These fun Mexican Chicken Pinwheel Roll-ups are perfect for a quick meal or tasty snack! They feature creamy cheese, juicy chicken, and zesty spices all rolled up in a soft tortilla.
They look fancy but are super easy to make. I love serving them at parties and watching everyone enjoy. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies! 🌮
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Large flour tortillas work best for roll-ups. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat or spinach tortillas. You can also use corn tortillas, but be careful; they can break easily when rolling.
Chicken: I recommend using cooked chicken breast for its lean protein. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, and you can use leftover turkey too. For a vegetarian version, swap out chicken for black beans or grilled veggies!
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese works well too. Greek yogurt can be a tasty substitute as it adds tanginess with less fat.
Salsa: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa. You could even make your own! If you want a fresh kick, pico de gallo is a great alternative.
How Do I Roll the Tortillas Without Them Breaking?
Rolling tortillas for pinwheel roll-ups can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right!
- Warm your tortillas slightly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving a border to prevent spillage.
- Start rolling tightly from one edge, making sure to tuck as you go to keep the filling inside.
- Slice with a sharp knife; it’s easier if you refrigerate them for a bit before cutting.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have beautifully rolled pinwheels that are ready to impress!
How to Make Mexican Chicken Pinwheel Roll-ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Roll-ups:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced or shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa (your preferred heat level)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced green onion
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes if you decide to refrigerate them for easier slicing. So, you’re looking at a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for parties or a fun family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro, diced red bell pepper, diced green onion, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This filling is where all the delicious flavor comes from!
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
Take one tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface or a cutting board. Using a spatula or knife, spread about a quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a little bit of space around the edges. This helps keep the filling from spilling out when you roll it up.
3. Add the Chicken:
Now it’s time to layer some chicken on top of the cream cheese mixture. Spread the thinly sliced or shredded chicken evenly over the cream cheese, ensuring it’s distributed well for the best flavor in every bite.
4. Roll-Up Time!
Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the tortilla tightly into a log shape. It’s important to roll it tightly but gently to avoid squishing the filling out. Once rolled, tuck in any filling that might peek out at the ends!
5. Slice the Roll-ups:
Using a sharp knife, slice each tortilla roll into 1-inch thick pinwheel slices. You should have beautiful little circles filled with all that yummy goodness. If you’ve chilled them in the fridge, they’ll slice even easier!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your pinwheel roll-ups on a serving platter. You can add more chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy these delicious roll-ups right away, or let them sit in the fridge for 30 minutes for a chilled treat.
These Mexican Chicken Pinwheel Roll-ups are great for any occasion—snack time, parties, or even a light lunch. Enjoy making them, and enjoy eating them!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, works perfectly for these roll-ups. Just shred or slice it thinly to mix in with the filling.
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make these pinwheels vegetarian by replacing the chicken with black beans, cooked quinoa, or a mix of your favorite grilled vegetables. Just ensure the filling has plenty of flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their freshness, keep the layers of roll-ups separated with parchment paper; this prevents them from sticking together.
Can I Freeze the Pinwheel Roll-ups?
You can freeze the pinwheel roll-ups! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving!