Chicken Fiesta Pinwheels Texmex Delight in Every Swirl

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for tacos but want something a bit more fancy ? These chicken taco pinwheels are the answer, my friend! Think of them as little bundles of joy.

They are bursting with all the flavors you love. Honestly, they're so easy to make, even I can't mess them up and I'm the queen of kitchen mishaps.

Quick Hook

So, are you ready to transform taco Tuesday into a Tex-Mex fiesta? These chicken taco pinwheels are packed with savory chicken, melty cheese, and a hint of spice.

Brief Overview

The Tex-Mex pinwheel recipe takes inspiration from classic taco flavors. It turns them into an easy-to-eat appetizer. Originating from the US Southwest, this crowd pleasing snack is perfect for parties.

The dish requires about 45 minutes to prepare and cook, making about 24 pinwheels.

Main Benefits

These little delights aren't just yummy; they're also fairly balanced. Packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese, these chicken fiesta pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

These pinwheels are the perfect party food idea for game day. Or a chill movie night with your mates. They make a fantastic easy appetizer recipe , no need to be sweating it on the kitchen.

Let's Get This Sorted, Yeah? - Ingredient Time

Alright, chicken taco roll ups incoming. Get your aprons on. We need some ingredients for these delightful chicken pinwheel appetizers . Don't worry, most of it's stuff you probably already have.

• For the Chicken Filling:
  • 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  • 15ml olive oil.
  • 5ml chili powder.
  • 2.5ml ground cumin.
  • 1.25ml garlic powder.
  • 1.25ml onion powder.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • 115g cream cheese, softened.
  • 120g shredded cheddar cheese, or Monterey Jack.
  • 75g salsa, mild or medium heat.
  • 15g chopped cilantro (optional).
• For the Pinwheels:
  • 400g total of refrigerated puff pastry appetizers .
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash).
  • Sesame seeds or Everything Bagel seasoning (optional, for topping).

Making the Magic Happen (Instructions)

Right, let's transform these ingredients into glorious savory pinwheel recipes !. Firstly, get that oven preheated to 190° C. We'll start with the chicken.

Heat some olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until it hits a safe internal temperature of 74° C.

Once it's cooked, shred it up with two forks or, if you're feeling fancy, in a stand mixer. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Make sure you mix it well! In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, and cilantro.

Now, mix the chicken and cheese mixtures together.

Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread half of the chicken filling evenly over the pastry.

Leave a small border at the edges! Now, roll it up nice and tight, like you're wrapping a burrito. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.

You can chill the logs for 15 minutes for easier slicing, but no worries if you want to skip, we are going for a quick chicken snacks .

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the logs into 2.5cm thick pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or Everything Bagel seasoning. Bake for 20- 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Let them cool slightly before diving in. This game day appetizer is best served warm.

Ingredients & Equipment for Ace Chicken Taco Pinwheels

Okay, let's get this sorted. Making chicken taco pinwheels is easier than you think! We're talking Tex-Mex pinwheel recipe magic, right in your own kitchen.

No need to be a pro, just follow along. These are great easy appetizer recipes , Honestly, they're dead simple!

Main Ingredients: Let's get this show on the road!

Here's what you need to whip up about 24 Chicken Fiesta Pinwheels. This is going to be wicked, and also a great party food idea .

• Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fresh is best, innit? Give it a good sniff before you get started. You know? No funky business.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . To get that chicken sizzling nicely!
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds that authentic taco kick.
• Ground Cumin: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Gives it that earthy depth of flavour.
• Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . Gotta have that garlic punch.
• Onion Powder: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . Balances out the garlic, see?
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy, season it up!
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , softened. Vital for that creamy filling. Make sure it's properly soft, not lumpy.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (120g) shredded, or Monterey Jack. Melty, cheesy goodness!
• Salsa: ½ cup (75g) , mild or medium. I personally love medium for a bit of zing, you might also use a chicken fiesta pinwheels salsa
• Cilantro: ¼ cup (15g) chopped (optional). Some people hate cilantro, so this is your call!
• Puff Pastry: 2 sheets (14.1 oz/400g total) refrigerated, thawed. This is the foundation, the very basis for success. If its not done right you get no chicken taco roll ups .
• Egg: 1 large , beaten (for egg wash). Gives the pinwheels that golden sheen, like a day at the beach.
• Sesame Seeds/Everything Bagel Seasoning: (optional). For a fancy finish.

Seasoning Notes: Spice it up, darling!

Our spice blend is key. Chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion. You can try quick chicken snacks or savoury versions.

For extra punch, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. No salsa? Diced tomatoes with chili powder work.

Equipment Needed: Keep it simple, buttercup

Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen. Just the basics! This is not like working at the Ritz.

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine all the yummy fillings.
• Baking Sheet: Essential for baking.
• Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking. No one wants a messy cleanup.
• Rolling Pin: To flatten the puff pastry a tad.
• Pizza Cutter/Sharp Knife: For slicing those pinwheels like a pro. Savory pinwheel recipes like this require precision!

Okay, let's get cooking! I'm so stoked for you to try this and these puff pastry appetizers are great. These are the perfect game day appetizers ,

Cooking Method: Mastering Chicken Fiesta Pinwheels

Alright, let's get this sorted. Making chicken taco pinwheels is easier than brewing a proper cuppa. It's all about layering flavour and technique! I'm going to show you exactly how to get it right.

Prep Steps for Pinwheel Perfection

First, the essential mise en place . This means having everything ready to go. Soften your cream cheese and thaw your puff pastry.

Trust me, it saves time. Keep raw and cooked ingredients separate to avoid cross contamination . Honestly , no one wants a dodgy tummy.

step-by-step: Rollin' With It

1. Cook 1 pound of chicken breasts. Sauté until they reach an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
2. Shred the chicken using two forks. It's quicker than you think.
3. Season with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and garlic and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar, and 1/2 cup salsa.
5. Combine the chicken and cheese mixture. Get it thoroughly mixed.
6. Spread evenly over one sheet of puff pastry. Leave a small border.
7. Roll tightly into a log. Repeat with the second sheet.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes. The visual cue for doneness is golden brown.

Pro Tips for Epic Pinwheels

Don't overfill the pastry. The filling will squish out. Chill the logs for at least 15 minutes before slicing. It makes slicing so much easier.

Plus it gives the flavours time to meld together like a perfect symphony of deliciousness. You know?

A common mistake is overbaking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. These are great easy appetizer recipes for parties.

If you are into chicken pinwheel appetizers , this is one of the best.

make-ahead options : Prepare the filling the day before. Oh my gosh , it will save time! Just keep it in the fridge.

These savory pinwheel recipes are sure to be a success!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Chicken Taco Pinwheels

Okay, let's get this sorted. These chicken taco pinwheels are dead easy. But a few pointers will take them from good to "Oh my gosh, these are amazing !" I had a bit of a disaster the first time I made these.

The filling was too wet. Rookie mistake, you know? So listen up! These chicken pinwheel appetizers are about to become your go-to! We'll weave in some more ideas on party food ideas as we go along.

Like a proper cuppa, these are comforting and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key

Presentation matters, even for casual eats. Plating your chicken fiesta pinwheels thoughtfully elevates the experience. Arrange them artfully on a platter, maybe with a small bowl of sour cream for dipping.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color. These are some great party food ideas and would look amazing as game day appetizers .

For sides, think complementary flavours. Guacamole and tortilla chips are a classic. A refreshing Mexican coleslaw cuts through the richness nicely.

And to drink? A cold beer or a zesty margarita is a match made in heaven. I once served these with homemade lemonade.

Big hit!

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh

These are best served fresh from the oven, but leftovers are still yummy. Refrigerate any leftover chicken taco roll ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days .

To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes. Or microwave them for a quick snack.

Freezing is possible, but the texture of the puff pastry appetizers might change slightly. Freeze the baked pinwheels on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

They'll keep for up to 1 month . Reheat from frozen in the oven. Remember, chill time is crucial for the best slice.

Variations: Get Creative

Got dietary needs? No sweat! For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for black beans or seasoned veggie ground. You could even try some mushrooms!

dairy-free? Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives. Experiment with seasonal ingredients too. In the summer, add some grilled corn to the filling.

In the fall, try adding a touch of pumpkin spice to the chicken seasoning. Consider adding it to your rotation of quick chicken snacks .

Nutrition Basics: A Balanced Bite

Each serving (about 2 pinwheels) contains roughly 200-250 calories. You also get 12-15 grams of protein. These have 12-15 grams of fat and 15-20 grams of carbs.

These are approximate and can vary. Protein from the chicken helps keep you full, while the cheese provides calcium. The salsa adds vitamins and antioxidants.

Don’t forget these are great as a savory pinwheel recipes option too.

So there you have it! Everything you need to make these chicken taco pinwheels a success. Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own. Now get cooking and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these chicken taco pinwheels ahead of time? Like, can I be a domestic goddess and prep them the day before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken taco pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap the unbaked logs tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, slice and bake as directed. This is a game changer if you are having friends over!

My puff pastry is being a pain sticking and tearing. Any tips for working with it to make these chicken taco pinwheels?

Puff pastry can be a bit temperamental, bless its cotton socks. Make sure it's properly thawed but still cold. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. If it gets too warm and sticky while you're working, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. Don't over roll it, either.

Aim for a gentle touch.

What's the best way to store leftover chicken taco pinwheels? And how long will they last?

Leftover chicken taco pinwheels should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm them up in the oven, microwave, or even an air fryer until heated through. Just like leftover pizza, they are great for a quick snack.

Can I freeze chicken taco pinwheels? This would be handy to have a stash ready for unexpected guests.

Yes, you can definitely freeze these! For best results, freeze them before baking. Place the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

When you're ready to bake, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

I'm trying to watch my waistline are there any healthier swaps I can make in these chicken taco pinwheels?

You bet! You could use whole wheat puff pastry (if you can find it). Use lean ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breast, reduced fat cream cheese and cheese, and load up on the veggies. Serving with a side salad is always a good idea.

Can I switch up the fillings in these chicken taco pinwheels? I am after a bit more spice, and something different from chicken.

Of course, feel free to mix it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the chicken filling for extra heat. You could use chorizo instead of chicken, or even make a vegetarian version with black beans, corn, and bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!