If you’re craving a dish that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside with a melty, flavorful filling on the inside, then this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and a hint of spice, these flautas bring a perfect blend of textures and tastes that feels both like a comforting home-cooked meal and a festive treat. Plus, baking instead of frying means you get that satisfying crunch with less fuss and mess, making these flautas a winner for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheeses and just the right amount of seasoning, every element adds a layer of deliciousness that’s hard to resist.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie for a quick and flavorful base.
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and mild sharpness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Brings a luscious, smooth texture that binds the filling together.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder or taco seasoning: Adds warmth and just the right kick to the mixture.
- â…“ cup salsa of choice: Brings moisture and tangy zest to brighten the filling.
- 8 flour tortillas (soft taco size): The perfect wrapper that crisps up gorgeously when baked.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
- Neutral cooking oil, as needed: Helps achieve that beautiful golden crunch when brushed on before baking.
How to Make Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with foil to ease the cleanup, then lightly brush the foil with neutral cooking oil. This prepping stage ensures your flautas won’t stick and will crisp up evenly in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, grated Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, chili powder or taco seasoning, and your salsa of choice. Stir everything together until fully mixed and creamy. Then, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This filling is bursting with flavors and the perfect balance of creamy and spicy.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Spoon an even line of the chicken mixture down the center of each flour tortilla. Roll each tortilla up tightly, making sure to seal the filling inside. Place each rolled flauta seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them from unrolling while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Lightly brush the tops and sides of the filled flautas with a thin layer of oil. This step is what gives them their mouthwatering golden color and crisp texture. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the flautas are beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these flautas with fresh, vibrant garnishes will bring the dish to a whole new level. Think chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of freshly crumbled queso fresco, or a squeeze of lime to brighten every bite. These little touches add freshness and color that your eyes and taste buds will thank you for.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve these Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe with classic Mexican sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp cabbage slaw tossed with a tangy lime dressing. These sides provide a lovely contrast in texture and flavor, making your meal both satisfying and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your flautas upright in a serving dish lined with parchment paper. You can add small bowls of dipping sauces around them—think guacamole, sour cream, and extra salsa. It’s a fun presentation that gets guests eager to dig in and share the joy of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep their delightful crunch, avoid sealing them when still warm or adding moisture before storing.
Freezing
Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe freezes wonderfully! After baking, let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zipper bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy homemade flautas anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, place your flautas on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. This restores the crispy exterior without drying out the filling the way a microwave would. Crispy, warm, and just as tasty as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can absolutely use corn tortillas for a different flavor and texture, but they tend to be less pliable and may crack during rolling. To make them more flexible, warm them gently before filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas available at most stores. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so this swap keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What type of salsa works best in the filling?
Choose a salsa that matches your preferred heat level and flavor profile, whether mild, medium, or spicy. A smooth salsa blends best for an even filling consistency, but chunkier salsas add lovely texture, too.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully. Just fill and bake your flautas when ready to serve.
How do I ensure the flautas stay rolled during baking?
Placing the flautas seam-side down on the baking sheet helps keep them from unrolling, as does rolling them tightly. Brushing lightly with oil also helps seal the seams during baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about homemade flautas that are golden, crispy, and bursting with creamy, savory filling—this Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe nails that every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a cozy night, these flautas bring comfort, ease, and flavor all in one delicious package. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These baked chicken flautas are a delicious and crispy Mexican-inspired appetizer made with shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and warm spices all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection. They offer a lighter twist on traditional fried flautas by using the oven for a healthier, yet equally satisfying result.
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
- â…“ cup salsa of choice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- Neutral cooking oil, as needed for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly brush it with neutral cooking oil to prevent sticking and help crisp the flautas as they bake.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded cooked chicken, grated Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, chili powder or taco seasoning, and salsa. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring the filling is well-flavored and creamy.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon an even amount of the chicken filling down the center of each flour tortilla. Roll each tortilla up tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them from unrolling during baking.
- Bake: Lightly brush the tops and sides of the rolled flautas with neutral cooking oil for a golden and crispy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the flautas are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken flautas hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a tasty and satisfying appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the flautas for the last 1-2 minutes of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour to make the recipe gluten-free, but be careful when rolling as they are more fragile.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to mix easily into the filling.
- Leftover flautas can be reheated in a toaster oven or oven to retain crispiness rather than the microwave.
