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Chicken cranberry pinwheels make every gathering feel a little more special with their sweet tart cranberry bites, creamy chicken filling, and that wonderful crunch from toasted pecans. They look impressive on a party platter but take little effort making them a staple when I want something both delicious and beautiful for lunch or brunch spreads.
I first tried these pinwheels for a holiday brunch and my friends begged for the recipe. They have become my go to crowd pleaser for family potlucks and celebrations.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: adds the creamy base so choose full fat for best flavor and let it soften at room temp
- Mayonnaise: combines with the cream cheese for extra smoothness check for fresh flavor
- Dijon mustard: adds depth and a gentle tang stick to Dijon for subtlety
- Shredded cooked chicken: provides the heartiness use roast or poached chicken for juicy results
- Celery: brings crunch and freshness pick small firm stalks and finely chop
- Green onions: add a mild onion kick and color slice thin for even mixing
- Dried cranberries: offer sweet tart contrast look for plump berries without added oil
- Toasted pecans: supply richness and crunch toast at home for best aroma and flavor
- Feta cheese: delivers saltiness and creaminess opt for block feta and crumble yourself if possible
- Salt and pepper: to balance the flavors freshly ground for the best finish
- Flour tortillas: wrap it all up use large soft tortillas for easy rolling and slicing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base:
- Use a sturdy wooden spoon to thoroughly stir the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until everything is ultra smooth and lump free. This creates the creamy base that will hold your filling together.
- Combine the Filling:
- Add your shredded chicken celery green onion dried cranberries toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Fold everything together gently so the mix stays airy and evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper. Taste a tiny spoonful and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Lay out your tortillas on a microwave safe plate. Drape a damp paper towel over them to keep them soft and moist. Warm in the microwave for twenty seconds to make them easy to roll.
- Assemble and Roll:
- Spread a quarter of the filling evenly over each tortilla going all the way to the edges for even pinwheels. Firmly roll up each tortilla as tightly as possible so the filling stays inside and the rolls look neat.
- Chill and Slice:
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap to help the shape hold. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour or up to two days. When ready to serve remove the wrap and use a sharp knife to cut each roll into neat one inch pinwheels.
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Feta cheese is my favorite ingredient here because it brings a burst of salty creaminess with every bite. My family always sneaks bites of the filling straight from the bowl memories of little hands wanting to help and taste every step along the way.
Storage Tips
Once sliced pinwheels keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store them with a layer of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. For best texture assemble and chill the rolls whole then slice shortly before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch. Goat cheese is a great stand in for feta if you prefer a creamier texture or a milder flavor. Turkey works beautifully in place of chicken especially with leftover holiday meat.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange on a colorful platter with fresh herbs or baby greens for a pretty presentation. These are a fun addition to lunchboxes or picnic baskets and pair well with a simple green salad or fruit platter.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Pinwheels are classic in American party spreads for their easy portioning quick prep and ability to carry all kinds of fillings. The sweet and savory combo here echoes vintage recipes while toasted pecans and cranberries add a touch of the festive holiday season.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken in this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well for quick preparation, offering plenty of flavor and tenderness.
- → How far ahead can I prepare the pinwheels?
You can assemble and chill the rolls up to 48 hours in advance. For best presentation, slice them shortly before serving.
- → Are there nut-free alternatives to pecans?
If avoiding nuts, simply omit pecans or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens.
- → Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Creamy goat cheese or shredded cheddar can be used if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
- → What is the best way to keep tortillas from tearing?
Gently warm the tortillas to make them more pliable, preventing cracks as you roll them tightly.