These delectable bites combine the savory goodness of chicken tacos with the convenience of pinwheels. Packed with flavor, these pinwheels are perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick and delicious meal.

This past summer, the boys and I spent a lot of time trying and testing out new to us recipes. We tried everything from desserts to dinners to quick and easy lunches that we could pack for a long day at the ball field.

One of our favorites? Easy chicken pinwheels! There are so many different ways you can make easy chicken pinwheels but our absolute favorite is Chicken Taco Pinwheels.

What I love the most about these Chicken Taco Pinwheels that you can make the filling ahead of time and spread on your pinwheels throughout the week.

To make these pinwheels even easier, I used a rotisserie chicken (this is one of the reasons I buy one every week) and pre-made salsa. If you have the time, you could bake your own chicken and make your own salsa. But this momma rarely has the time to do that.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TACO PINWHEELS

The key to making Easy Chicken Taco Pinwheels bursting with flavor lies in the delicious filling. You will need shredded chicken, salsa, room temperature cream cheese, taco seasoning, and cheddar cheese.

Start by adding your cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa to a bowl and mix to combine.

You’ll end up with a creamy chicken filling!

Lay out your first tortilla and fill the middle with some of your creamy chicken filling, then roll it up tightly. You can wrap them in plastic wrap and place in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

To ensure the pinwheels hold their shape, refrigerate them for at least an hour before slicing. Chilling allows the tortilla to firm up, making it easier to cut and maintain its spiral shape.

Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled tortilla logs into individual pinwheels, approximately 1 inch thick. The colorful layers of chicken, vegetables, and creamy spread will be visible, making the pinwheels visually appealing.

Easy Chicken Taco Pinwheels are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:

As party appetizers: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve them alongside bowls of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. This setup allows guests to customize their pinwheels with their preferred toppings.
For a family meal: Serve the pinwheels with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner. Drizzle a zesty lime crema or a chipotle sauce over the pinwheels to enhance the flavors.
Lunchbox option: Easy Chicken Taco Pinwheels make a fantastic addition to a lunchbox. Pack them alongside some carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and a small container of salsa for dipping.
On-the-go snack: These pinwheels are perfect for picnics, road trips, or any time you need a portable snack. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil for easy grab-and-go enjoyment.

Tips for Making Chicken Taco Pinwheels

The beauty of Easy Chicken Taco Pinwheels is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas for ingredient variations:

Protein options: While shredded chicken is the star of these pinwheels, you can also experiment with other proteins like ground beef, cooked shrimp, or even vegetarian options like grilled vegetables or seasoned tofu.
Cheese varieties: Enhance the cheesiness by adding grated cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese to the filling. The melty cheese adds richness and holds the ingredients together.
Toppings and garnishes: Get creative with your toppings and garnishes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or jalapenos on top of the pinwheels to add extra color and flavor.

Looking for more quick and easy recipes?

Easy Chicken Taco Pinwheels

Chicken Taco Pinwheels

A creamy filling made with chicken taco flavors spread over a soft flour tortilla and rolled up to make the most delicious pinwheels ever!

Ingredients

6 large tortillas burrito size
8 ounces cream cheese , softened
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup salsa

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, taco seasoning, chicken, salsa and cheddar cheese until well combined.
Lay one of the tortillas flat on a cutting board and spread approximately 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture all over the tortilla.
Roll up tightly.
Place the tortilla rolls on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Chill for at least one hour or up to one day.
Slice the tortilla rolls into 1 inch pinwheels and serve.

Easy Chicken Taco Pinwheels offer a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining the flavors of seasoned chicken, vegetables, and creamy spreads in a portable and tasty format. With their simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and endless customization options, these pinwheels are a hit for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or looking for a convenient snack, Easy Chicken Taco Pinwheels are sure to satisfy your cravings for Mexican-inspired delights. So, gather your ingredients, roll up those tortillas, and savor the flavor-packed goodness of these delicious pinwheels. Your taste buds will thank you!