Zesty Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Recipe: A Fun Party Twist

Chicken cranberry pinwheels tantalize taste buds with their elegant spiral presentation and mouthwatering flavor combinations.

Soft tortillas become the canvas for a delightful culinary creation that balances savory and sweet notes perfectly.

The delicate rolls showcase a clever technique that enhances simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer or party snack.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright, tart cranberry accents, creating a harmonious bite-sized experience.

Each pinwheel promises a delightful surprise, rolling together tender chicken and zesty elements into a compact, visually appealing package.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate these versatile little rolls for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing potential.

Gathering friends and family around these colorful, compact treats will spark conversation and delight.

Why Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Are Great for Gatherings

• Savory Sweet Symphony: Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy cream cheese, tangy Dijon mustard, and sweet dried cranberries that create a perfect flavor harmony in every bite.
• Texture Treasure Trove: Experience a delightful mix of smooth cream cheese, tender shredded chicken, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery that offers an exciting textural adventure.
• Effortless Entertaining Delight: Whip up these crowd-pleasing pinwheels in just minutes, making them an ideal make-ahead appetizer for parties, potlucks, or quick lunch gatherings that will impress everyone with minimal effort.

Ingredients That Make Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Shine

• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds substantial texture and hearty flavor to the pinwheels.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbly cheese that provides a tangy and salty accent to the filling.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth base that helps hold ingredients together with rich, mild flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creamy consistency and subtle richness to the mixture.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a sharp, zesty kick to enhance overall taste profile.

• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart ingredient that brings bursts of fruity brightness.
• Green Onions, Celery: Fresh vegetables that contribute crisp texture and mild aromatic notes.
• Pecans: Toasted nuts offering nutty crunch and depth of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and elevating the entire dish.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable base for rolling the pinwheel filling.

• Plastic Wrap: Used for chilling and maintaining pinwheel shape.
• Damp Paper Towel: Helps soften tortillas for easier rolling.

How to Roll and Slice Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard using a wooden spoon until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Create Filling

• Shredded Chicken
• Chopped Celery
• Sliced Green Onions
• Dried Cranberries
• Toasted Pecans
• Crumbled Feta Cheese

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Season The Mixture

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavor, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas

Place flour tortillas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a slightly damp paper towel and microwave on high power for 20 seconds to make them pliable and easy to roll.

Step 5: Assemble Pinwheels

Spread an even layer of the prepared mixture across each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly, ensuring a compact and neat cylindrical shape.

Step 6: Chill And Set

Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the pinwheels to firm up and hold their shape.

Step 7: Slice And Serve

Remove chilled rolls from refrigerator. Cut into bite-sized 1-inch slices using a sharp knife. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Assembling Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Neatly

• Soften Tortillas Perfectly: Microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate rolls for at least an hour to let ingredients meld and make slicing cleaner.
• Balance Texture Carefully: Toast pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add satisfying crunch.
• Mix Thoroughly: Stir filling ingredients gently but completely to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp serrated knife and clean between cuts for neat, attractive pinwheel presentation.

Keeping Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Fresh After Serving

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrapping Technique: Tightly wrap individual pinwheels in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent them from drying out and maintain their texture.
• Reheating Method: Gently warm pinwheels in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to restore their original taste and softness.

Best Side Ideas for Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy, tangy flavors of the chicken and cranberry pinwheels perfectly, cutting through the richness with their bright acidity.
• Match with Light Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the pinwheels' creamy texture and add a zesty contrast to the dish.
• Serve with Sparkling Beverage: Prosecco or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy filling and adds a celebratory touch to the appetizer.
• Accompany with Fruit Chutney: A small side of cranberry or apple chutney enhances the existing cranberry notes and adds a sweet-tart dimension to the pinwheels.

Ways to Vary Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Without Fuss

• Spicy Southwest Pinwheels: Replace dried cranberries with diced jalapeños, swap feta for pepper jack cheese, and add a dash of chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Pinwheels: Incorporate chopped fresh basil, sundried tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Asian Fusion Pinwheels: Mix in shredded carrots, chopped water chestnuts, green onions, and replace Dijon mustard with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired version.
• Greek-Style Pinwheels: Add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and replace mayonnaise with tzatziki sauce for a refreshing Greek-inspired variation.

Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory chicken cranberry pinwheels bring Mediterranean zest to appetizer tables with elegant spirals of tender chicken and tangy cranberry. Creamy cheese and herb-infused filling roll into delightful bite-sized treats perfect for gatherings where guests crave sophisticated flavor combinations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) crumbled feta cheese

Herbs, Vegetables, and Seasoning:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup (40 grams) finely chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ⅔ cup (100 grams) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped toasted pecans
• 4 large flour tortillas

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Instructions

1. Whisk cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate shredded chicken, finely diced celery, delicately sliced green onions, ruby-red dried cranberries, golden toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese into the creamy base, ensuring thorough distribution of ingredients.
3. Enhance the mixture with a judicious sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting seasoning to personal taste preferences.
4. Gently warm flour tortillas using a microwave, placing them on a microwave-safe plate and covering with a slightly dampened cloth to prevent moisture loss and enhance pliability.
5. Evenly distribute the prepared filling across each tortilla, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
6. Carefully roll each tortilla into a tight cylindrical shape, applying gentle pressure to maintain structural integrity.
7. Securely encase each pinwheel roll in translucent plastic wrap, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour to allow flavors to meld and facilitate easier slicing.
8. Remove chilled rolls from refrigeration and slice into uniform medallions approximately one inch thick, presenting a beautiful cross-section of vibrant ingredients.
9. Arrange pinwheel slices on a serving platter, ready to be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or light meal accompaniment.

Notes

• Prep ahead by chilling the pinwheels to help them hold their shape and enhance flavor melding.
• Softening tortillas prevents cracking and makes rolling easier without tearing.
• Toast pecans briefly to release their rich, nutty essence and add delightful crunch to the filling.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors in every bite.
• Serve chilled as a stunning appetizer or quick lunch that impresses with minimal effort.
• Store wrapped tightly in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for advance party planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg