Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels are tasty snacks that are fun to make! They’re filled with spicy buffalo chicken and creamy ranch dressing, all rolled up in soft tortillas.
These little bites are perfect for parties or game days. I love making extra because they disappear fast—you’ll be the star of the snack table! Just roll, slice, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: I usually go for rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient and packed with flavor! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use grilled chicken breast or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to because it has just the right kick. If you want a milder flavor, choose a mild wing sauce or use hot sauce mixed with a little butter for a homemade version.
Ranch Dressing: Besides using store-bought, you could make your own ranch for an extra touch. Substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier version, or use a dairy-free option if needed.
Shredded Mozzarella: I love the stretchiness of mozzarella. You could swap it for cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor punch!
Flour Tortillas: Whole wheat or spinach tortillas are great alternatives if you want to add a bit of nutrition or color. You can even use gluten-free wraps if you’re avoiding gluten.
How Do You Roll Perfect Pinwheels?
The key to great pinwheels is how you roll them. A tight roll ensures they hold together when sliced. Start by layering each ingredient evenly to avoid overflow while rolling.
- Spread the ranch dressing evenly across the tortilla, leaving about an inch from the edges.
- Next, divide the buffalo chicken mixture and cheese evenly, pressing lightly.
- Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly but gently, tucking the filling as you go.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill—it helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Slice with a sharp knife to keep the edges clean and your pinwheels looking great! Enjoy these bites at your next gathering!
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
For the Wrap:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to chill the pinwheels for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you choose to bake them, add another 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce, giving it that delicious spicy flavor. You can adjust the amount of sauce based on how spicy you want your pinwheels!
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
Take your flour tortillas and spread a thin, even layer of ranch dressing over each one, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. This will help keep the filling inside when you roll them up!
3. Add the Filling:
Now it’s time to layer! Distribute the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the ranch dressing on each tortilla. Make sure to spread it out as much as possible for a balanced taste in every bite.
4. Sprinkle and Roll:
Next, sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped chives or green onions over the chicken layer on each tortilla. Then, starting from one end, tightly roll up each tortilla to form a log, keeping the filling inside as you go.
5. Chill the Rolls:
Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. This helps them firm up so they’ll slice easily. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, chill them longer for even better results!
6. Slice and Serve:
After chilling, unwrap the rolls and use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter. If you like them warm, you can place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and they’re warm to touch.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pinwheels warm or at room temperature with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Feel free to garnish with additional chopped chives for a fresh touch!
These pinwheels are perfect for parties, game days, or even as a fun snack. Enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. After thawing, shred it and mix with the buffalo wing sauce as directed.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheels up to a day in advance. Just assemble them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can slice them cold or bake them to warm them up!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pinwheels should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Just be careful not to overheat them!
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re looking for a change, you can substitute the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with some herbs and spices to mimic ranch dressing, or opt for a dairy-free version based on your dietary preferences!
