Zesty Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels

This creamy and zesty Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups recipe transforms traditional enchilada flavors into bite-sized pinwheels perfect for entertaining. The combination of seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and Mexican spices creates an irresistible appetizer that disappears quickly at any gathering.

I first made these roll ups for a family game night, and they became an instant hit. My nephews now request them for every gathering, and I love how I can prepare them the night before and simply slice them when guests arrive.

Ingredients

• Burrito sized flour tortillas provide the perfect canvas for rolling and slicing
• Taco seasoning mix infuses authentic Mexican flavor throughout every bite
• Shredded chicken creates a hearty protein base look for rotisserie chicken for convenience
• Cream cheese softened at room temperature for easy spreading and creamy texture
• Shredded Mexican cheese adds melty goodness and authentic flavor
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies brings moisture and a gentle kick of heat
• Minced garlic enhances all the flavors with aromatic depth
• Green onions add fresh flavor and a pop of color
• Cilantro optional but adds bright fresh notes to finish the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Filling

Combine taco seasoning mix, shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, minced garlic, and sliced green onions in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a consistent texture throughout. The cream cheese should fully incorporate with no white streaks remaining.

Spread the Mixture

Take each flour tortilla and spread an even layer of the chicken mixture across the entire surface. Use a spatula to ensure you reach all the way to the edges for perfect roll ups. The layer should be about 1/4 inch thick for best results.

Roll and Wrap

Roll each tortilla tightly from one end to create a compact cylinder. Apply even pressure as you roll to prevent air pockets. Immediately wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure the shape. This step is crucial for clean slices later.

Chill Thoroughly

Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours is ideal. This chilling time allows the cream cheese mixture to firm up and helps the rolls maintain their shape when sliced. The flavors also meld beautifully during this rest.

Slice and Serve

Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap carefully. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 1-inch thick slices, wiping the blade between cuts for cleaner edges. Arrange the colorful pinwheels on a serving platter in concentric circles for visual appeal. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.

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These roll ups remind me of my trip to Mexico where I fell in love with the vibrant combination of flavors. The taco seasoning I use is actually a homemade blend my grandmother taught me, but the store bought version works perfectly for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

These roll ups actually improve with time as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare them up to 24 hours before your event. Keep them wrapped in plastic until about 30 minutes before serving, then slice them just before arranging on your serving platter. This ensures the prettiest presentation without dried edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

These enchilada roll ups are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to what you have on hand. Leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully, but you can also use finely chopped cooked shrimp or canned black beans for a vegetarian option. If you prefer less heat, regular diced tomatoes can replace the Rotel. For a lighter version, try using Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

While these roll ups are delicious on their own, they truly shine when served with complementary dips. Arrange small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream around your platter for guests to customize their bites. For a full Mexican-inspired spread, serve alongside mini quesadillas, a layered taco dip, and some spicy Mexican street corn salad. These roll ups also make fantastic lunch box additions.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing these roll ups as the texture of the cream cheese and tortillas changes significantly when thawed.

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Pro Tips

Drain the canned tomatoes thoroughly to prevent soggy roll ups

Let cream cheese come fully to room temperature for the smoothest mixture

Use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion for the cleanest cuts

For an elegant presentation, stand some roll ups on their sides among the flat laid pieces

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these chicken enchilada roll ups ahead of time?

Yes, these roll-ups can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare and roll the tortillas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Slice them just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.

→ What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?

If you prefer less spice or don't have Rotel tomatoes available, you can substitute with regular diced tomatoes. For a similar flavor with controlled heat, mix regular diced tomatoes with a small amount of diced green chilies to taste.

→ What's the best chicken to use for these roll ups?

Rotisserie chicken offers the most convenience and flavor. Alternatively, you can use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. Just make sure it's finely shredded for the best texture in the roll-ups.

→ How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling?

To prevent cracking, ensure your tortillas are fresh and at room temperature before spreading the filling. The cream cheese mixture should be evenly spread to the edges, which helps keep the tortilla moist and pliable during rolling.

→ What dipping sauces work best with these roll ups?

These roll-ups pair wonderfully with taco-style dips such as salsa (mild or spicy), sour cream, guacamole, taco sauce, or sliced avocado. You can offer a variety of options to let guests customize their experience.

→ Can I freeze these chicken enchilada roll ups?

While you can freeze the assembled rolls before slicing, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the cream cheese and fresh ingredients. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freeze for up to 1 month, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing.