to a mixing bowl. Use a hand-held mixer to blend until creamy. Gently stir in the cucumbers, cheese, and chicken with a spatula.5.2 ounces Boursin cheese, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1 teaspoon dry ranch dressing, 12.5 ounces canned chicken or 2 cups rotisserie chicken, 1 medium cucumber, 1/3 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Assemble the pinwheels. Spread 1/3 of the mixture onto each tortilla Carefully roll up tightly. Refrigerate for 15 minutes then slice into 1/2-inch slices.3 gluten-free tortillas
Notes
- Use a sharp Chef’s knife to slice pinwheels with clean edges.
- Wait to slice until you are ready to serve. The rolls can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge until it is time.
- Mix buffalo sauce into the cream cheese mixture to make buffalo chicken pinwheels.
- Stir in crumbled bacon pieces along with the diced cucumber for a flavor boost.
- Use leftover shredded Rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken.
- Turn into tuna pinwheels by swapping the canned chicken with canned tuna.
Nutrition
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Brittany Poulson says
I love the veg + colors that go into this! They look delish! Definitely something that would be a hit at my house.
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Brittany! I hope you give it a try 🙂
Jill says
Loved this simple appetizer! Perfect for football season!