If you’re searching for a fresh weeknight dinner that everyone will truly love, look no further than this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe. Rolled to crispy perfection and filled with savory shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and just the right kick of spice, these flautas are a golden, flavor-packed alternative to traditional fried versions. They’re baked until irresistibly crunchy, making them lighter but still oh-so-satisfying with every bite. Honestly, once you try this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients—nothing complicated, just reliable staples that meld together to deliver bold flavor in every roll. Each element adds something special, so don’t skip out!
- Cooked shredded chicken: The savory and tender main filling for the flautas—rotisserie chicken makes things extra easy!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, creamy richness that melts perfectly when baked.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Gives a mellow, buttery flavor that balances out the sharper cheddar.
- Sour cream: Keeps the filling creamy and helps bind everything together.
- Salsa: Kicks up the moisture and brings a burst of bright, tangy flavor.
- Chili powder: Infuses the mix with warm, earthy heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Cumin: Adds that unmistakable smokiness you crave in Tex-Mex dishes.
- Garlic powder: For a subtle aromatic note that carries through each bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors—don’t forget to taste and adjust!
- Small flour tortillas: The vehicle for all that delicious filling—make sure they’re fresh and flexible for rolling.
- Olive oil spray or melted butter: Brushing the tops lets your Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—a good hot blast is what will make these flautas golden and crunchy without any frying. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or give it a light greasing to ensure the flautas don’t stick. If you have a wire rack that fits over your baking sheet, set that up for ultra-crispy results!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a roomy mixing bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, both cheeses, sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s richly coated and evenly mixed—don’t be shy, use your hands if you like! The aroma alone will have you eager to roll up your Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Flautas
Lay out your small flour tortillas. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Now, work quickly but gently: roll each tortilla up tightly, pressing the seam side down to keep everything together. This step is honestly quick and fun once you get in the groove!
Step 4: Brush for Crispy Perfection
Once all your flautas are rolled up and arranged seam-side down on the baking sheet (or wire rack), lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil or melted butter. This little touch is what transforms your Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe into restaurant-worthy crispy goodness—no deep fryer required.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Bliss
Bake the flautas for 18–20 minutes, or until they’re turning gloriously golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Keep an eye out during the last few minutes so they don’t burn! When the aroma fills your kitchen, you know they’re nearly done. Serve piping hot and get creative with your favorite sides and dips.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
Garnishes
There’s no wrong way to finish your Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe, but a flurry of simple garnishes will take them to the next level. Scatter chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or crumbled queso fresco over the top. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright zing and helps balance the flavors. Don’t forget classic dollops of guacamole, extra salsa, or a little more sour cream on the side for dunking.
Side Dishes
You can keep it simple with a fresh salad or Mexican rice to round out your meal. Seasoned black beans or refried beans are always a hit, and grilled veggies bring some vibrant color to the plate. If you’re hosting, consider a street corn salad or a tangy slaw for added crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family-style dinners, serve flautas stacked high on a rustic platter with colorful toppings and little bowls of dips scattered around. Toothpicks make them easy to grab as appetizers. If you’re feeling playful, try slicing each flauta in half on a diagonal—this shows off the oozy, cheesy filling and makes them super sharable. However you present them, the Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe is a festive, crowd-pleasing treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), simply let your flautas cool to room temperature before refrigerating them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and make for the best grab-and-go lunch or quick snack.
Freezing
Want to make a bigger batch for “emergency cravings”? Assemble the flautas right up to the point before baking, lay them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. You can bake them straight from frozen—just tack on an extra 5–7 minutes in the oven and they’ll be just as crisp and tempting as freshly made!
Reheating
To recapture the original crunch, skip the microwave and use your oven or an air fryer. Simply reheat at 375°F until hot and crisp, usually about 8–10 minutes. If you only have the microwave, go for short bursts and finish off under the broiler for a couple of minutes for best results.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a different flavor and texture; just warm them first to make them pliable so they won’t crack during rolling. Once baked, they’ll be crunchy and delicious—feel free to experiment!
Is there a vegetarian version of this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe?
Definitely. Simply swap out the shredded chicken for sautéed mushrooms, beans, or a mix of your favorite roasted veggies. You’ll get all the same flavor and crunch, with a veggie-centered twist.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite certified gluten-free flour tortillas or soft, warmed corn tortillas. Double-check your spices and salsa labels, and you’re good to go for a safe and scrumptious gluten-free meal.
What kind of chicken works best in the filling?
Use any cooked chicken you like—rotisserie, poached, roasted, or even leftovers. The key is that the chicken be tender and well-shredded so it mixes smoothly with the sour cream, salsa, and cheese for a well-bound filling.
How can I keep the flautas from unrolling while baking?
Rolling them tightly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet usually does the trick. If you’re still worried, you can stick a toothpick through each flauta to hold them in place—just remember to remove them before serving!
Final Thoughts
Give this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe a try and you may find yourself making it again and again. It’s a joyful blend of convenience and crave-worthy flavor that fits just about any occasion. Gather friends and family, share a platter, and get ready for all the requests for “just one more!”
Print
Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 flautas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Chicken Flautas are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful chicken and cheese, these flautas are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 10 small flour tortillas
- Olive oil spray or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine chicken, cheeses, sour cream, salsa, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the Tortillas: Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling on each tortilla, roll them up, and arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Spray or brush the flautas with oil, bake for 18-20 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra-crispy flautas, bake on a wire rack.
- Unbaked flautas can be frozen and baked later (adjust baking time).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flauta
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
