Name: Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or canned); 1/4 cup finely chopped celery; 2 green onions, sliced; 2/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 large flour tortillas

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These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are a delightful mix of savory and sweet wrapped in a soft tortilla. I love making them for holiday parties, potlucks, or even just a fun lunch—they’re easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these pinwheels combine creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures all in one bite. The tangy cream cheese base blends beautifully with juicy cranberries, nutty pecans, and tender chicken. They’re simple to prepare ahead of time and look beautiful on any platter, making them one of my favorite go-to finger foods.

Ingredients

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

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 green onions, sliced
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 large flour tortillas

Directions

I start by mixing the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
I add the shredded chicken, celery, green onions, cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese to the bowl, then season with salt and pepper. I stir everything together until fully combined.
To make the tortillas easier to roll, I microwave them for about 20 seconds with a damp paper towel.
I spread the chicken mixture evenly over each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and wrap them in plastic wrap.
I chill the rolls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm them up.
When ready to serve, I slice them into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on a platter.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 pinwheels (depending on how thick I slice them) and takes around 20 minutes to prep, plus 1 hour of chilling time.

Variations

I sometimes swap the cranberries for chopped dried apricots or use walnuts instead of pecans for a different crunch. For extra creaminess, I add a touch more cream cheese. When I want to lighten it up, I use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. I’ve also made it with whole wheat or spinach tortillas for extra color and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store the assembled pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture changes once thawed. These are best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a day in advance and keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge. They hold up really well and even taste better after the flavors meld.

Can I use canned chicken?

Absolutely. I’ve used canned chicken in a pinch—just make sure to drain it well and shred it before mixing.

What type of tortilla works best?

I usually go with large, soft flour tortillas because they roll up the easiest. Whole wheat or spinach wraps also work great.

How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart?

Chilling them in the fridge for at least an hour helps firm them up. I also make sure to roll them tightly and slice with a sharp knife.

Can I skip the feta cheese?

Yes, if I’m not a fan of feta, I leave it out or replace it with a milder cheese like shredded mozzarella or goat cheese.

Conclusion

These Creamy Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are a tasty and elegant way to serve up something simple yet satisfying. The mix of flavors and textures makes each bite interesting, and they’re always a hit no matter the occasion. Whether I’m packing them for lunch or setting them out for guests, I know they’ll disappear fast.