Zesty Chicken Taco Pinwheels Recipe: Party Favorites in a Snap!

Tender tortillas wrapped around a creamy chicken taco filling create an irresistible party appetizer that packs serious flavor.

Zesty spices dance through each delectable bite, promising excitement for your taste buds.

Packed with bold southwestern ingredients, these pinwheels deliver a crowd-pleasing punch.

Cream cheese and shredded chicken blend seamlessly, creating a smooth and rich texture.

Colorful bell peppers and green onions add a fresh crunch to every roll.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, these pinwheels will be the star of any gathering.

Serve these delightful rolls and watch guests reach for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Chicken Taco Pinwheels Ingredient Breakdown

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy foundation that helps bind ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy smoothness and helps create a silky texture for the filling.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers bold, zesty southwestern flavor to elevate the overall taste.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and classic taco-inspired heartiness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and contributes a bold, savory punch.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that provides a delicate aromatic bite.
• Cilantro: Optional herb that brings bright, fresh herbaceous notes to the pinwheel.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds crisp texture and sweet, colorful dimension to the filling.

• Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrap that holds the filling and creates a convenient handheld appetizer.
• Plastic Wrap: Essential for tight rolling and helping pinwheels maintain their shape during chilling.

Tools That Help You Roll Chicken Taco Pinwheels Neatly

• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings smoothly.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients together until well combined.
• Cutting board: Ideal for chopping green onions and red bell pepper.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise vegetable chopping.
• Plastic wrap: Crucial for wrapping rolled tortillas and keeping them fresh.
• Measuring cup: Helps spread mixture evenly on tortillas.

How to Make Chicken Taco Pinwheels That Hold Their Shape

• Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend cream cheese, sour cream, and zesty taco seasoning until silky smooth. Your flavor foundation is ready to rock!

• Pack in the Protein and Veggies

Fold in shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, bright green onions, crunchy red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. Mix everything until perfectly combined.

• Roll and Wrap

Spread the delicious mixture evenly across each tortilla, leaving a small border. Carefully roll the tortillas into tight, compact cylinders.

• Chill and Set

Wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap, tucking in the ends. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors mingle and the rolls firm up.

• Slice and Serve

Remove the chilled pinwheels from the fridge, unwrap, and slice into bite-sized rounds. Arrange on a platter and watch them disappear at your next gathering!

Flavor Variations to Fit Any Occasion

• Prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance for easy party or lunch planning, storing them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or add diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Replace chicken with shredded turkey, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian-friendly options that maintain delicious flavor.
• Use gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce leaves as a wrap alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
• Before serving, top pinwheels with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a drizzle of sriracha to elevate presentation and add extra zest.

Serve Pinwheels as Appetizers or Packed Lunches

• Fiesta Party Platter: Slice these pinwheels into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a colorful platter for game day or cocktail parties. Perfect for casual gatherings and sports events.
• Lunch Box Delight: Pack these chilled pinwheels in lunch boxes for kids or adults. Wrap individually in parchment paper for a neat, portable meal that stays fresh and tasty.
• Dipping Companion: Serve alongside fresh salsa, guacamole, or ranch dressing for extra flavor. The creamy pinwheels pair wonderfully with cool, tangy dips that complement the Mexican-inspired ingredients.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Ideal for outdoor meals, these pinwheels travel well and can be prepared ahead of time. Keep them chilled in a cooler for a delicious and convenient picnic snack.

Store Pinwheels So They Stay Fresh and Rolled

• Wrap pinwheels individually in plastic wrap to maintain shape and prevent moisture transfer between rolls.
• Make filling and roll tortillas up to 24 hours before serving, maximizing convenience for busy schedules.
• Store wrapped pinwheels in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before slicing and serving.
• Cut chilled pinwheels into bite-sized pieces right before party or gathering to ensure maximum freshness and appetizing presentation.

Mouthwatering Chicken Taco Pinwheels Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory chicken taco pinwheels deliver a zesty Mexican-inspired appetizer packed with bold flavors and creamy textures. Party guests will love these compact, colorful roll-ups that blend spicy chicken, cream cheese, and fresh herbs into one irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 1 cup (226 g) cooked, shredded chicken
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• 2 tbsps taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup (40 g) diced green onions
• ¼ cup (40 g) diced red bell pepper (optional)
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Creamy Filling Preparation: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until uniformly smooth and well-incorporated.
2. Ingredient Integration: Fold shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, green onions, red bell pepper, and cilantro into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of all components.
3. Tortilla Assembly: Generously spread the prepared filling across each tortilla, maintaining a consistent layer from edge to edge.
4. Rolling and Chilling: Tightly roll the tortillas into compact cylinders, secure each with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and filling to set firmly.
5. Serving Preparation: After chilling, unwrap pinwheels and slice into bite-sized rounds, presenting a colorful and flavorful appetizer or snack with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for smoother, easier mixing and preventing lumps in the filling.
• Pat chicken and vegetables dry to prevent soggy tortillas and ensure a crisp, tight roll.
• Swap cheddar with pepper jack for extra heat or use a blend of cheeses for more complex flavor profiles.
• These pinwheels can be made 1-2 days in advance, making them perfect for meal prep or party planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg