Cheesy Chicken & Veggie Pinwheels: Dinner in a Roll!

 Hey there, busy parents and hungry kiddos! Looking for a dinner that's both delicious and a little bit fun? These Cheesy Chicken & Veggie Pinwheels are super easy to make, packed with goodness, and a surefire hit at the dinner table. Plus, they're great for little hands to pick up!

Why you'll love them:

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknights when you're short on time.
• Kid-Approved: The fun pinwheel shape and cheesy goodness make them irresistible.
• Hidden Veggies: A great way to sneak in some healthy vegetables.
• Customizable: Use your family's favorite fillings!

Yields: 12-16 pinwheels Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or finely diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon ranch dressing (optional, for extra flavor!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara sauce or ketchup for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1.     Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

2.     Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, chopped broccoli, and diced red bell pepper.

3.     Creamy Base: Add the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing (if using) to the chicken and veggie mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4.     Spread 'Em Out: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread about 1/4 of the chicken and veggie mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.

5.     Roll 'Em Up! Starting from one side, tightly roll up the tortilla like a log. Make sure it's snug so your pinwheels hold their shape.

6.     Slice & Bake: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled tortilla into 1-inch-thick rounds (you should get 3-4 pinwheels per tortilla). Place the pinwheels side up on your prepared baking sheet.

7.     Golden Goodness: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortillas are lightly golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8.     Serve & enjoy! Carefully remove it from the oven and cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce or ketchup for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Veggie Swap: Feel free to use other finely chopped veggies like spinach, corn, or grated carrots.
• Protein Power: You can also use cooked ground turkey or ham instead of chicken.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the rolls (steps 1-5) a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just slice and bake when you're ready for dinner!
• Freezer Friendly: These also freeze well! Bake them, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy your delicious and fun dinner, everyone! Let me know if you try them in the comments below!