BBQ Chicken Pinwheels

Highlighted under: International Dish Inspirations

BBQ Chicken Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer or snack, combining tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and cream cheese wrapped in a delightful tortilla.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:49:18.993Z

These BBQ Chicken Pinwheels are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. They are quick to prepare and explode with flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with smoky BBQ flavor
  • Creamy and tangy cream cheese filling
  • Quick and easy to prepare for parties

The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

BBQ Chicken Pinwheels are incredibly versatile, making them an excellent choice for gatherings, game days, or casual get-togethers. Their bite-sized nature allows guests to enjoy them with ease, and their vibrant flavors cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or simply a weekend barbecue, these pinwheels will undoubtedly impress your friends and family.

One of the best aspects of these pinwheels is their adaptability. You can customize the filling to suit your preferences, adding ingredients like jalapeños for a kick or incorporating different cheeses for added richness. This flexibility means that you can cater to various dietary needs or preferences while still delivering a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.

Quick and Easy Preparation

Preparing BBQ Chicken Pinwheels is a breeze, making them an ideal option for busy home cooks. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch that is sure to delight. The combination of shredded chicken and BBQ sauce creates a flavorful base, while the cream cheese adds a creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully.

The rolling and slicing process is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to create visually appealing pinwheels. In just a few minutes, you can have an impressive platter ready to serve, making these pinwheels a go-to option for last-minute entertaining. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve, adding to their convenience.

Pairing Suggestions

When it comes to serving BBQ Chicken Pinwheels, consider pairing them with a variety of dipping sauces to elevate the experience. A classic ranch dressing or a zesty cilantro-lime dip can complement the smoky BBQ flavors beautifully. Alternatively, a homemade avocado crema adds a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the cream cheese.

For a complete spread, serve these pinwheels alongside fresh vegetables, chips, or a light salad. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your appetizer table but also provides a well-rounded snacking experience for your guests. With the right accompaniments, your BBQ Chicken Pinwheels will shine as the star of the show.

Ingredients

For the Pinwheels

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Mix all ingredients well before assembling the pinwheels.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Pinwheels

Spread the filling evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll each tortilla tightly and slice into pinwheels.

Serve

Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy!

These pinwheels can be served fresh or chilled.

Storage Tips

To keep your BBQ Chicken Pinwheels fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to three days, making them a fantastic option for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

If you're planning to make these pinwheels ahead of time, you can assemble them and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This will help retain their shape and keep them fresh until you're ready to serve. Just slice them just before serving for the best presentation.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different proteins in your pinwheels. For instance, shredded turkey or even pulled pork can be excellent alternatives to chicken, offering unique flavors while still keeping the BBQ essence. Additionally, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers or spinach for extra crunch and nutrients.

For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with black beans or chickpeas mixed with BBQ sauce. The cream cheese can be swapped for a dairy-free alternative to cater to vegan diets, making this recipe accessible to a wider audience while maintaining delicious flavors.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! It's a great time-saver.

→ How long do these pinwheels last in the fridge?

They can last up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

→ Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge.

→ What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Pinwheels?

They pair well with a side salad or vegetable platter.

BBQ Chicken Pinwheels

BBQ Chicken Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer or snack, combining tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and cream cheese wrapped in a delightful tortilla.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: International Dish Inspirations

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pinwheels

  1. 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  2. 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  3. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  4. 4 large flour tortillas
  5. 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  6. 1/4 cup chopped green onions

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Mix until well combined.

Step 02

Spread the filling evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll each tortilla tightly and slice into pinwheels.

Step 03

Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 15g