Looking for a fun and easy snack? Try my BBQ Chicken Pizza Pinwheels! These tasty wraps combine tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, all rolled into one scrumptious bite. They're perfect for parties, game days, or just a quick meal at home. In this blog post, I’ll show you exactly how to make them, along with tips and tricks for the best flavor. Let’s get rolling!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of BBQ sauce, chicken, and cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that is always a hit.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these pinwheels come together quickly, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Fun to Eat: The pinwheel shape makes them easy to grab and enjoy, making them ideal for parties or game day snacks.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the fillings to suit your taste, adding ingredients like jalapeños or different cheeses for a unique twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Flavor Components
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Essential Wrap and Seasoning
- 1 large flour tortilla (10-12 inch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
To create BBQ Chicken Pizza Pinwheels, you need key ingredients for flavor and texture. First, the cooked, shredded chicken provides a tasty base. I like to use rotisserie chicken for its ease and flavor. Next, BBQ sauce adds sweetness and tang. Choose your favorite brand for the best results.
The shredded mozzarella cheese gives a creamy, melty touch. It binds the filling together and helps hold the pinwheels in shape. Now, let’s add some crunch and color! Diced red onion gives a sharp taste, while sliced black olives add richness. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish with its herbaceous notes.
Finally, don’t forget the large flour tortilla. It wraps everything up nicely and makes for easy eating. Brushing it with olive oil keeps it moist and adds flavor. The seasoning of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhances the taste. Use these ingredients to make a delicious and fun snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is very important. This step helps your pinwheels cook evenly. If you skip this, your pinwheels may not brown well. A hot oven makes sure that the cheese melts perfectly and the edges turn golden.
Prepare the Filling
To make the filling, mix 1 cup of shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated. Next, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of sliced black olives, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. This mix creates a tasty and colorful filling that everyone will love.
Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Brush it lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick. Then sprinkle 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Spread your chicken mixture over the tortilla, leaving about an inch around the edges. This space helps keep the filling from spilling out. Now it’s time to roll! Start from one edge and roll the tortilla tightly. A tight roll makes for better pinwheels.
Baking the Pinwheels
Slice the rolled tortilla into 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should get about 8 to 10 pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They are done when the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly. After baking, let them cool a few minutes. This way, you avoid burns. Enjoy these pinwheels warm for the best taste!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Flavorful Pinwheels
To make great pinwheels, you need the right ingredients. Start with one cup of shredded chicken and half a cup of BBQ sauce. This mix gives a rich taste. Add one cup of mozzarella cheese for creaminess. The red onion, olives, and cilantro add crunch and freshness.
Evenly distribute seasonings across the tortilla. Use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle them lightly on the tortilla before adding the filling. This way, every bite will be tasty.
Slicing and Serving
When slicing your pinwheels, use a sharp knife. Cut the rolled tortilla into one-inch thick pieces. To keep the cuts clean, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices. This helps avoid a messy look.
For garnishing, place the pinwheels on a colorful platter. Add extra cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Drizzle some BBQ sauce over the pinwheels for added flavor. Serve with ranch or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Making Ahead
You can prepare these pinwheels in advance. Make them a few hours before your guests arrive. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
For leftovers, you can microwave them. Place the pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for about 30 seconds to one minute. This warms them up without losing flavor. Enjoy your tasty snack later!
Pro Tips
- Use Grilled Chicken: For extra flavor, try using grilled chicken instead of plain shredded chicken. The smoky taste will enhance the overall flavor of your pinwheels.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on taste and texture.
- Chill Before Slicing: If you find it hard to slice the pinwheels neatly, chill the rolled tortilla in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before cutting. This helps firm up the filling.
- Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Add jalapeños for heat, or replace black olives with artichokes for a Mediterranean spin.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up the proteins in your BBQ Chicken Pizza Pinwheels. If you want a lighter option, use turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian choice, try tofu. It absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture.
You may also want to change the cheese. If you need a dairy-free option, seek out dairy-free cheese. There are many good brands that melt nicely and taste great. This keeps your pinwheels tasty while fitting your diet.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to kick up the heat? Add jalapeños to your filling. They bring a nice spicy kick that pairs well with BBQ sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
You can also play with herbs and spices. Try adding fresh basil or oregano for a new twist. These herbs add depth and freshness. Experimenting with different flavors makes cooking fun!
Serving Suggestions
These pinwheels pair well with dips. Ranch dressing or extra BBQ sauce makes great options for dipping. You can also serve them with a side salad for balance.
Consider the occasion when serving. For parties, arrange them on a colorful platter. Add garnishes like cilantro or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for flair. For casual meals, serve them warm right from the oven. They are easy to share and perfect for any setting.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store your BBQ chicken pizza pinwheels, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, simply reheat them in the oven.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze your pinwheels before or after you bake them. To freeze before baking, wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, and they can last up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap and store in a freezer bag.
When you are ready to enjoy your frozen pinwheels, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Quality Maintenance
Watch for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If you see these signs, it's best to discard them. To keep the pinwheels' texture, reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave. This helps to keep them crispy and delicious.
FAQs
What can I substitute for shredded chicken?
If you need to swap out shredded chicken, there are tasty options. Use shredded turkey for a leaner choice. For a plant-based option, try shredded jackfruit or tofu. Both mimic the texture well. If you enjoy seafood, cooked, shredded crab or shrimp works too. Each option adds a unique flavor to your pinwheels.
Can I make these pinwheels in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these pinwheels ahead of time. Make the pinwheels and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This keeps them fresh and ready to bake. When you’re ready, just slice and bake as usual.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, place pinwheels in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each pinwheel in foil and place in a freezer bag. When reheating, bake directly from frozen for great results.
These BBQ chicken pinwheels are fun and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients, from shredded chicken to flavorful spices. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure your pinwheels turn out great. You learned helpful tips for prepping and serving, plus some tasty variations. Finally, we discussed best storage practices for leftovers. Enjoy these tasty pinwheels at your next party or meal. They're sure to be a hit!
