Looking for the ultimate party appetizer that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress? Mexican Chicken Pinwheels are the answer! These creamy, taco-flavored bites are wrapped up in soft tortillas and sliced into bite-sized pinwheels, perfect for sharing. Bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, they’re the perfect addition to game days, potlucks, or any gathering.
Easy Mexican Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
These Mexican Chicken Pinwheels are little flavor-packed rolls that are as fun to make as they are to eat. With creamy cheese, shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and fresh cilantro, they combine all your favorite taco flavors in a convenient and portable form. Serve them with guacamole, pico de gallo, or salsa for the ultimate appetizer that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why Our Mexican Chicken Pinwheels Are the Best
Our Mexican Chicken Pinwheels combine simplicity with bold, zesty flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re quick to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and are packed with creamy, cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly with your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients Notes for Mexican Chicken Pinwheels
Each ingredient in these Mexican Chicken Pinwheels plays an important role in creating a flavor-packed and creamy bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): The creamy base that holds everything together.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Brings the bold, zesty taco flavor.
- 1 cup Colby shredded cheese: Adds creaminess and a cheesy kick to every bite.
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded): The protein-packed filling that makes these pinwheels hearty and satisfying.
- ½ cup corn kernels: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro: Adds freshness and a pop of flavor.
- Salt: Adjusts seasoning to your liking.
- ½ red bell pepper and ½ green bell pepper (sliced): Add color, crunch, and a fresh, crisp texture.
- 5 flour tortillas (10-inch): Soft tortillas that hold everything together, perfect for rolling up.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Mexican Chicken Pinwheels
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife for slicing
How to Make Mexican Chicken Pinwheels
Get ready to wow your guests with these simple and flavorful Mexican Chicken Pinwheels!
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, and 1 cup shredded Colby cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup shredded chicken, ½ cup corn kernels, and ⅓ cup chopped cilantro to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Taste and add salt if needed.
2. Assemble the Pinwheels
- Place a flour tortilla on a cutting board. Spread about ⅙ of the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape and place it on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Chill the Rolls
- Refrigerate the rolled tortillas for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
4. Slice and Serve
- Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
How to Store Mexican Chicken Pinwheels
Store leftover Mexican Chicken Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent them from drying out, wrap the pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap before storing. They’re great for meal prepping or as a quick grab-and-go snack.
Mexican Chicken Pinwheels Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add black beans or refried beans for a vegetarian twist.
- Spicy Pinwheels: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Southwest Flavor: Add diced avocado and a pinch of cumin for a Southwest-inspired variation.
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
What to Serve With Mexican Chicken Pinwheels
These Mexican Chicken Pinwheels pair perfectly with classic taco sides like guacamole, pico de gallo, or salsa verde. For a complete party platter, serve them with tortilla chips, a fresh corn salad, or even a creamy queso dip. A margarita or a chilled Mexican beer would be the perfect beverage to complement these flavors!
Top Tips for Perfect Mexican Chicken Pinwheels
- Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: It’s easier to mix and spreads more smoothly.
- Roll Tightly: Tightly rolling the tortillas ensures the filling stays intact when slicing.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the rolls helps them hold their shape and makes slicing much cleaner.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices. A dull knife might squash the rolls.
- Customize the Filling: Add or swap ingredients to match your taste preferences!
Helpful Notes
- For softer pinwheels, warm the tortillas slightly before spreading the filling.
- If you’re short on time, you can chill the rolls in the freezer for 20 minutes instead of refrigerating for hours.
- These pinwheels are highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite taco toppings!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Rick Bayless suggests using freshly toasted tortillas for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Pati Jinich recommends adding a splash of lime juice to brighten the taco flavors.
- Bobby Flay highlights the importance of using fresh herbs like cilantro to elevate the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Mexican Chicken Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! These pinwheels are perfect for prepping ahead. Simply roll them up and refrigerate until ready to slice and serve.
2. Can I freeze Mexican Chicken Pinwheels?
It’s not recommended to freeze these as the texture of the cream cheese may change upon thawing.
3. What other proteins can I use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or even shrimp would work beautifully in this recipe.
4. Can I serve these warm?
These pinwheels are best served cold or at room temperature, but you can warm them briefly in the oven for a different twist.
5. Can I substitute the tortillas?
Yes! You can use whole wheat, spinach, or tomato-flavored tortillas for added variety.
Mexican Chicken Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients
- – 1 block 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- – 1/4 cup sour cream
- – 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- – 1 cup Colby cheese shredded
- – 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- – 1/2 cup corn kernels
- – 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
- – Salt to taste
- – 1/2 red bell pepper sliced
- – 1/2 green bell pepper sliced
- – 5 flour tortillas 10-inch
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese.
- Add shredded chicken, corn, Colby cheese, cilantro, and mix well. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Place one tortilla on a cutting board and spread about 1/6 of the mixture evenly on top.
- Roll up tightly and place on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas until all the mixture is used.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and serve with guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, or additional sour cream.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add diced jalapeños or black beans to the mixture.
- Use whole wheat tortillas or low-carb tortillas as a healthier alternative.
- These pinwheels can be made a day ahead for convenience—just slice them before serving.
