Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels

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These irresistible Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels combine sweet, savory, and crunchy elements for the perfect party appetizer.

Quick Answer: Make Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels by spreading cream cheese mixture on tortillas, layering with shredded chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Roll tightly, chill for 30 minutes, then slice into 1-inch rounds.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: None

Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)

Category: Appetizer

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American Fusion

Yield: 16 pinwheels (4 servings)

Dietary: Nut-containing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors
No cooking required – just mix, roll, and slice
Make ahead friendly for parties and gatherings
Great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken
Easily customizable with different mix-ins

Quick Benefits

Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer. They’re portable, require zero cooking, and can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or elegant holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 green onions, sliced
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 large flour tortillas

Instructions

In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Stir in the chicken, celery, green onion, dried cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place flour tortillas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on HIGH for 20 seconds.
Spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture on each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Slice the tortillas into 1-inch slices before serving.

You Must Know

Cream cheese must be fully softened for smooth spreading
Roll tortillas as tightly as possible to prevent unraveling
Chilling is crucial for clean slicing
Use room temperature tortillas to prevent cracking
Contains nuts – label clearly for allergies

Serving Suggestions

Arrange on a platter with fresh herbs for garnish
Serve with cranberry sauce for dipping
Pair with fresh fruit and cheese board
Include in holiday appetizer spread

Creative Variations

Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for different crunch
Use turkey instead of chicken for holiday leftovers
Add diced apple for extra sweetness and texture
Try spinach tortillas for festive color

Cultural Notes

While pinwheels are a modern American party favorite, this version combines traditional holiday flavors like cranberry and pecan with Mexican-inspired tortilla rolls. The combination creates a fusion appetizer perfect for contemporary entertaining.

Pro Tips

Finely chop ingredients for easier rolling
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
Pat chicken dry to prevent soggy tortillas
Use serrated knife for clean cuts

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels?
A: Not recommended as cream cheese texture changes when frozen.

Q: How far in advance can I make these?
A: Up to 24 hours ahead, stored wrapped in refrigerator.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, but full-fat provides better texture and flavor.

Q: What can I substitute for pecans?
A: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds work well.

Q: How do I prevent tortillas from cracking?
A: Ensure tortillas are room temperature and fresh.

Health Benefits

These pinwheels offer protein from chicken, healthy fats from pecans, and antioxidants from cranberries. Using cream cheese in moderation and loading up on lean protein makes these a more nutritious party option than many fried appetizers.

Nutrition

(Per serving) Calories: 420 • Carbs: 35g • Protein: 23g • Fat: 22g • Sodium: 580mg

Notes

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.