Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are a fun and tasty snack! These rolled-up treats are filled with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla.
They are perfect for game day or just a cozy movie night. I love making a big batch, and they never last long—everyone’s always coming back for more! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You’ll need cooked chicken for these pinwheels. I usually use rotisserie chicken to save time! If you’re vegetarian, try a plant-based chicken substitute or replace it with roasted veggies for a different twist.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice. You can adjust the heat by using less sauce or switching to a milder variety. For a milder alternative, consider mixing hot sauce with some ketchup or just use a sweeter barbecue sauce.
Ranch Dressing: This adds a creamy, tangy element. If you prefer homemade, mix together Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and your favorite herbs. For dairy-free options, use a dairy-free ranch dressing alternative.
Cheeses: Mozzarella brings a nice stretchiness, while blue cheese adds a tangy flavor. If you’re not a blue cheese fan, try feta or omit it altogether. For a non-dairy option, use vegan cheese alternatives.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas work great, but you can swap them for whole wheat, spinach, or even corn tortillas if gluten is a concern. Just make sure they are pliable enough to roll without tearing.
How Do I Roll the Pinwheels Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling the tortillas tightly is key to keeping the pinwheels intact. Here’s some advice to help you succeed:
- Spread the filling evenly across the tortilla, but leave about an inch around the edges. This helps seal the pinwheel as you roll.
- Start rolling from the edge closest to you, using your fingers to tuck the filling in as you go.
- Roll firmly but not too tightly, as the filling can push out the sides. Just enough to keep everything inside.
- After slicing, it can help to chill the rolled tortillas for about 30 minutes before cutting. This firms them up and makes cleaner slices!
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
For the Pinwheels:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter (for baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake, making the total time around 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pinwheels will bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the cooked, shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing. Stir well until everything is nicely combined. This mixture is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Assemble the Tortillas:
Lay out the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over each tortilla, but make sure to leave a small border around the edges. This helps keep everything inside when you roll them up.
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled blue cheese (if using) evenly over the chicken mixture in each tortilla. The cheese will melt and bind everything together nicely when baked.
5. Roll It Up:
Now, starting from one edge, tightly roll up each tortilla into a log shape. Make sure to roll it firmly, but not so tight that the filling spills out!
6. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pinwheels. The prettier the slices, the more appealing they’ll be on your plate!
7. Arrange and Prepare for Baking:
Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch each other—this helps them bake evenly. Then, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with melted butter for that crispy, golden finish.
8. Bake Them:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are starting to turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a minute. Garnish the pinwheels with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve warm alongside extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves you time. Just shred the chicken from the rotisserie and mix it with the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing as usual.
How Can I Make These Pinwheels Spicy?
If you want more heat, increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare These Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes, you can make the pinwheels up to a day ahead! Just assemble and roll them up, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready, slice and bake them as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
