We all know that the weeks surrounding back to school are hectic. There are new schedules to learn, morning routines to get back into, and somewhere in the mix of all of that, lunches need to be packed for school or work.
Now, I'm pretty sure most of you would agree with me that a PB&J can get tiresome after awhile. If you want a little variety in your lunch menu, or if you'd like to add a tasty tidbit to your next party menu, these Chicken Pinwheels that I whipped up today will hit the spot. They are super easy to make, just a little bit spicy, and absolutely delicious.
Mornings in my house are INSANE. Really, when you think about it, they shouldn't be. We're fortunate. We have enough bathrooms for each member of our household, but for some reason three of us seem to take turns with the master bath, which means we're all taking turns. So, by the time everyone finally gets downstairs in the morning, we're hustling to get everything in order.
Luckily, when I'm thinking ahead, I might whip up some pinwheels at night so lunch is easier to throw together in the morning. I like Chicken Pinwheels as a lunch choice because I know I'm giving my kid a nutritious lunch entree. All that's left is tossing in a couple small sides like berries or nuts, and it's a complete lunch! Kids pinwheels for a few reasons: they are fun, they are colorful, and they can be eaten with their fingers. Oh, and they taste good too.
Since my kid doesn't bring lunch everyday, it is helpful to have things on hand for the days he decides to bring lunch at the last minute. I try to have a combination of fresh ingredients: produce, nuts, tortillas, dairy products like cream cheese and shredded cheese; as well as a mixture of canned goods. When it is time to make lunch, all I have to do is pull a few ingredients out of the pantry and refrigerator and create something special.
How to Make Chicken Pinwheels
This recipe can be made by just about anyone. It really does not take any special skill.
You'll need 4 tortillas. I used jalapeno and cheese tortillas to add some pizzazz to my pinwheels, but any type of tortilla would work.
Start by laying the tortillas out on your work surface. Mix together 8 ounces of cream cheese (or substitute- I often use Neufchatel cheese, which is lower in fat) with ½ a package of taco seasoning. Stir it together until the seasoning is well incorporated. Then, divide the cream cheese mixture between the 4 tortillas and spread out with the back of a spoon.
Next, add toppings. Chop up 9 ounces of grilled chicken and 1 red pepper. Then just spread it all across the tortilla.
Add a spoonful or two of sliced black olives to each tortilla, and about ¼ cup of Mexican cheese.
Then just roll it all up and slice into bite sized pieces. And ta-dah - pinwheels!
Delightfully simple, deliciously presented... your child will love this twist on a pinwheel in their lunch!
Add in some berries and nuts like we did, and you have a balanced lunch perfect for pack and go.
I've discovered that getting the kids out the door in time doesn't have to be hectic. I just have to get organized. Lunches like this make it a bit easier.
Recipe
Chicken Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 4 large tortillas (I used jalapeno and cheese tortillas)
- 10 ounces grilled chicken chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ oz taco seasoning half a packet
- 1 cup Mexican cheese shredded
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 oz sliced black olives drained
Instructions
- Mix together cream cheese and taco seasoning. Spread over tortillas. Divide chopped grilled chicken, cheese, red pepper and olives between the 4 tortillas. Roll up, refrigerator for a few hours or over night if time allows. Cut ends off and then slice up into 5-8 pieces per tortilla.
Nutrition
Nutrition details are an estimate, per serving.
Lauren says
What a great idea! I am always looking for new things to put in my son's lunch and I think he would love this! (I would too!!) #MondayforMoms
Laura says
I love wraps, this looks great. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
Tammy says
I love pinwheels, and these look so good! Thanks for sharing at the Creative K Kid's Tasty Tuesdays Party. I have pinned it to our Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board.