Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are the perfect make-ahead appetizer when you need something easy that looks impressive. These pinwheels combine tender chicken with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans in a creamy filling that everyone loves.
Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels
What I love most is that you can prep these an hour before your guests arrive, slice them up, and have a beautiful appetizer platter ready in minutes. They’re ideal for game day parties, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need finger food that actually tastes amazing.
Ingredients & Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large flour tortillas
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Cooked and shredded chicken
- Dried cranberries
- Pecans
- Green onions
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Cutting board
- Serrated knife
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 24 servings. It takes 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of down time.
Step 1. Slice the green onions.
Step 2. In a small bowl mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and mustard.
Step 3. Divide the mixture between the 4 tortillas, and spread across the entire surface.
Step 4. Divide and sprinkle the chicken across the tortillas, then the cranberries, walnuts and green onions.
Step 5. Start from one end and tightly roll each tortilla into itself, until it meets the other end.
Step 6. Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
Step 7. Right before serving, remove the plastic wrap and cut each tortilla roll into one inch pieces, discarding the ends.
Step 8. Arrange on a platter to serve.
Variations
- Turkey Swap – Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a perfect post-holiday appetizer
- Dried Fruit Options – Try dried cherries or chopped dried apricots instead of cranberries
- Nut Variations – Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or candied pecans for extra sweetness
- Add Greens – Mix in some baby spinach or arugula for added color and nutrition
- Spicy Version – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cream cheese
- Herb Boost – Mix in fresh dill or parsley to the cream cheese mixture
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them tightly wrapped to prevent the tortillas from drying out. You can also prepare the rolls ahead and keep them wrapped for up to 24 hours before slicing, which makes party prep even easier.
Tips & Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken – This saves so much time and adds great flavor to the pinwheels
- Soften the cream cheese – Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened so it spreads easily without tearing the tortillas
- Spread to the edges – Cover the entire tortilla with the cream cheese mixture to help everything stick together
- Roll tightly – The tighter you roll, the better your pinwheels will hold together when sliced
- Sharp knife is key – Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the prettiest slices
- Chill before slicing – Don’t skip the refrigeration time as it helps the pinwheels hold their shape when you cut them
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels the day before?
Yes, you can prepare the rolled tortillas up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and slice them right before serving for the freshest presentation.
What kind of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe because it’s already cooked and flavorful. You can also use leftover baked or grilled chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Can I freeze chicken cranberry pinwheels?
These don’t freeze well because the cream cheese filling and tortillas don’t hold up to freezing. It’s best to make them fresh or just a day ahead.
How do I keep the tortillas from cracking when I roll them?
Make sure to spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges, and if your tortillas seem stiff, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make them more pliable.
Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
Absolutely! Whole wheat tortillas work great and add a nutty flavor that pairs well with the cranberries and pecans.
What can I serve with these pinwheels?
These are great on their own, but you can serve them with crackers, fresh vegetables, or alongside other cold appetizers like veggie trays or cheese platters.
More Easy Pinwheel Recipes
- Turkey Club Pinwheels
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Spinach Pinwheels
- Taco Pinwheels
- Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
- Veggie Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 4 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Slice the green onions.
- In a small bowl mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and mustard.
- Divide the mixture between the 4 tortillas, and spread across the entire surface.
- Divide and sprinkle the chicken across the tortillas, then the cranberries, walnuts and green onions.
- Start from one end and tightly roll each tortilla into itself, until it meets the other end.
- Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
- Right before serving, remove the plastic wrap and cut each tortilla roll into one inch pieces, discarding the ends.
- Arrange on a platter to serve.
Notes
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