Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are tender tortillas filled with savory chicken, creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and leafy greens—rolled and sliced into bite-sized pinwheels that shine as appetizers, lunch wraps, or snack bites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful contrast – juicy chicken meets creamy cheese and fruity cranberries in every swirl
Convenient and portable – easy to prep, slice, and serve, perfect for on‑the‑go meals or entertaining
Light but satisfying – protein-rich and balanced with fresh greens, cheese, and cranberries
Highly customizable – adapt fillings to dietary preferences and flavor profiles

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 large flour tortillas or wraps
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped (rotisserie, grilled, or poached)
¾ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt (optional for added creaminess)
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 cup baby spinach or arugula, packed
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

directions

Prepare the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise or yogurt (if using), and Dijon mustard until smooth. Stir in shredded chicken, chopped cranberries, chopped nuts (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Lay the wrap
Spread about ¼ of the creamy chicken‑cranberry mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border at the edges. Layer the greens (spinach or arugula) over the filling.
Roll up
Starting from one side, roll each tortilla tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap or parchment and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
Slice into pinwheels
Unwrap and use a sharp knife to cut each rolled tortilla into about 1‑inch pieces—yielding approximately 8–10 pinwheels per tortilla.
Serve
Arrange pinwheels on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature. Good with mustard‑vinaigrette, ranch, honey mustard, or even chutney for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: ~32 pinwheels (4 per person for 8 guests)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: ≥15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Cheese alternatives: Use goat cheese, feta, Boursin, or herbed cream cheese instead of plain cream cheese
Flavor profiles: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for freshness
Veggie add-ins: Layer sliced cucumber, red bell pepper strips, or shredded carrot for extra crunch
Sweet-savory twist: Stir in a spoonful of orange marmalade or honey into the cream cheese mixture
Mini (low-carb) version: Use thinly sliced cucumber or large lettuce leaves for low-carb wraps—serve as “pinwheels” rolled lettuce bites

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Make‑ahead: Assemble rolls and refrigerate uncut; slice just before serving for freshest appearance
No reheating needed: These are best served chilled or at room temperature for optimal texture

Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes—shredded turkey works beautifully and pairs with cranberries in a holiday-inspired version.

Can I make these gluten‑free?

Absolutely—use gluten-free wraps or tortillas to adapt for dietary needs.

Can I make them dairy‑free or vegan?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt, swap shredded chicken for chickpeas or crumbled tofu, and omit the cheese for a vegan-friendly version.

How far ahead can I prep?

Prepare the rolls and slice the night before; wrap tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness.

Will the pinwheels soggy if sliced early?

Only slightly—slice close to serving time to ensure crisp edges and minimal moisture seep.

What dips go well with these?

Honey mustard, lemon-herb yogurt dip, ranch, chutney, or vinaigrette all complement the flavors.

How do I prevent falling apart after slicing?

Chill the rolled logs well before slicing—for cleaner cuts and stable pinwheels.

Can I make mini sliders?

Yes—slice wider pieces or use dinner rolls for small handheld sliders.

Are these suitable for kids?

Yes—mild flavor, creamy, and easy to bite make them ideal for kids’ lunches or snacks.

What sides pair well?

Serve with fresh fruit, mixed salad, roasted veggies, or chips for complete party or lunch offerings.

Conclusion

Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels deliver savory, creamy chicken paired with sweet-tart cranberries and crisp greens wrapped into neat, bite-sized rolls. Versatile, customizable, and easy to make ahead—they’re perfect for healthy lunches, snacks, brunch spreads, or party platters.

Jessica