These BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels are a fun and tasty treat! Made with shredded chicken, melted cheddar, and zesty BBQ sauce, they’re rolled up in tortillas for easy eating.
Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these pinwheels are always a crowd favorite. I like to serve them with extra BBQ sauce for dipping—because who doesn’t love a little extra sauce? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or boil and shred chicken breasts if you prefer freshness. For a vegetarian option, try using shredded jackfruit or a plant-based meat substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is great for flavor, but you could use mild cheddar, pepper jack for some heat, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan version.
BBQ Sauce: Your choice of BBQ sauce can truly change the flavor profile! I love a tangy, sweet sauce, but feel free to try a smoky or spicy one based on your taste. You can even make a homemade sauce if you’re up for it!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll, but you can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just be gentle, as they may crack more easily.
How Do I Roll the Perfect Pinwheel?
Rolling the tortillas can be tricky, but practice makes perfect! Start with a flat tortilla and layer items evenly. Make sure to leave a little space at the edges; this helps seal the roll when you finish. Here’s how to do it:
- Spread the filling within a half-inch from the edges.
- Begin rolling tightly from one end, tucking the filling in as you roll.
- Keep the roll firm but not too tight, so the filling stays inside without squishing out.
- Once rolled, let them sit seam-side down for a few minutes to help hold the shape before slicing.
Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels as a tasty and simple snack! They’re perfect for casual get-togethers or just a delicious treat at home.
BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley) for garnish
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or mayonnaise for extra creaminess
- Optional: Ranch or additional BBQ sauce for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation. If you want to chill them for extra flavor, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before serving. Baking them for a warm option will take an additional 10 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix well until all the chicken is nicely coated. If you prefer creaminess, feel free to add the cream cheese or mayonnaise into the mixture at this point!
2. Assemble the Tortillas:
Take one tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Evenly sprinkle about a quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese over the tortilla.
3. Add the Chicken Filling:
Spread a quarter of the BBQ chicken mixture directly over the cheese. Make sure to get an even layer for the best flavor in every bite!
4. Roll It Up:
Starting from one end, carefully roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape. Try to keep it snug but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling.
5. Repeat:
Repeat steps 2 to 4 for the remaining tortillas and filling until everything is rolled up and ready to go.
6. Slice the Pinwheels:
With a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pinwheels. You can cut them a bit larger or smaller based on your preference!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Arrange all the pinwheels on a serving platter. Drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over them and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the pinwheels immediately, either as is or with ranch dressing or more BBQ sauce for dipping. Yum!
These BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to make them ahead, you can also refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Plus, for a warm treat, just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are golden!
Dig in and enjoy this delicious, finger-friendly appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Pre-Packaged Shredded Chicken?
Absolutely! Pre-packaged shredded chicken is a convenient option. Just make sure to choose a product without added preservatives for the best flavor and quality.
What Other Fillings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, jalapeños for heat, or even black beans for extra texture. Just ensure that any additions complement the BBQ flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or a meat alternative like seitan or tempeh tossed in BBQ sauce. You can also load them up with your favorite veggies!