Essential Ingredients for Your Cream Cheese Chicken Pinwheels

To prepare these delightful cold chicken roll-ups with cream cheese, you’ll need a handful of fresh and flavorful ingredients. The precise quantities can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this blog post, but here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe truly special:

Choosing the Perfect Tortilla Wraps

Navigating the wide array of tortilla wraps available can sometimes feel overwhelming. The short and sweet answer? Use the tortillas you enjoy the most! For this recipe, I typically opt for a natural, plain flour tortilla, as it provides a neutral canvas for the vibrant flavors of the filling. However, feel free to experiment:

• Whole Wheat or Multigrain Wraps: These add a subtle nutty flavor and a heartier texture, which pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken. They also offer added fiber, making your roll-ups a bit more nutritious.
• Vegetable Tortillas: If you’re looking to add a touch of color and a mild flavor, spinach tortillas are an excellent choice. Their taste is relatively neutral, allowing the herb cream cheese and chicken to shine without competing for attention. Avoid strongly flavored vegetable tortillas that might clash with the other ingredients.
• Size Matters: Standard 8-10 inch (20-25 cm) tortillas work best for creating neatly rolled pinwheels. Larger ones might be harder to manage, while smaller ones yield tiny roll-ups.

Selecting the Best Chicken for Your Roll-Ups

The chicken component is crucial for these savory roll-ups. I highly recommend using thinly sliced chicken breast from the deli department. Here’s why:

• Flavor and Texture: Deli chicken breast often undergoes a process of pressing, brining, boiling, and grilling, which imparts a distinct salty, savory taste and a tender, firm texture that holds up well in a wrap. A slightly thicker slice is preferable over very thin ones, as it contributes more flavor and substance to each bite.
• Convenience: Using pre-cooked deli meat significantly cuts down on preparation time, making this a truly quick recipe.
• Alternative: Smoked Chicken: For a different flavor profile, smoked chicken is a fantastic substitute. Simply cut it into thin strips and distribute it evenly over your wraps. Its robust, smoky notes add another layer of deliciousness.
• Leftover Cooked Chicken: If you have leftover roasted, baked, or shredded rotisserie chicken, you can certainly use it. Just ensure it’s finely shredded or diced and seasoned well to match the savory profile of deli chicken.

The Magic of Herb Cream Cheese

The cream cheese serves as the delicious binder and a major flavor contributor to these roll-ups. Don’t settle for plain cream cheese – opt for one generously infused with herbs. My personal favorite varieties include:

• Chives: These provide a mild, oniony freshness that brightens the entire dish.
• Parsley: Offers a clean, slightly peppery flavor and a lovely green fleck.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory depth that perfectly complements the chicken.

Many pre-made herb cream cheeses combine these and other seasonings like dill, onion powder, or even a touch of black pepper. If you only have plain cream cheese, you can easily make your own herbed version by mixing in finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, a pinch of garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper. This ensures that every bite of these roll-ups is packed with an extra layer of irresistible flavor.

How to Make Quick and Tasty Chicken Roll-Ups: Step-by-Step

Crafting these delicious chicken tortilla roll-ups is incredibly straightforward, making them accessible even for novice cooks. For an extensive recipe with exact ingredient amounts, detailed steps, and an easy-to-print format, please refer to the recipe card located at the very end of this blog post. However, here’s a simplified breakdown of the process to guide you:

First, gently warm your tortilla in a dry skillet for just a few seconds on each side. This crucial step makes the tortilla more pliable and prevents it from tearing when you roll it. Once warm, spread a generous layer of your chosen herb cream cheese evenly across the entire surface of the tortilla, almost to the edges. Next, arrange three slices of deli chicken breast (or your thinly sliced smoked chicken) over the cream cheese, ensuring good coverage. Sprinkle a light scattering of freshly chopped chives over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Finally, layer some crisp iceberg lettuce across the tortilla. Roll it up tightly, creating a firm, compact wrap with a diameter of approximately 1 inch (2 cm). To help the flavors meld and the roll-up set its shape, wrap each chicken tortilla roll tightly in plastic film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When you’re ready to serve, simply unwrap, slice into ½ inch (1 cm) thick pinwheels, and secure them with small skewers for easy handling.

• Warming the tortilla: This isn’t about cooking the tortilla, but rather making it more flexible. A brief warm-up (5 to 10 seconds on medium heat in a dry skillet, or even a few seconds in the microwave) will soften it just enough to allow for a tight roll without any frustrating cracks or tears.
• Roll into plastic foil: This step is key for success. Wrapping the assembled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and chilling them for at least an hour serves two important purposes: it allows all the delicious flavors to meld beautifully, becoming more integrated and satisfying, and it helps the wrap maintain its firm, rolled shape, making it much easier to slice into neat pinwheels.
• Cut or eat for lunch: While these are fantastic as bite-sized appetizers, don’t limit their potential! You can also enjoy a whole, unsliced wrap as a quick, satisfying lunch. This versatility makes them an incredibly handy recipe to have in your repertoire, whether you’re planning a party or simply looking for an easy meal prep idea.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels

Achieving perfectly uniform and flavorful chicken tortilla roll-ups is simple with a few insider tips. These pointers will ensure your pinwheels are not only delicious but also beautifully presented and easy to enjoy:

• Even Spreading is Key: Ensure the cream cheese is spread evenly across the entire tortilla, right to the edges. This creates a consistent base for your fillings and helps the roll-up hold together better.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on fillings, too much will make the wrap difficult to roll tightly and prone to breaking apart. Stick to the suggested amounts for the best results.
• Chill Thoroughly: The chilling step is non-negotiable! It allows the cream cheese to firm up and the tortilla to set, preventing the pinwheels from unrolling or becoming messy when sliced. Plan for at least an hour, or even two, for optimal results.
• Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing the chilled roll-ups, a very sharp knife is essential for clean, neat cuts. A dull knife will squish the roll-up and make a mess. For extra precision, you can wipe the blade clean between each slice.

Creative Variations to Explore

While the classic chicken and herb cream cheese combination is a winner, these tortilla roll-ups are incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:

• Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeños into your cream cheese for a fiery twist.
• Different Meats: Instead of chicken, consider thinly sliced smoked turkey, roast beef, or even ham for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and crunch with finely shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), or a layer of fresh spinach leaves.
• Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle a light layer of finely shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend over the chicken before rolling.
• Southwestern Flair: Add a tablespoon of black beans and corn (drained) to the filling for a Tex-Mex inspired pinwheel. A touch of cilantro in the cream cheese would be fantastic here.
• Mediterranean Touch: Replace chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and add a sprinkle of feta cheese and finely chopped black olives.

Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion

These chicken tortilla roll-ups are perfect for a wide variety of events and meals. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• Party Appetizer: As mentioned, they shine as finger food. Arrange them artfully on a platter, perhaps with a garnish of extra fresh chives or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Skewers make them easy for guests to pick up.
• Lunchbox Hero: Pack a few unsliced roll-ups or pre-sliced pinwheels in lunchboxes for a wholesome and exciting midday meal. They hold up well and are a refreshing alternative to traditional sandwiches.
• Picnics and Potlucks: Since they are served cold and travel well, they are perfect for outdoor events or gatherings where refrigeration might be limited. Keep them in a cooler until ready to serve.
• Game Day Snack: Serve them alongside other game day favorites like chips, salsa, and wings for a winning spread.
• Light Dinner: Pair a larger portion of these roll-ups with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a light yet satisfying dinner.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the many advantages of these chicken tortilla roll-ups is their fantastic make-ahead potential, which makes entertaining so much easier. Here’s how to manage them for maximum freshness and convenience:

• Refrigerator Storage: You can prepare the entire batch of cold chicken roll-ups up to two days in advance. Simply keep them tightly wrapped in plastic film in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to truly develop and meld, often tasting even better the next day!
• Freezing for Longer Storage: If you’re looking to extend their shelf life, these roll-ups can be frozen, with a slight modification. It’s crucial to remove the iceberg lettuce (or omit adding it initially) before freezing, as lettuce does not freeze well and will become soggy upon thawing. Cut the tortillas into small strips or pinwheels, spread them out on a baking tray, and freeze them for about 2 hours until solid. Once firm, transfer the individual pieces to a freezer-safe container or a re-sealable freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, and then add fresh iceberg lettuce just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch.
• Serving Temperature: These roll-ups are best served chilled, making them a refreshing option, especially during warmer months.

📖 Recipe Card

RECIPE CARD

Chicken tortilla roll ups

Andréa

Tortilla pinwheels are a fantastic addition to any party. These Chicken Tortilla Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese are quick, easy, and incredibly delicious!

5 of 4 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Rest time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizers and Snacks, Lunch

Cuisine Other

Servings 16 appetizers

Calories 24 kcal

Equipment

• plastic foil
• Chef’s knife
• frying pan

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 tortillas
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cream cheese with herbs, chives, parsley, garlic etc.
• ▢ 6 slices deli chicken breast, or small strips smoked chicken
• ▢ 3 stalks chives, sliced finely
• ▢ 1 cup iceberg lettuce, sliced coarse

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Instructions

• ▢
  Heat the tortilla wraps in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 to 10 seconds.
  2 tortillas
• ▢
  Smear the cream cheese on one side of the tortilla.
  3 tablespoons cream cheese with herbs
• ▢
  Spread three slices of chicken breast on each tortilla.
  6 slices deli chicken breast
• ▢
  Sprinkle with chopped chives and iceberg lettuce.
  3 stalks chives, 1 cup iceberg lettuce
• ▢
  Roll up the tortillas so that they have a diameter of about 1 inch (2 cm). Wrap in plastic foil. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
• ▢
  Remove from the fridge and eat immediately or cut into slices of about ½ inch (1 cm) (and serve as an appetizer).

Notes

1. – Tortillas

Don’t know which tortilla to choose? The answer is simple: use the tortillas you like the most. I opted for a natural one, without added flavor. Whole wheat or multigrain tortillas can add a slightly nutty flavor to the wrap, which combines deliciously with the chicken. If you prefer a vegetable tortilla, I recommend the spinach tortilla. It has a neutral taste, and the extra flavor isn’t immediately necessary due to the herb cream cheese and savory chicken breast.

Warming – Briefly heating the tortilla in a dry skillet makes it more pliable and prevents tearing when rolling. They don’t need to be hot; just a little warm (5 to 10 seconds on medium heat) is sufficient.

 

2. – Cream cheese with herbs

Use cream cheese with added herbs, such as chives (my favorite), parsley, and/or garlic. This truly enhances the flavor and adds an extra dimension to these roll-ups.

 

3. – Store in plastic foil

Rolling the wraps tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating them for an hour allows the flavors to blend beautifully and helps the roll-ups hold their shape for perfect slicing.

 

4. – Storage

• Refrigerator – You can keep these cold chicken roll-ups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making them an excellent make-ahead option. Store them in their plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• Freezer – If freezing, remove the iceberg lettuce first (or don’t add it at all). Iceberg lettuce does not freeze well! Cut the tortillas into small strips or pinwheels and spread them out on a baking tray. Freeze for 2 hours until solid, then gather them into a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay good for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Remember to add fresh iceberg lettuce just before serving for the best texture.

 

5.- Nutritional value

The nutritional values ​​shown are per individual snack portion. If you consume a whole wrap for lunch, the nutritional value per wrap will be approximately 8 times the value shown per snack.

Nutrition

Calories: 24kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 1mgIron: 1mg

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