Tasty Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

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Oh, the magic of these Tasty Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels. Imagine this: tender chicken, tart cranberries, and creamy goodness all wrapped in a soft tortilla. These babies are like little handheld portions of joy, and they really pack a punch of flavor! They’re gorgeous on a plate and make your taste buds do a happy dance. I mean, if pita chips and dip had a more refined, worldly cousin, this would be it. Try it, and thank me later!

Let’s talk family for a moment. You see, these pinwheels have become a bit of a staple at our gatherings. My husband swears they’re the reason our friends keep coming over (not the comfy couch or the free wine). There’s a deep-seated joy in watching your kids—who once swore off anything green—snack on these without a care in the world. And yes, I made these for a potluck once and everyone thought I was some sort of home-chef genius. Can you imagine? Me, notorious for once leaving a loaf of bread in the oven a tad too long… never again, I promise. Anyway, let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Tasty Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

1. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory – totally dance-worthy.
2. Super easy to prep, perfect for when you’re in a rush but want to look like you’ve got it together.
3. Looks fancy without needing a culinary degree (or even much kitchen space—hello, apartment dwellers!).
4. Leftovers, if there are any, taste amazing and sadly eat themselves right out of the fridge.
5. They practically scream “take me to a picnic” while managing not to spill themselves all over your fancy shoes.

How to Make It

So, first things first, grab some chicken—leftover, rotisserie, whatever ya got. Slice it nice and thin. Now, smother your tortillas with cream cheese. I’m not saying be stingy, but keep from going overboard unless you want a sticky mess. Sprinkle over cranberries like a champ. Roll the tortillas up tight, tighter than the lid on that jar you can never open. Chill those rolls in the fridge for a bit, just enough for you to sneak a taste, and slice ‘em into snazzy little pinwheels right before serving—voila!

Ingredient Notes

– Tortillas: Pick your favorite—whole wheat, spinach, or whatever your heart desires. Just don’t go too thin, or rolling will become a nightmare.
– Chicken: Rotisserie works well if you’re lazy (like me sometimes). But whatever you do, don’t skip it; it’s kinda the main act here.
– Cream Cheese: Let it soften on the counter unless you like smearing brick-like chunks. You get me?
– Dried Cranberries: Adds a punch of sweetness—don’t knock ’em till you’ve tried ’em!

Recipe Steps:
1. Slice chicken thinly.
2. Spread cream cheese evenly over tortillas.
3. Sprinkle dried cranberries across creamed surface.
4. Roll tortillas tightly and chill.
5. Slice rolled tortillas into pinwheels before serving.

What to Serve It With

These little dudes pair perfectly with some crunchy veggie sticks or perhaps your favorite bowl of soup. If you’re feeling a little fancy, a crisp white wine wouldn’t go amiss either. It’s all about balance, right?

Tips & Mistakes

Sometimes I skip the chilling part and regret it—just too eager! Don’t be like me. Also, rolling too loosely makes them fall apart, more like open sandwiches rather than pinwheels.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Just pop them in a container and toss them in the fridge. They’re surprisingly good cold the next day, and no shame in munching them for breakfast either—who doesn’t love a shortcut meal in the morning?

Variations and Substitutions

When in a pinch, I’ve swapped cream cheese for Greek yogurt or hummus. Not the same, but hey, edible! If you’re low on cranberries, a nice apple slice adds a bit of attitude. And if you’re really desperate, sub the chicken with turkey!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Tasty Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

A delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring tender chicken, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese rolled into bite-sized pinwheels.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 0.5 cup cranberry sauce preferably homemade
• ▢ 0.75 cup cream cheese softened
• ▢ 0.25 cup chopped fresh spinach
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Butterfly the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness.
• Spread cream cheese evenly over the chicken, then spread cranberry sauce on top.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh spinach over the top, then season with salt and pepper.
• Roll up the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the rolls on all sides.
• Place the pinwheels in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
• Remove toothpicks, slice into rounds, and serve warm.

Notes

These pinwheels can be made a day ahead and reheated for quick snacking or appetizer serving.