Chicken Taco Tortilla Pinwheels
Introduction: Elevate your appetizer game with our delectable Chicken Taco Tortilla Pinwheels, a savory delight perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a picnic, or craving a flavorful snack, these pinwheels are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of tender chicken, zesty taco seasoning, and creamy textures. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they can also be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy schedules. Dive into the culinary journey as we explore the step-by-step process of creating these mouthwatering treats, along with nutritional insights and serving suggestions.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz (113 grams) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ¼ cup (60 grams) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 oz (57 grams) 50% reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (e.g., Cabot brand)
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) salsa (your favorite variety)
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 4 oz (113 grams) cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, finely shredded
- 3 (8-inch) lower-calorie/carb tortillas or wraps
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, forming a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Add Flavorful Elements: Introduce the thinly sliced scallions and finely shredded chicken breast into the bowl. Gently fold them into the creamy mixture until evenly distributed, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or parchment paper. Spread a generous portion of the prepared chicken filling (approximately ½ cup) evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, using a spatula or knife to achieve a smooth layer.
- Roll with Precision: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla over the filling, creating a compact spiral. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling, resulting in three equally tantalizing roll-ups.
- Chill for Optimal Texture: To allow the flavors to meld and the pinwheels to set, individually wrap each roll-up in plastic cling wrap, ensuring a snug fit. Transfer the wrapped pinwheels to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for enhanced taste and texture.
- Slice and Serve: Once sufficiently chilled, unwrap the pinwheels and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll-up into six equally sized pinwheels, revealing the captivating swirls of flavorful filling. For a polished presentation, trim any uneven edges for a uniform appearance.
Nutritional Information:
Each Pinwheel Provides:
- Calories: 47 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 118 mg
Health Benefits:
- High Protein Content: With a generous serving of lean chicken breast and Greek yogurt, these pinwheels are packed with protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
- Reduced Fat Options: Utilizing lower-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar cheese ensures a creamy texture without compromising on flavor, making them a healthier alternative to traditional recipes.
- Balanced Nutrition: Each pinwheel offers a balanced blend of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, providing sustained energy and satisfaction.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer Extravaganza: Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a platter alongside fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes, for a vibrant and nutritious appetizer spread.
- Game Day Grazing: Impress your guests during sporting events or casual gatherings by serving these pinwheels alongside an assortment of dips, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, for a winning snack lineup.
- Lunchbox Delight: Pack these portable pinwheels in your lunchbox for a flavorful and satisfying midday meal, accompanied by a side salad or fruit for a well-rounded dining experience.
Conclusion: Experience the culinary magic of our Chicken Taco Tortilla Pinwheels, where every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re indulging in a solo snack or sharing with loved ones, these pinwheels are guaranteed to delight with their simplicity, versatility, and mouthwatering appeal. Elevate your entertaining game and savor the compliments as you present this crowd-pleasing appetizer sensation at your next gathering.
Chicken Taco Tortilla Pinwheels
prep time: 10 MINS
chill time: 4 HRS
total time: 4 HRS 10 MINS
calories: 47KCAL
These easy Chicken Taco Tortilla Pinwheels are great for lunch, parties, or watching the game!
yield: 18 PINWHEELS
Ingredients:
4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I use Cabot)
2 tablespoons salsa
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 scallion, thinly sliced
4 oz cooked boneless skinless chicken breast, finely shredded
3 (8-inch) lower calorie/carb tortillas or wraps,
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, yogurt, shredded cheddar, salsa, and taco seasoning and then stir (I like to use a fork, but a spatula or spoon will also work) until well combined. Add the scallions and shredded chicken and mix the ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface like a cutting board and scoop about a ½ cup of chicken filling (it’s actually a bit more, so a generous ½ cup) onto the center of the wrap. Use a spatula or butter knife to spread the filling across the entire surface of the tortilla in an even layer. Starting at one end, roll the tortilla up tightly over the filling. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make three roll-ups. Wrap each one snugly in plastic cling wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
When the roll-ups are well chilled, use a sharp knife to slice each one into 6 equal-sized pinwheels. If you want them to be perfect looking, feel free to trim the “rough edge” off the end pieces.
Notes:
W/W Points per pinwheel: 1
Nutrition Information per pinwheel:
47 calories, 3 g carbs, 1 g sugars, 2 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 4 g protein, 1 g fiber, 118 mg sodium
MYW/W SMARTPOINTS PER pinwheel:
*Green: 1 SmartPoints/ Blue: 1 SmartPoints/ Purple: 1 SmartPoints
*If you eat a whole wrap’s worth (6 pieces) it will be 8 SP Green or 7 SP Blue or Purple