Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels: A Quick, Delicious Snack Recipe for Any Occasion

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If you’re looking for a snack that blends creamy textures, savory chicken, and a touch of sweetness, look no further. Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are the perfect solution, whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party or a simple snack for a cozy afternoon. These bite-sized wonders combine tender chicken, tangy feta, crunchy almonds, and juicy cranberries, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The best part? They’re quick and easy to make, taking only 15 minutes of prep time with no cooking required. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will undoubtedly become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, looking for a snack for your game day, or preparing an appetizer for a dinner party, Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are a hit. They are easy to serve, portable, and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

Simple to Make, No Cooking Required

This recipe doesn’t require turning on the oven or stovetop. It’s all about mixing ingredients, spreading the filling on tortillas, and letting the refrigerator do the rest. That means minimal mess and maximum flavor. With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a platter full of delicious pinwheels ready to serve. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Balanced Flavor Profile

The combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and Dijon mustard creates a rich and creamy base. The sweetness of dried cranberries pairs perfectly with the crunchy sliced almonds, and the feta cheese adds a sharp contrast, making every bite a delightful experience. The green onions contribute a mild onion flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

Before you start making these delicious pinwheels, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is simple, yet each component contributes to the overall richness and complexity of the dish.

Ingredients Table:

Ingredient	Amount
Cream Cheese	8 ounces
Sour Cream	½ cup
Dijon Mustard	2 teaspoons
Shredded Chicken	2 cups
Sliced Almonds	½ cup
Dried Cranberries	⅓ cup
Green Onions (sliced)	4
Feta Cheese	½ cup
10-inch Tortillas	3

You might already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, making it even easier to whip up this recipe whenever the craving strikes.

How to Make Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels in 3 Simple Steps

Now that you’ve got everything you need, let’s walk through the easy steps to make your own Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels.

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base

Start by mixing the cream cheese, sour cream, and Dijon mustard together in a medium-sized bowl. Using a hand mixer is ideal here, but a whisk or spoon will work too if you don’t have one. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy zing to the filling, complementing the richness of the cream cheese and sour cream.

Step 2: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Once the creamy base is ready, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Add the shredded chicken, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, sliced green onions, and feta cheese. Gently stir everything together until it’s well mixed. You want every bite to have a perfect balance of chicken, crunch, sweetness, and tang, so make sure the mixture is evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels

Take one of your tortillas and spread a generous amount of the creamy filling over the surface. Be sure to leave about a ½ inch border along the top and sides to avoid overflow when you roll it up. Once you’ve spread the filling, carefully roll up the tortilla as tightly as you can. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas and filling.

After rolling up the tortillas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for several hours. This step allows the pinwheels to firm up and makes them easier to slice. Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap and use a serrated knife to cut the rolls into 1-inch slices. Voilà—your Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are ready to serve!

Quick Prep and Perfect for Busy Days

One of the best parts about Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels is that they’re incredibly convenient for busy days. You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge for hours or even overnight. That means you can get everything ready the day before your event, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy.

These pinwheels also work great as a make-ahead lunch or snack. If you’re planning to serve them for lunch, you can easily pack them into a lunchbox or serve them alongside a salad for a light, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

While these pinwheels are a delicious indulgence, they also offer a reasonable amount of nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for each serving:

Nutritional Information	Per Serving (1 Pinwheel)
Calories	320 kcal
Servings	6 servings
Total Time	15 minutes

This means you can enjoy these pinwheels guilt-free, knowing they’re a great choice for an occasional treat or gathering.

Tips for Customizing Your Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. Here are a few variations and tips to help you customize your pinwheels to fit your tastes:

Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream

If you want a lighter option with a tangy twist, consider substituting the sour cream with Greek yogurt. It will still provide the creamy texture but with the added benefit of probiotics and extra protein.

Try Different Proteins

While shredded chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. Turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian filling of roasted vegetables or beans would all work well.

Add Extra Veggies

For more color and nutrition, you can throw in extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even shredded carrots. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also boost the overall healthfulness of the dish.

Make It Spicy

If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy filling. This will give your pinwheels a flavorful kick without overpowering the sweetness of the cranberries.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

Serving Ideas

• Appetizer for Parties: Serve your pinwheels on a platter as an appetizer at a party. They’ll be the talk of the event, and everyone will love their bite-sized convenience.
• Lunch or Dinner: Pair the pinwheels with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a quick and easy lunch. You can also serve them as a light dinner option for a family gathering.
• Snack on the Go: These pinwheels are perfect for busy days when you need a quick snack. Wrap them up and take them to work or school for a tasty treat on the go.

Storing Your Pinwheels

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a great option for meal prep. Just make sure to keep them tightly wrapped or stored to prevent them from drying out.

If you’re preparing them in advance, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating them overnight ensures they are well-chilled and ready to serve when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

What are the best tortillas to use for pinwheels?

Soft flour tortillas are the most common choice, as they’re easy to roll and provide a soft texture. However, whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can also be used for a healthier or dietary-specific alternative.

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pinwheels can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The flavors will continue to meld as they chill, making them even more delicious.

Can I substitute the chicken with something else?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian option like roasted vegetables. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.

How long do these pinwheels last in the fridge?

These pinwheels can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to preserve freshness.

Conclusion

Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are a simple yet flavorful dish that works for any occasion. They’re quick to prepare, full of delicious ingredients, and perfect for parties, snacks, or light meals. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just craving a tasty bite, these pinwheels are sure to impress. Try making them today and watch how quickly they become a staple in your recipe collection!

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