Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels (Tortilla Roll-Ups)

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are the ultimate game day snack—creamy, cheesy, and packed with that classic buffalo kick. I love using leftover chicken, mixed with cream cheese, cheddar, ranch, and buffalo sauce for a quick, flavorful filling.

Spread it on a soft tortilla, roll it up, chill, and slice. Perfect cold or at room temperature, these pinwheels are easy to make ahead and always a crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, finely diced or shredded
• 5 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• 2 large flour tortillas, burrito-sized

Instructions

1. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch, green onions, and blue cheese if using. Stir until smooth and well combined. A hand mixer works great here to save your arm!
2. Assemble the pinwheels: Lay the tortillas flat. Spread about ¾ cup of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
3. Roll and chill: Roll each tortilla up tightly. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is key—it firms up the filling so you get neat slices without spilling.
4. Slice and serve: Remove the rolls from the fridge, unwrap, and slice into 1-inch pieces. Press lightly as you cut to keep the pinwheels round. A serrated knife helps make clean cuts. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Buffalo sauce shortcut: Mix 3 tbsp hot sauce with 1 tbsp melted butter and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. I like Frank’s Red Hot.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder to the filling for extra flavor.
• Swap in leftover shredded chicken or canned chicken if needed.
• Try Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or any shredded cheese you have on hand.
• Make smaller tortillas for more bite-sized pinwheels.
• Substitute fresh cilantro for green onions for a slightly different twist.

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are perfect for parties and game days. Pair them with carrot and celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix with other pinwheel flavors like Italian, Jalapeño Popper, or Pesto for a fun variety platter.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

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Sage Asher

These Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are creamy, cheesy, and packed with buffalo flavor. Perfect for game day or as a make-ahead appetizer, they’re easy to slice and serve!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 159 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken, finely diced or shredded
• 5 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tbsp ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• 2 large flour tortillas, burrito-sized

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, green onions, and blue cheese (if using). Stir until well combined.
• Lay tortillas flat. Spread about ¾ cup of the buffalo mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
• Roll each tortilla up tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Remove from fridge, unwrap, and slice into 1-inch pieces. Press lightly to maintain a round shape while cutting. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Video

Notes

• Make homemade buffalo sauce by mixing 3 tbsp hot sauce with 1 tbsp melted butter and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder to the filling for extra flavor.
• Use leftover shredded chicken or canned chicken if desired.
• Swap in Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or any shredded cheese you have on hand.
• Smaller tortillas can make more bite-sized pinwheels.

Keyword buffalo chicken appetizer, buffalo chicken pinwheels, finger food, game day snacks