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Tasty Mexican Chicken Pinwheels

Featured in Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

These zesty, bite-sized Mexican chicken pinwheels are packed with flavor and perfect for gatherings. Blend tender shredded chicken, creamy mayo, sliced green onions, brown sugar, crunchy almonds, and sweet red grapes. Spread the filling on burrito tortillas, roll them snugly, chill for a few hours, then slice into irresistible snacks. They're easy to make, kid-friendly, and crowd-pleasers!

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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:14:41 GMT
A plate full of colorful bite-sized pinwheels. Pin it
A plate full of colorful bite-sized pinwheels. | tasteofsavor.com

These zesty Mexican chicken pinwheels turn basic ingredients into a show-stopping party snack that never lasts long at social events. The mix of juicy grapes, crunchy almonds, and flavorful chicken creates an irresistible taste that has guests grabbing seconds.

I originally whipped these pinwheels up for my sister's baby shower when I needed something I could fix the night before. They were such a success that they've become what I'm known for at family events, with relatives asking me to bring them to every holiday party.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: form the substantial protein foundation for these snacks
  • Mayonnaise: holds the mixture together and adds smooth creaminess
  • Green onions: deliver a gentle flavor pop without stealing the show
  • Dried minced onion: brings intense taste that works with the fresh components
  • Garlic salt: spreads tasty richness throughout the filling
  • Light brown sugar: cuts through savory notes with subtle sweetness
  • Red seedless grapes: add refreshing sweet pops in each mouthful
  • Sliced almonds: give needed crunch and nutty dimension
  • Burrito sized tortillas: serve as the ideal wrapper with plenty of room for filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Build Your Base:
Mix the shredded chicken with mayonnaise in a big bowl until everything's coated. This makes the smooth foundation that will support all other flavors. Make sure your chicken is shredded really fine for the best bite experience.
Mix In Flavors:
Add your green onions, dried minced onion, garlic salt, brown sugar, grapes, and almonds to the bowl. Stir it all up so everything's evenly spread out. Give it a taste and add some salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
Roll Them Up:
Spread a tortilla on your counter. Scoop about a quarter of your chicken mix onto it and spread it around, leaving a small border at the edges. Roll it up tight from one side to make a solid log. Do the same with the rest of your tortillas and filling.
Cool and Firm Up:
Wrap each log tightly in plastic, tucking the ends under to keep everything sealed. Put them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight works even better. This waiting time lets all the flavors blend together and helps the rolls get firm so they'll cut cleanly.
Cut and Enjoy:
Take off the plastic wrap and use a sharp knife with teeth to cut half-inch rounds. Set them out on a plate and watch how fast they vanish.

The dried minced onion seems like just a tiny thing but it really changes the whole flavor. I learned this trick from my grandma who always put it in her chicken salad. The first time I tried making these without it, everyone noticed something wasn't quite right.

Stunning Party Display

Set these colorful bites in circles on a round plate for a display that catches everyone's eye. The bright red grape bits and green onion specks look festive without much work. When you're having an outdoor party, stick the plate over some ice to keep everything cool throughout your event. These pretty snacks always get nice comments before anyone even tries them.

Keeping Them Fresh

These pinwheels taste and feel best when you eat them within a day after cutting. If you need to work ahead, keep the whole uncut logs wrapped up tight in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don't try freezing them though - both the filling and tortillas won't feel right after thawing. Got leftovers already cut? Store them in a sealed container with some parchment paper between layers so they don't stick together.

Tasty Twists

Switch up this flexible recipe by swapping out standard items for fun alternatives. Try smoked turkey instead of chicken for a different taste. During holiday times, use dried cranberries instead of grapes for festive red and green colors. Mix cream cheese with the mayo to make everything richer and more stable. Or spread a thin layer of guacamole or spicy hummus on your tortilla before adding the chicken mix for an extra flavor boost that fits the Mexican theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the pinwheels in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare them a day early, wrap tightly, and store in the fridge until serving time.

→ What kind of tortillas should I use?

Stick with soft, burrito-sized tortillas, which are easy to roll and won’t tear.

→ How do I prevent messy spills?

Don't overfill, and keep a 1/2 inch edge free of filling. Rolling tightly helps keep everything tucked in.

→ Can I tweak the ingredients?

For sure! Try adding chopped apples, raisins, or even extra onions for a new twist.

→ What’s the easiest way to slice them?

A serrated knife works best. Chill the rolled tortillas first to make slicing neat and simple.

→ Why is chilling necessary?

Chilling firms up the pinwheels, making them easier to cut and keeping their shape when served.

Mexican Chicken Pinwheels

Flavor-packed pinwheels with chicken, grapes, almonds, and soft tortilla wraps.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 36 Servings (36 pieces)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 ¾ cup of mayo
02 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, shredded finely
03 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes
04 2 green onions, sliced into small pieces
05 1 teaspoon of garlic seasoning salt
06 ½ cup of red seedless grapes, sliced thin
07 Salt and pepper, as needed for seasoning
08 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar
09 ⅓ cup of almond slices
10 4 large tortillas (burrito size)

Instructions

Step 01

In a big mixing bowl, stir the mayo together with the shredded chicken.

Step 02

Toss the chicken mixture with the green onions, garlic seasoning, brown sugar, almond slices, dried onion, and grape slices. Stir it well. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Step 03

Place a large tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about one-fourth of the chicken mix over the tortilla, leaving a small border of about ½ inch along the edges. Roll it tightly into a log shape. Do the same with the rest of the tortillas and mixture.

Step 04

Take each of the tortilla logs and wrap them snugly in plastic wrap, tucking the ends under. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.

Step 05

Once chilled, unwrap the tortillas and slice them with a serrated knife into ½-inch pinwheels. Serve right away and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Pick soft, easy-to-roll tortillas so they don't break.
  2. Don't overfill the tortillas to make them neater and easier to handle.
  3. Chilling the wraps tightly is key for smooth cuts.
  4. Use a serrated knife for tidy cuts and less mess.
  5. Try mixing in extras like raisins, diced apple pieces, or chopped onions.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big bowl for mixing
  • Knife with serrated edges
  • Plastic wrap for covering

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has nuts (almonds)
  • Contains gluten (in tortillas)
  • Includes eggs (from mayo)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 110.5
  • Total Fat: 6.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12.2 g
  • Protein: 5.3 g