Are you ready to take your snack game to the next level? BBQ Chicken Pizza Pinwheels are the perfect mix of flavor and fun! Ideal for parties, game nights, or a simple treat, these pinwheels are easy to make and delicious to eat. With just a few tasty ingredients, you can whip up this irresistible snack in no time. Let's dive into the recipe and make your next gathering unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of BBQ sauce, chicken, and cheese creates a delicious flavor explosion in every bite.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients like cheese or veggies to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly: These pinwheels are fun to eat and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 large flour tortilla (10-12 inch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For BBQ Chicken Pizza Pinwheels, you need simple and tasty ingredients. Each one adds flavor and fun.
- Cooked, shredded chicken is the star. It makes the pinwheels hearty.
- BBQ sauce gives a sweet and smoky taste. Use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
- Diced red onion brings a nice crunch and bite.
- Sliced black olives add a touch of saltiness and contrast.
- Chopped fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with freshness.
- A large flour tortilla holds all the goodness together.
- Olive oil helps the tortilla crisp up in the oven.
- Garlic powder and onion powder add extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper are key to making everything taste just right.
With these ingredients, you create a tasty snack. Each bite will delight your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce. Add mozzarella, red onion, black olives, and cilantro. Stir well until everything is combined.
Assembling the Pinwheels
- Lay out the large flour tortilla on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the tortilla.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla. Leave about an inch of space at the edges.
- Roll the tortilla tightly, starting at one end. Make sure the filling stays inside as you roll.
Baking and Serving
- Slice the rolled tortilla into 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should get about 8-10 pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Assembly
To keep the filling from spilling out, spread the chicken mixture evenly. Leave about an inch of space at the edges of the tortilla. This space helps when you roll it up. Tightly roll from one end to the other. If the filling is loose, it might ooze out. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into pinwheels. This way, they stay intact and look nice.
Perfect Baking Techniques
To achieve a golden color and bubbly cheese, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pinwheels for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want the cheese to melt and the edges to turn golden brown. If the cheese isn’t bubbly yet, give it a few more minutes. Just watch closely so they don’t burn.
Enhancing Flavor
For more flavor, try adding extra spices. You can use smoked paprika or chili powder. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also work well. If you love heat, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For toppings, consider avocado or a drizzle of ranch dressing. These add to the taste and make the pinwheels even more fun!
Pro Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It's already cooked and adds great flavor.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or bell peppers to suit your taste preferences!
- Keep It Tight: When rolling the tortilla, make sure to roll it tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Enhance your pinwheels by serving them with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Variations
Alternative Fillings
You can change the filling in your BBQ chicken pizza pinwheels for fun! Try using different proteins like turkey or beef. For a veggie twist, add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. These options let you cater to your taste and add more color.
Different Sauces
BBQ sauce is great, but don’t stop there! Try ranch, buffalo sauce, or pesto for a new flavor. Each sauce brings its own taste. This gives you a way to mix it up and create new favorites that your friends will love.
Tortilla Options
Tortillas are not just flour! You can use whole wheat for a healthier choice. Spinach tortillas add a fun color and flavor. If you need gluten-free, there are many options made from rice or corn. Each tortilla type changes the taste and look of your pinwheels, making them unique!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your BBQ chicken pizza pinwheels fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps to prevent them from drying out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Always let them cool to room temperature before sealing. This step stops condensation from making them soggy. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or warm them up.
Freezing the Pinwheels
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the pinwheels before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag and store them for up to two months. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool first. Then wrap and store them the same way. When you’re ready, just bake them straight from the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat pinwheels and keep them tasty, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. This helps keep them moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they're warm. If you use an air fryer, cook at 325°F (160°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can use many types of cheese. Try cheddar for a sharper taste. Monterey Jack adds a creamy texture. You can mix different cheeses for more flavor. Just remember that mozzarella melts well and gives that classic pizza feel.
How do I make these pinwheels spicier?
To add spice, mix in jalapeños or hot sauce. Adding pepper jack cheese also gives heat. You can sprinkle red pepper flakes in the chicken mix. Start small and taste as you go. Adjust the spice to your liking for the perfect kick.
Can I make BBQ chicken pizza pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these pinwheels ahead. Roll and slice them, then wrap in plastic. Store in the fridge for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze them. Just bake straight from the freezer; they may need a few extra minutes. This makes meal prep easy and fun!
This article covered a fun and tasty BBQ chicken pinwheels recipe. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare, assemble, and bake the dish. I shared tips to make these pinwheels even better, plus ideas for variations to suit your taste. Don't forget how to store and reheat them for fresh bites later. Enjoy these simple steps to create a delicious snack or meal that will impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!
