Description

These Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and sweet—all wrapped up in a soft tortilla for the ultimate appetizer or lunchbox snack. With tender shredded chicken, tangy dried cranberries, and a creamy herbed filling, these little rolls are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Ideal for holidays, parties, or meal prep, they come together in minutes and are always a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Pinwheel Filling:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or grilled works well)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
½ cup green onions, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped celery (for crunch, optional)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme or parsley
1 tsp lemon juice (brightens the flavor)

For Assembly:

4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
Baby spinach or lettuce leaves (optional for layering)
Plastic wrap (for rolling and chilling)

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise (or yogurt).
Stir until smooth and creamy using a spatula or spoon.
Add in shredded chicken, cranberries, green onions, celery (if using), garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and lemon juice.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels

Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
Spread about ½ cup of the filling evenly over the tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
Add a few spinach or lettuce leaves if desired, pressing them into the filling.
Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other, like a jelly roll.
Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to help it hold its shape.
Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 3: Chill for Best Results

Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Chilling makes them easier to slice and enhances flavor.

Step 4: Slice & Serve

Unwrap the chilled rolls and place on a cutting board.
Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces.
Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t Overfill – Keep the layer thin and even to make rolling easier.
Roll Tightly – A snug roll prevents the pinwheels from falling apart.
Chill Time – Don’t skip chilling; it makes slicing clean and neat.
Use Room Temp Cream Cheese – It spreads more smoothly and blends easily.
Customize It – Add nuts (like pecans or almonds), swap herbs, or use flavored tortillas.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American