Zesty Chicken Cheese Spirals
These Zesty Chicken Cheese Spirals are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a hint of spice all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for lunch, snacks, or appetizers, these baked spirals offer a crispy exterior with a savory filling, making them an irresistible treat for any gathering. Serve them warm with your favorite salsa and a dollop of cool sour cream for the ultimate culinary experience!
60
Servings
46
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces ( softened)
Diced Cooked Chicken
1 cup ( cooked and diced)
Monterey Jack Cheese
1/4 pound ( shredded)
Fresh Coriander
1/4 cup ( chopped)
Jalapeno Peppers
2 tablespoons ( diced (fresh or canned))
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons ( )
Flour Tortillas
3 (10-inch) ( )
Vegetable Oil
as needed ( for brushing)
Salsa
as needed ( for serving)
Sour Cream
as needed ( for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese, diced cooked chicken, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped fresh coriander, diced jalapeno peppers, and ground cumin until well combined.
2
Lay a flour tortilla on a clean surface and spread a generous amount of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, reaching the edges.
3
Roll the tortilla tightly away from you, ensuring the filling is secure inside, and then place it seam side down on a plate.
4
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap once rolled up. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Remove the tortillas from the refrigerator, unwrap them, and use a sharp knife to cut each roll into 1/2-inch thick slices.
7
Arrange the spiral slices on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even baking. Brush the tops lightly with vegetable oil.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the spirals are lightly browned and crispy on the edges.
9
Serve hot with your choice of salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Chicken Cheese Spirals?
They are a flavorful appetizer or snack featuring a creamy mixture of chicken, cheese, and spices rolled in a flour tortilla, chilled, sliced, and baked until crispy.
What are the main ingredients needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires cream cheese, cooked diced chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, fresh coriander, jalapeno peppers, ground cumin, flour tortillas, and vegetable oil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 60 spiral slices.
How many calories are in a single spiral?
Each spiral contains approximately 46 calories.
How long should the rolls be refrigerated before slicing?
The tortillas should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and to make slicing easier.
At what temperature should I bake the chicken spirals?
The spirals should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long do the spirals need to bake?
Bake the spirals for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and crispy.
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken as long as it is thoroughly drained and diced before mixing with the other ingredients.
What size tortillas are recommended?
The recipe calls for three 10-inch flour tortillas.
How thick should the slices be?
Use a sharp knife to cut each roll into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Are these chicken spirals spicy?
They have a 'zesty' kick from the jalapeno peppers and ground cumin, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer peppers.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
They are best served hot with salsa and a dollop of cool sour cream.
Why do I need to brush the tops with vegetable oil?
Brushing the tops lightly with oil helps the tortillas become crispy and golden brown during the baking process.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its mild flavor and melting quality, you can substitute it with Pepper Jack or mild Cheddar.
Is fresh coriander necessary?
Fresh coriander adds a bright, herbal flavor, but if you dislike it, you can omit it or substitute it with fresh parsley.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2.5 grams of fat.
How much protein is provided per spiral?
There is approximately 1.6 grams of protein in each spiral.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each spiral has about 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient choice for the diced cooked chicken called for in the recipe.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, it is best to use softened cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the other filling ingredients.
Can I prepare the rolls a day in advance?
Yes, you can keep the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator overnight and slice them just before baking the next day.
How do I ensure the filling stays inside the tortilla?
Roll the tortilla tightly away from you and place it seam-side down to keep it secure while chilling and slicing.
Are these spirals baked or fried?
These spirals are baked in the oven, which makes them a lighter alternative to traditional fried appetizers.
What kind of jalapenos should I use?
You can use either fresh or canned diced jalapeno peppers depending on your preference and availability.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe, though it does require time for the rolls to chill.
Can I substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas are recommended because they are more pliable and easier to roll without breaking compared to corn tortillas.
How should I arrange them on the baking sheet?
Arrange the spiral slices on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even heat distribution.
Can these be eaten cold?
While they are delicious hot and crispy from the oven, they can also be enjoyed cold as a creamy pinwheel snack.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover spirals in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
To maintain their crispiness, it is best to reheat them in the oven or an air fryer until they are warmed through.