Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Mexican chicken pinwheels! They’re one of my go-to recipes whenever I need a quick, fun appetizer that packs a flavor punch. I mean, who can resist those vibrant colors and that creamy, zesty filling? The best part? They come together in a snap—just 15 minutes of prep, and you’re done! Seriously, it’s like magic. I love how versatile they are too; you can whip them up for a party, a family gathering, or even just for a cozy night in. Plus, they taste amazing whether you serve them cold or at room temperature. Trust me, once you try these pinwheels, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen as they have in mine!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience!)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (Make sure to let it sit out for a bit so it’s nice and easy to spread.)
- 1 cup salsa (Feel free to pick your favorite brand or even homemade for an extra kick!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (A must for that melty goodness!)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (These add a lovely crunch and fresh flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic?)
- 4 large flour tortillas (Get the big ones; they’ll hold all that delicious filling!)
How to Prepare the Mexican Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious Mexican chicken pinwheels! I promise, it’s as easy as pie—or should I say pinwheels? Here’s how to do it step by step!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. I like to give it a good mix with a spatula until everything is well combined. The cream cheese should be smooth and spreadable, so don’t hesitate to really blend it all together!
- Now, take one of your flour tortillas and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spread about a cup of your chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a little space at the edges. Seriously, don’t skimp on the filling—this is where all the flavor is!
- Once you’ve spread it out, it’s time to roll! Start from one end and roll the tortilla tightly towards the other end. You want it snug but not so tight that the filling spills out. Just think of it like wrapping up a cozy burrito!
- Repeat the rolling process with the remaining tortillas and filling mixture until you have four delicious rolls. Now, here’s a little secret: wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep everything together and makes it easier to slice later!
- Pop those wrapped beauties into the fridge for at least one hour. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing a breeze. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- After an hour, unwrap the tortillas and slice them into bite-sized pinwheels. I usually aim for about one-inch pieces. Serve them up on a platter with a side of salsa for dipping, and watch them disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Deliciously creamy and packed with flavor from the salsa and spices.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings.
- Great for meal prep! Make them ahead of time and have a tasty snack ready to go.
- Always a crowd-pleaser! They disappear faster than you can say “pinwheel.”
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Mexican chicken pinwheels, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip on the cream cheese—using full-fat will give you that rich, creamy texture we all crave. If you want a little extra kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling. For a fresh twist, swap in some diced bell peppers or corn. And when it comes to serving, a drizzle of sour cream or guacamole on the side takes them to the next level. Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for these delightful Mexican chicken pinwheels. Keep in mind that these values are based on the ingredients used and may vary slightly depending on brands or substitutions.
- Serving Size: 3 pinwheels
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
This makes them not only a tasty treat but also a relatively balanced option for a snack or appetizer. Enjoy every bite knowing they’re packed with flavor and nutrition!
Serving Suggestions
These Mexican chicken pinwheels are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate your spread, I’ve got some great ideas! Serve them alongside a zesty guacamole or a refreshing pico de gallo for that extra burst of flavor. You could also pair them with a cold Mexican corn salad—the sweetness of the corn complements the spiciness of the pinwheels beautifully. And don’t forget a side of tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for some added crunch! Trust me, your guests will love the variety!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken? Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this Mexican chicken pinwheels recipe. Just be sure to drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How spicy are these pinwheels? The spice level really depends on the salsa you choose. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for a mild salsa. For a kick, use medium or hot salsa, or even add some diced jalapeños to the filling!
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time? Yes! In fact, they taste even better after sitting for a while. You can prepare them a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just slice and serve when you’re ready!
What can I serve with Mexican chicken pinwheels? These pinwheels pair beautifully with a variety of sides! Try serving them with guacamole, salsa, or even a refreshing salad. They make for a delightful appetizer or party snack!
Can I freeze leftover pinwheels? Yes, you can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing these delicious Mexican chicken pinwheels is super simple! Just wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—if they last that long! When it comes to reheating, I suggest enjoying them cold or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a bit soggy. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Mexican chicken pinwheels recipe: 5-Minute Flavor Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and flavorful Mexican chicken pinwheels recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, salsa, cheddar cheese, green onions, and garlic powder.
- Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas tightly from one end to the other.
- Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Unwrap and slice the pinwheels into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve with additional salsa if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
- Adjust salsa level for desired spiciness.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pinwheels
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mexican chicken pinwheels recipe, chicken pinwheels, easy appetizers
