If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups. These zesty, creamy, and downright addictive pinwheels pack everything you love about buffalo chicken into a perfectly portable, party-ready bite. Whether you’re hosting game night, prepping for a quick lunch, or just in the mood for a fun snack, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every swirl. With tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and a cool, cheesy filling, Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are bound to become a staple at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, familiar ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature flavor and irresistible texture. Don’t skip or swap unless you have to—every component brings something special to the table!
- Cooked shredded chicken: The heart of the roll-ups, rotisserie or poached chicken works perfectly and keeps things extra tender.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and helps bind all the spicy, tangy flavors together for a rich texture.
- Buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): Delivers that signature fiery kick—adjust the amount if you like it milder or extra hot.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Balances the heat and brings that unmistakable coolness found in classic buffalo chicken dishes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the filling for savory, gooey goodness in every bite.
- Green onions, thinly sliced: Add freshness, color, and a gentle bite that brightens up the entire roll-up.
- Large flour tortillas (10-inch): The soft, sturdy wrapper that holds all the magic together—go for fresh, pliable tortillas for easy rolling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A pinch of each rounds out the flavors and makes everything pop.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combine your cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions. Mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy—don’t be shy about mixing thoroughly! Taste, then add salt and pepper as needed. This filling is where all the flavor magic happens.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Lay out a large flour tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Scoop about a quarter of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the tortilla, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, leaving about a half-inch border along the edges. Gently roll the tortilla up as tightly as you can, creating a snug log that will slice cleanly. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until all your Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are ready to be chilled.
Step 3: Chill to Set
Wrap each rolled tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap. This step is key—it helps the roll-ups firm up and makes them easier to slice later. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you’re planning ahead, you can even leave them overnight. Letting them chill gives the flavors time to mingle and ensures every slice holds its shape.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap from each roll. Using a sharp, serrated knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter, then top with extra sliced green onions or a drizzle of buffalo or ranch sauce if you want to add a little extra flair. Your Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are officially party-ready!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra green onions over the platter adds a pop of color and freshness, but you can also drizzle more buffalo sauce or ranch for extra flavor and eye-catching appeal. For a touch of elegance, scatter a few crumbles of blue cheese over the top—trust me, it makes these roll-ups irresistible!
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are wonderful on their own, but they pair beautifully with crisp celery and carrot sticks, a big green salad, or crunchy kettle chips for some contrast. If you want to round out your appetizer spread, serve them alongside other finger foods like deviled eggs, veggie platters, or classic potato skins.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the roll-ups in a circular pattern on a large platter, alternating with colorful veggie sticks for a festive look. Or, skewer each pinwheel with a toothpick for easy grabbing. If you’re serving a crowd, offer a trio of dipping sauces—extra buffalo, ranch, and blue cheese—in small bowls for guests to mix and match flavors with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go snack or lunch option throughout the week.
Freezing
While you can freeze Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups, the texture of the cream cheese filling may change slightly after thawing. For best results, wrap the unsliced rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
Reheating
These roll-ups are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, you can pop the slices in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, just until gently heated through. Avoid microwaving, as the filling can become too soft and the tortillas may get soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making them a day ahead is ideal because it allows the flavors to meld and the rolls to firm up for easy slicing. Just keep them wrapped in plastic in the fridge and slice right before serving.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach a couple of chicken breasts and shred them using two forks or a stand mixer. The key is to keep the chicken moist so it blends easily with the creamy filling.
Can I use different cheeses or add-ins?
Definitely! Swap cheddar for Monterey jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella. You can also add diced celery, chopped jalapeños, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs to customize your Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups.
How spicy are these roll-ups?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce. Use a milder sauce if you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive guests, or go bold with an extra-hot variety if you love a fiery kick. You can always add more or less to taste.
Are Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups gluten-free?
They aren’t gluten-free as written since they use flour tortillas, but you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe work for everyone. Just make sure the tortillas are soft and pliable for easy rolling.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups that makes them disappear from the table in a flash—friends and family can’t get enough! With their bold flavors, creamy texture, and easy prep, they’re destined to become your new go-to for parties, lunches, or anytime you need a tasty, satisfying snack. Give these a try and watch them become an instant favorite in your kitchen!
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Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 roll-ups 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are a delicious and easy no-cook appetizer perfect for parties, game day snacks, or a quick lunch. Made with shredded chicken, creamy buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing, wrapped in soft flour tortillas and chilled for a refreshing bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wrapping
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Instructions
- Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined into a creamy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Assemble the roll-ups: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about a quarter of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage. Roll the tortilla up tightly into a log shape. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Chill the roll-ups: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the roll-ups firm up, making them easier to slice and serve.
- Slice and serve: Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and slice each into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the sliced roll-ups on a serving platter. Optionally, garnish with extra sliced green onions or drizzle additional buffalo or ranch sauce over the top for added flavor.
Notes
- Perfect as a party appetizer, game day snack, or quick lunch.
- You can prepare these roll-ups a day ahead and slice them just before serving to save time.
- For a lighter, low-carb option, substitute regular flour tortillas with low-carb tortillas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 roll-ups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
