Chicken Salad Pinwheels
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A great appetizer can be simple to make while still bringing big flavor. These chicken salad pinwheels are a fantastic way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, creating a light lunch or a nice appetizer for a holiday party. With a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet filling, these tortilla roll-ups are packed with texture and taste.
These delicious chicken pinwheels are an easy appetizer or picnic lunch idea. They are sure to be a favorite snack for your next family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy appetizer – Made with simple ingredients, this comes together fast.
- Versatile – Works with leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or your favorite chicken salad.
- Great for gatherings – Perfect party food for any event.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients to suit different tastes.
- Lunch box – This is a fun roll-up sandwich to include in lunch boxes and picnic baskets.
- Delicious flavor – These are so tasty! We never have leftovers when I make these tortilla roll-ups with simple ingredients from the grocery store.
Equipment
This is one of those easy recipes that hardly requires any kitchen tools.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients for chicken salad roll-ups
These roll-ups are easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Tortillas
- Cooked chicken
- Lettuce leaves
- Cream cheese
- Sandwich cheese
- Green onions
- Pecans
- Dried cranberries
- Green apple
- Dijon mustard
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make chicken roll-ups
See the step-by-step process for this easy recipe below.
Step One: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese and Dijon mustard. Add sliced apple, cranberries (soak, slice), and chopped pecans.
Step Two: Lay the soft flour tortilla flat on a plate or cutting board
Spread the tortilla with the cream cheese mixture. Repeat for the second tortilla.
Step Three: Arrange the slices of cheese. Top mixture with chicken pieces Add lettuce leaves
Step Four: Twist a tight roll, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in the freezer for about an hour.
Cut into 1″ rolls and arrange on a serving platter.
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Hint: For best results, use softened cream cheese when making the filling and use a hand mixer for a thorough blend.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and spreading.
- Soak the dried cranberries in warm water before slicing to make them softer.
- Chill before slicing. Wrap the tortilla roll-ups in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour to help them hold their shape.
- Slice with a sharp knife for clean, even pinwheel sandwiches.
- Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
These chicken roll-ups are so easy to change up. Check out some of these substitution ideas.
- Swap the cheese – Try Fontina, cheddar cheese, provolone cheese, or feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Use different tortillas – Spinach tortillas add a festive look, while soft flour tortillas keep it classic. You can also try whole wheat.
- Add more crunch – Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Swap the greens – instead of ice berg lettuce, you can use romaine lettuce or spinach
- Add some zing – A little bit of lime juice or garlic powder enhances the flavor.
- Make it spicy – A pinch of red onion or extra Dijon mustard adds a kick. You can also add chipotle pepper sauce or hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture before rolling up.
- Extra flavor – You can add add a little ranch seasoning to the cream cheese for more flavor.
- Deluxe – add onions and sliced grapes or bacon bits to the chicken mixture.
- Kid friendly – Omit the pecans and possibly the dijon mustard. It makes a great kid-friendly chicken pinwheel
- Turkey – Check out these Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels on my website!
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
FAQs About This Recipe
Yes! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Leftover turkey is another great option.
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Yes! Prepare the chicken mixture in advance, assemble the tortilla shells, and store them wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to slice and serve.
No. While it will mix easier if the cream cheese is softened to room temperature, if you forget, you can still make this appetizer.
Yes. However, cream cheese may change in texture once frozen, and it can be off-putting. I would try to avoid this if possible.
More yummy party appetizers
Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 2 tortillas
- 2 cups chicken baked, etc.;
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese;
- 4 slices of sandwich cheese
- 2 green onions;
- 2 tablespoons pecans
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries;
- 1 green apple;
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, Dijon mustard. Add sliced apple, cranberries (soak, slice), chopped pecans.
- Lay tortillas flat on a plate or cutting board
- Spread the tortilla with the cream cheese mixture.
- Arrange the slices of cheese.
- Top mixture with chicken pieces
- Add lettuce leaves
- Twist a tight roll, send it to the freezer for an hour.
- Cut into 1″ rolls and arrange on a serving platter
Nutrition
We hope you enjoyed this easy appetizer recipe. It is perfect for your next party or barbecues.
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We LOVE chicken pinwheels! They’re out for every graduation party and family gathering all summer long. Nothing beats cold, but hearty finger food at a barbecue! Thanks!
This looks amazing!
These are delightful! And I think they would be perfect year-round, like for winter with the cranberries. YUM.