Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups

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Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are a quick and delicious way to bring bold flavors to the table with minimal effort. These bite-sized pinwheels feature tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, combined with creamy cheese and rolled up in soft tortillas. Sliced into perfect rounds, they’re as visually appealing as they are flavorful, making them a standout appetizer, snack, or even a meal prep favorite.

The first time I made these roll-ups, I was impressed by how easy they were to assemble. Spreading the creamy, tangy buffalo mixture onto the tortillas and rolling them up felt almost too simple for something so delicious. Once sliced, the vibrant orange filling swirled into each pinwheel made for a stunning presentation. They disappeared in minutes at my gathering—proof of their crowd-pleasing power!

What makes Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups so great is their versatility. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, add some diced celery for a crunch, or mix in crumbled blue cheese for extra tang. They pair perfectly with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and you can customize the spice level to suit your crowd. Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or just a snack to have on hand, these roll-ups are guaranteed to impress!

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Potluck gatherings
  • Party appetizers
  • Lunchbox meals
  • Buffalo chicken fans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups will become a staple in your recipe collection:

  • Bold, Zesty Flavor: The combination of buffalo sauce, chicken, and creamy cheese creates a perfect balance of heat and tang.
  • Quick and Easy: These roll-ups come together in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy schedules.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the spice level or add extra ingredients to suit your preferences.
  • Great for Sharing: Perfect for serving at gatherings or packing in lunchboxes.
  • No Cooking Required: This no-cook recipe is easy to prepare and assemble.

Preparation Time

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8 servings (about 32 roll-ups)
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
  • ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken serves as the base for the filling, making it hearty and protein-packed.
  • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Provides the signature spicy flavor; adjust the amount for your preferred heat level.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
  • Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas make these easy to roll and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  2. Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
  3. Optional Add-Ins: Stir in chopped green onions or other desired ingredients for added flavor and texture.

Assemble the Roll-Ups:

  1. Spread the Filling: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the buffalo chicken mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
  2. Roll the Tortilla: Starting from one side, tightly roll up the tortilla into a log shape.
  3. Repeat the Process: Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Slice the Roll-Ups:

  1. Chill the Rolls: Place the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.
  2. Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter for serving.

How to Serve

  • With Celery & Carrots: Serve alongside fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic pairing with buffalo flavors.
  • Blue Cheese or Ranch Dipping Sauce: Offer a side of creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
  • With a Side Salad: Serve the roll-ups with a fresh green salad, topped with your favorite dressing, to balance the heat.
  • On a Platter with Veggies: Arrange the roll-ups on a platter with assorted vegetables like cucumber slices, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
  • With Sweet Potato Fries: Pair with crispy sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor.
  • As a Party Appetizer: Slice the roll-ups into smaller bite-sized pieces to serve as finger food at a party or game day.
  • With Nachos: Serve alongside a plate of nachos loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a fun and filling meal.
  • In a Wrap Basket: Present the roll-ups in a fun, casual way by serving them in a small basket lined with parchment paper.
  • With Pickles: Serve with dill pickles or pickle spears for a tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.
  • On a Soft Roll or Bun: For a more filling option, place the buffalo chicken roll-ups on soft sandwich rolls or buns, making them into sliders.

Additional Tips

  • Use Shredded Chicken: For a quicker prep, use leftover or rotisserie chicken, shredded and mixed with buffalo sauce.
  • Adjust Heat Level: Control the spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce, or mix it with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a milder flavor.
  • Add Creamy Texture: Mix in cream cheese or sour cream with the buffalo sauce to make the filling richer and creamier.
  • Layer Fresh Veggies: Add crunchy celery or cucumber strips inside for a fresh contrast to the spicy chicken.
  • Use a Flour Tortilla: For a soft, pliable wrap, choose flour tortillas. You can also try whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added flavor and color.
  • Preheat Tortilla: Warm the tortilla before rolling it up to prevent tearing and make it easier to fold.
  • Include Shredded Cheese: A little shredded cheddar or mozzarella can melt into the buffalo chicken and enhance the flavor.
  • Try Different Sauces: Add a drizzle of ranch, blue cheese, or even honey mustard to balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.
  • Grill It: For a crispy finish, lightly grill the roll-up in a panini press or on a skillet.
  • Garnish with Green Onion: Top the roll-ups with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for added freshness and color.

Recipe Variations

  1. BBQ Chicken Roll-Ups: Replace buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.
  2. Honey Buffalo Roll-Ups: Mix honey into the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.
  3. Spicy Ranch Roll-Ups: Use spicy ranch dressing instead of regular for extra heat.
  4. Vegetarian Roll-Ups: Substitute chicken with diced roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
  5. Buffalo Turkey Roll-Ups: Use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a seasonal variation.
  6. Bacon Buffalo Roll-Ups: Add crumbled bacon to the filling for a smoky flavor.
  7. Southwest Roll-Ups: Add black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers to the filling for a Southwest-inspired twist.
  8. Buffalo Caesar Roll-Ups: Combine buffalo sauce with Caesar dressing for a unique flavor combo.
  9. Low-Carb Roll-Ups: Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly option.
  10. Cheesy Buffalo Roll-Ups: Add extra shredded cheese or a mix of cheeses for an extra cheesy filling.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Roll the tortillas and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before slicing. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and slice before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl: For combining shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and other ingredients.
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes shredding cooked chicken quick and effortless.
  • Rolling Pin: Useful for flattening dough or tortillas evenly if needed.
  • Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables or slicing the roll-ups cleanly.
  • Cutting Board: A stable surface for prepping ingredients and cutting the roll-ups.
  • Spatula or Spoon: To spread the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla or dough.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking when baking the roll-ups.
  • Baking Sheet: Essential for baking the roll-ups to a golden, crispy finish.
  • Toothpicks or Skewers: Helps secure the roll-ups while baking or serving.
  • Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter or additional Buffalo sauce onto the roll-ups before baking.

FAQ

  1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this recipe.
  2. Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the roll-ups up to 8 hours in advance and slice just before serving.
  3. What type of tortillas should I use? Use large, soft flour tortillas for the best results. Whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas also work.
  4. Can I make these less spicy? Use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
  5. What dipping sauce goes best? Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with the buffalo flavors.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are a zesty, satisfying appetizer that’s both easy to make and always a hit. With their bold buffalo sauce flavor, creamy filling, and soft tortilla wrap, these pinwheels are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, gearing up for game day, or simply craving something flavorful, this recipe is sure to impress.

Quick to assemble and endlessly customizable, Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are the ultimate finger food. You can adjust the heat to your liking, add extra cheese or veggies, and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for the perfect finishing touch. These roll-ups are bound to be a favorite at any gathering!

I can’t wait to see your Buffalo Chicken Roll-Up creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your variations and tips in the comments. Happy cooking!

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