Mexican Chicken Pinwheels
Mexican Chicken Pinwheels are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a blend of tender chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds wrapped in a soft tortilla.
these pinwheels offer a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors. Whether you’re preparing them for a party.
a picnic, or just a quick snack, these pinwheels are always a hit and can be easily customized to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
For 36 pieces of Mexican Chicken Pinwheels, you will need the following ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, finely shredded
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon garlic salt
3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
½ cup thinly sliced red seedless grapes
⅓ cup sliced almonds
Salt and pepper to taste
4 burrito-sized tortillas
These simple ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making the pinwheels both satisfying and delicious.
Instructions
Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either boil, grill, or pan-sear the chicken until it’s fully cooked. Once the chicken is ready, finely shred it using two forks or a food processor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, green onions, dried minced onion, garlic salt, and light brown sugar.
Mix everything together until well-combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly coated with the mayonnaise mixture.
Add the sliced grapes and sliced almonds to the mixture and carefully mix them in, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Lay out the four burrito-sized tortillas on a flat surface. Evenly spread the chicken mixture over each tortilla, ensuring that it covers the surface in a thin, even layer.
Once the tortillas are filled, carefully roll them up, tucking in the edges as you go to create a tight roll. Once all the tortillas are rolled.
wrap each one in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the pinwheels will help them set and make them easier to slice.
After they’ve chilled, remove the tortillas from the fridge. Slice each rolled tortilla into small pinwheels, about 1-inch wide. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and serve.
How to Make
Making Mexican Chicken Pinwheels is a quick and easy process. First, cook and shred the chicken.
Whether you boil, grill, or pan-sear the chicken breasts, ensure they are cooked through and shredded into small pieces.
Once the chicken is ready, prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, green onions, dried minced onion.
garlic salt, and light brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the shredded chicken to the mayo mixture and fold until the chicken is fully coated. Then, fold in the sliced grapes and sliced almonds to add a sweet and crunchy element to the filling.
Spread the mixture evenly over the tortillas. It’s important to use burrito-sized tortillas so that you can roll them up tightly.
After spreading the chicken mixture, carefully roll the tortillas, ensuring they are snug but not too tight.
Once all tortillas are rolled, wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep them fresh. Refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to help them firm up, making them easier to slice.
After chilling, slice the rolls into small bite-sized pinwheels. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day before serving.
Variations
While the classic Mexican Chicken Pinwheels are delicious on their own, there are several variations you can try to customize the recipe.
For a spicy kick, add some finely chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
This will give the pinwheels an extra layer of heat that pairs well with the sweetness of the grapes.
For a tangy twist, you could mix in some chopped pickles or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the mayo mixture.
This adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness and brings a unique flavor profile to the pinwheels.
If you’re a fan of creamy cheese, adding some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the mixture can add richness and depth.
It will melt slightly when chilled, adding a gooey texture that complements the other ingredients.
For those seeking a healthier alternative, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, which will still give.
the pinwheels creaminess but with added protein. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier, fiber-rich base.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a mixture of black beans and corn. This gives.
the pinwheels a Mexican-inspired filling without the meat, and you can still enjoy the sweetness of the grapes and the crunch of the almonds.
If you prefer a more savory version, you can skip the grapes and replace them with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes, which will add a rich, tangy flavor to the pinwheels.
Lastly, if you want to make these pinwheels ahead of time for a party or gathering, you can prepare them and freeze them.
Simply slice them after freezing, and they’ll be ready to serve at a later time.
Tips
To make shredding chicken easier, you can use a stand mixer or hand mixer to break the chicken apart quickly.
This saves time and ensures a fine shred that will mix well with the other ingredients.
If you want to add a bit of freshness, feel free to include a handful of chopped cilantro in the mixture. It adds a vibrant, fresh flavor that complements the other ingredients.
When assembling the pinwheels, make sure to spread the chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla.
ensuring there are no lumps or gaps. This ensures that each bite will have the perfect combination of flavors.
Chilling the pinwheels before slicing them is essential for achieving clean cuts. You can even leave them in the fridge overnight, making them an ideal make-ahead dish for parties or gatherings.
If you don’t have sliced almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts can be used as a substitute, adding a different type of crunch to the pinwheels.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can serve the pinwheels with a dipping sauce like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. This adds a nice accompaniment to the dish and enhances the overall flavor.
Lastly, be sure to slice the pinwheels just before serving. Slicing them too early can cause them to lose their shape and may make them less visually appealing.
Conclusion
Mexican Chicken Pinwheels are an easy and delicious dish that brings together a wonderful mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy flavors. Perfect for any occasion.
these pinwheels are not only visually appealing but also packed with great ingredients that are sure to satisfy.
Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a snack, or as a light meal, these pinwheels are a great option.
With endless possibilities for variations, you can tailor them to your preferences, making them a versatile and delicious treat every time.