If you are craving a dish that is bursting with bold flavors yet effortlessly comes together, this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe will become your new kitchen favorite. Crispy on the outside with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling inside, these flautas offer just the right combination of spice, texture, and satisfaction. What makes them even better is that they bake in the oven instead of frying, delivering all the crunch and indulgence without the extra oil. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or your next gathering, these flautas are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe lies in the simple yet essential ingredients chosen to create layers of flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken to the melty cheese blend, ensuring these flautas never disappoint.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender, flavorful protein that forms the hearty base.
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy melt that complements the spices.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Brings richness and helps bind the filling perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder or taco seasoning: Creates a warm, smoky kick to elevate the flavors.
- ⅓ cup salsa of choice: Provides moisture and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- 8 flour tortillas (soft taco size): Flexible wrappers that crisp beautifully when baked.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for a balanced flavor.
- Neutral cooking oil, as needed: Ensures a golden, crispy finish without overpowering any other flavors.
How to Make Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with foil and give it a light brush of oil. This setup will help the flautas crisp evenly and prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze too.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, chili powder or taco seasoning, and salsa. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. At this stage, add salt and pepper according to your preference, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Flautas
Lay out each tortilla flat and spoon a generous line of the chicken mixture down the center. Roll them up tightly, tucking in the filling as you go to avoid spills. Place each rolled flauta seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet—this holds them shut while baking.
Step 4: Oil and Bake
To achieve that crave-worthy crunch, brush the tops and sides of your flautas lightly with oil. Then pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. The kitchen will soon be filled with an irresistible aroma that signals they’re ready.
Step 5: Serve While Hot
Once baked to perfection, serve your flautas hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. The contrast of the crispy exteriors with cool, creamy dips makes every bite extraordinary!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dash of cotija cheese adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness that complements the hearty flautas beautifully. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavors alike.
Side Dishes
Pair your flautas with a bright, fresh salad or Mexican-style street corn for a well-rounded meal. Black beans and Spanish rice also make excellent companions, adding both nutrition and heartiness without overwhelming the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked chicken flautas on a colorful platter garnished with avocado slices and radish wheels for eye-catching contrast. Stack them in neat rows or fan them out for easy grabbing. For a playful twist, offer an assortment of dipping sauces arranged in small bowls to let everyone customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover flautas, wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick, tasty snacks or next-day meals.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the rolled but unbaked flautas in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, so you have crisp, fresh-tasting flautas anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore that delightful crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soggy. Simply heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe?
Flour tortillas are preferred in this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe because they roll easily and crisp up nicely in the oven. Corn tortillas tend to be less flexible and may crack when rolled, but you can warm them thoroughly to help prevent breaking if that’s your only option.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These flautas are perfect for meal prep since you can assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just bake when ready to enjoy a fresh, homemade meal with minimal effort.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If Monterey Jack isn’t available, mild cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend work well. Choose cheeses that melt easily and have a balanced flavor suitable for the spicy filling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the shredded chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans combined with the cheese and spices. This keeps the spirit of the Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe but offers a delicious meatless alternative.
How can I make these flautas crispier?
To maximize crispiness, brush the flautas generously with oil before baking and space them out on the tray so hot air circulates well. Baking at a higher temperature, as directed, also helps create that irresistible crunchy exterior.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, bold flavor, and crispy goodness to your table with ease. I encourage you to try it out and discover how delightful simple ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable dish. Once you do, these baked flautas will surely become a staple you reach for again and again!
Print
Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 flautas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Crispy and flavorful baked chicken flautas made with a cheesy, seasoned shredded chicken filling wrapped in soft flour tortillas. These baked flautas are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer or snack that pairs perfectly with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chili powder or taco seasoning
- ⅓ cup salsa of choice
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- Neutral cooking oil, as needed (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and brush it lightly with neutral cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grated Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, chili powder or taco seasoning, and salsa. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble Flautas: Lay each flour tortilla flat and spoon the chicken mixture down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep it closed during baking.
- Brush with Oil: Brush the tops and sides of each flauta with neutral cooking oil. This helps them get golden brown and crispy while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the flautas for 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the flautas hot with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange flautas on the rack to allow air circulation during baking.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred, but they may be more fragile when rolling.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy salsa and seasoning accordingly.
- Leftover flautas can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
