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Savory Delight: Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels for the Busy Cook

Life can sometimes feel like a swirling tornado of responsibilities, especially for our wonderful multitasking women balancing family, work, and everything in between. If you find yourself in need of a quick, delicious solution for lunch or an appetizer that delights, look no further than our Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels! With vibrant flavors and an easy-to-follow process, this recipe might just become your new go-to for impressing both family and friends.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

These pinwheels are more than just a pretty plate! The combination of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, and creamy cheese rolled up in a delightful tortilla makes for an irresistible bite-sized treat. They’re perfect for school lunch boxes (trust me, the kids will love them), casual gatherings, or just a cozy night in with your loved ones. Plus, they’re quick enough that you can whip them up even on the busiest of days!

Ingredients

Before you dive into the kitchen, let’s make sure you’ve got all your stars lined up:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (yes, you can use leftovers!)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (because everything is better with cream cheese!)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade, no judgement here!)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (adds a nice crunch!)
• 4 large flour tortillas (the canvas for your masterpiece)
• Salt and pepper to taste (always seasoning, darling!)
• Optional: fresh spinach or arugula for a leafy green twist

Steps to Create Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

1. Mix It Up: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well incorporated. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some dijon mustard for a zesty kick!

2. Spread the Love: Take a tortilla and slather on a generous layer of the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy; this is your chance to create flavor magic. If you’re using spinach or arugula, lay a few leaves on top too.

3. Roll It: Starting from one end, tightly roll the tortilla away from you. You want it snug but not so tight that it squeezes out all the delicious filling. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces — about 1-inch thick works best.

4. Plate and Serve: Arrange your pinwheels on a platter, and voilà, they’re ready to impress! You can serve them immediately, or chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes — just enough time for them to meld those lovely flavors together.

Cooking Tips

• Make Ahead: These pinwheels can be prepared a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. They’ll be ready when you are!
• Variations Galore: Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or shrimp, and mix in whatever fresh veggies you have on hand. The world is your oyster!
• Snack Attack: Cutting them into smaller pieces or shapes can make great bite-sized snacks for parties, and they look so cute too!

A Personal Note

This recipe became a staple in my household after my sister Patricia’s two kids devoured them at a family picnic. Honestly, watching them munch away while getting their fingers sticky made my heart swell. It’s always a joy to see kids loving what you create!

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded turkey works great too, or for a vegetarian option, try using roasted veggies or black beans.

How can I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftover pinwheels in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to two days. They make for a fantastic snack!

What else can I add to my pinwheels?
Feel free to get creative! Diced bell peppers, avocado, or even some sliced almonds can take these pinwheels to the next level.

With these Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels, you’ll never have to worry about what to make for lunch or that last-minute gathering again. They embody everything you love about food — comfort, ease, and a hint of joy. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make those taste buds dance!

And if you’re looking for more delicious ideas, be sure to check out my Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip or Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry for more meal inspiration!

Meta Description:
Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are the perfect quick and easy recipe for busy days. Simple to prepare and delicious, they’re sure to shine!

Feel free to dive into your culinary journey, embrace the creativity, and make these delightful pinwheels your own! Happy cooking!

Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

These pinwheels are a delightful combination of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, and creamy cheese rolled in a tortilla — perfect for lunches, gatherings, or cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Leftover chicken works well.
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened Everything is better with cream cheese!
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce Store-bought or homemade.
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions Adds a nice crunch.
• 4 large flour tortillas The canvas for your masterpiece.
• Salt and pepper to taste Always seasoning, darling!
• Optional: fresh spinach or arugula For a leafy green twist.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
2. Take a tortilla and spread a generous layer of the chicken mixture. If using spinach or arugula, lay a few leaves on top.
3. Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly away from you. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick.
4. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors.

Notes

These pinwheels can be prepared a day in advance; just wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or shrimp, and add fresh veggies as desired. Cutting them into smaller pieces can make for great snacks.