Spicy Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels
These Spicy Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels are a delightful and flavorful appetizer that's sure to impress at any gathering. Perfect for parties, baby showers, or as a fun snack for game days, each bite offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory flavors. The creamy, spicy sour cream pairs beautifully with tender chicken, melted cheese, and fresh salsa, all wrapped in wholesome whole wheat tortillas. Preparing ahead of time and chilling the roll-ups makes them easy to slice and serve, ensuring that your guests will love them right out of the fridge!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat tortillas
6 (none)
Fat-free sour cream
8 ounces (none)
Hot sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Colby-Monterey jack cheese, shredded
10 ounces (none)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
Salsa
1 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat with 1 1/2 cups of salsa. Stir occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Allow it to cool.
2
In a separate bowl, combine 8 ounces of fat-free sour cream with 3 tablespoons of hot sauce. Mix well, adjusting the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
3
Lay out the 6 whole wheat tortillas on a clean surface. Evenly spread the sour cream mixture over each tortilla, ensuring complete coverage.
4
Sprinkle 10 ounces of shredded colby-monterey jack cheese over the sour cream layer on each tortilla.
5
Next, evenly distribute the cooled chicken and salsa mixture onto each tortilla, layering it evenly.
6
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly from one end to the other, ensuring the filling is secure inside.
7
Once rolled, wrap each tortilla roll securely in waxed paper to help retain its shape, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
8
After chilling, unwrap the roll-ups and slice them into 1-inch pieces. Arrange these pinwheels on a serving platter and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels?
They are a flavorful appetizer made of chicken, salsa, cheese, and a spicy sour cream mixture rolled into whole wheat tortillas and sliced.
What type of tortillas should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 whole wheat tortillas, which provide a wholesome base for the pinwheels.
Can I use regular sour cream instead of fat-free?
Yes, while the recipe uses fat-free sour cream, you can substitute it with regular or low-fat sour cream based on your preference.
How do I prepare the chicken for the filling?
Cook 1 lb of bite-sized boneless, skinless chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat with 1.5 cups of salsa until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
What kind of cheese is recommended for these pinwheels?
The recipe recommends using 10 ounces of shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese for a smooth, melted texture.
How do I make the spicy spread?
Combine 8 ounces of fat-free sour cream with 3 tablespoons of hot sauce in a bowl and mix well.
Can I adjust the spice level of the pinwheels?
Absolutely. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the sour cream mixture to suit your personal spice preference.
Why is it necessary to chill the rolls before slicing?
Chilling the rolls for at least 30 minutes helps them retain their shape and makes it much easier to slice them into clean pieces.
How thick should I slice the pinwheels?
After chilling, unwrap the rolls and slice them into 1-inch pieces for the perfect bite-sized appetizer.
Can I make these pinwheels in advance?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead recipe. You can keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What is the best way to wrap the tortillas for chilling?
The recipe suggests wrapping each rolled tortilla securely in waxed paper to help it hold its shape while in the fridge.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time. Just heat it with the salsa as directed to ensure the flavors meld.
Is there a substitute for whole wheat tortillas?
If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas, though the flavor and nutritional profile will change slightly.
How much salsa is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of salsa to cook with the chicken.
What occasions are these pinwheels suitable for?
They are perfect for parties, baby showers, game days, or as a fun snack.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great high-protein substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
How should I arrange the pinwheels for serving?
Once sliced, arrange the 1-inch pinwheels on a serving platter and serve them chilled.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 main ingredients: tortillas, sour cream, hot sauce, cheese, chicken, and salsa.
Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Yes, adding finely chopped bell peppers or green onions can provide extra crunch and flavor.
Are these pinwheels served hot or cold?
These pinwheels are intended to be served chilled.
How do I ensure the filling doesn't leak out?
Rolling the tortillas tightly and ensuring the spread goes all the way to the edges helps secure the filling.
What if I don't have waxed paper?
You can use plastic wrap (cling film) as an alternative to waxed paper for wrapping the rolls during the chilling process.
Can I use a different type of shredded cheese?
Yes, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend would all work well as substitutes.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
Yes, the combination of hot sauce and salsa gives them a spicy kick, but it is easily adjustable.
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the sour cream and tortillas may become soggy upon thawing.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they fit well inside the tortilla rolls.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas are generally too brittle to roll without cracking; flour or whole wheat tortillas are much better for this recipe.
Does the salsa need to be chunky?
You can use any style of salsa you like, but a chunkier salsa adds nice texture to the filling.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it involves simple cooking and assembly steps.