Name: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: Your Go-To Spicy, Creamy Party Snack
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing; 1½ cups chopped rotisserie chicken; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ red bell pepper, finely diced; 2 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for topping); 4 large (8-inch) flour tortillas; Optional: additional buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping

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Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are everything I want in a party snack—bold, creamy, spicy, and incredibly easy to make. Rolled up in soft tortillas and sliced into colorful, bite-sized swirls, they’re loaded with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar. Whether I’m hosting a game night or prepping ahead for a potluck, these pinwheels always disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these pinwheels pack all the flavor of buffalo wings into a neat, mess-free appetizer. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and ideal for prepping ahead of time. Plus, they offer just the right balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy. I serve them with ranch or blue cheese for dipping, and they always earn a spot on the snack table.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese, softened
Buffalo sauce
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Chopped rotisserie chicken
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Red bell pepper, finely diced
Green onions, thinly sliced
Flour tortillas (8-inch)
Optional: extra buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping

directions

I start by softening the cream cheese, then mix it in a large bowl with the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until smooth.
I fold in the chopped chicken, shredded cheddar, red bell pepper, and most of the green onions.
I lay out the tortillas and spread the filling evenly across each one—about ⅔ cup per tortilla—making sure it reaches the edges.
I roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a dish. I cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so they firm up.
After chilling, I slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange them on a platter. I top them with the remaining green onions and serve with extra buffalo sauce or ranch on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30 pinwheels, depending on how thick I slice them. Prep time is about 20 minutes, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time, for a total of around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Variations

For more heat, I add extra buffalo sauce or use pepper jack cheese.
When I want extra crunch, I mix in diced celery or shredded carrots.
To make them milder, I increase the ranch dressing and reduce the hot sauce.
I sometimes swap cheddar for mozzarella or use a blend of cheeses.
For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free tortillas.

storage/reheating

I store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay fresh and hold their shape well, making them ideal for prepping ahead. I don’t reheat these—they’re best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes. I usually roll them up a day in advance, refrigerate them overnight, and slice them just before serving. They’re actually easier to cut when chilled.

What type of cheese works best?

I stick with sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but I sometimes swap in pepper jack for a little spice or mozzarella for a creamier finish.

Are these very spicy?

They’re moderately spicy, but I adjust the buffalo sauce to make them milder or hotter. More ranch dressing balances the heat well.

Can I freeze them?

I don’t recommend freezing these since the cream cheese mixture can become watery after thawing. They’re best enjoyed fresh.

What goes well with these pinwheels?

I like serving them with classic buffalo sides: celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are a flavorful, fuss-free snack that I keep coming back to. They’re everything I need for parties, game nights, or quick make-ahead appetizers—bold, creamy, and easy to devour. Once I started making them, they became a regular hit on my entertaining menu. If you’re craving something simple yet unforgettable, these pinwheels deliver every time.