Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor, Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas are just the thing. These flautas combine seasoned, shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, then baked to crispy perfection. What makes them extra special is how you can make them healthier by baking instead of frying, without compromising on the golden crunch that makes flautas so irresistible.

I first tried baked chicken flautas at a family gathering, and it instantly became a hit. Everyone was so impressed by how crispy and flavorful they were. Since then, I’ve made them countless times, tweaking the recipe to get the perfect balance of spices. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these crispy flautas will quickly become a family favorite.

So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking these delicious, crispy chicken flautas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas are easy to make, and there’s a lot to love about them:

• Healthier Option: They’re baked, not fried, so you get all the crispy goodness with fewer calories.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a full meal—either way, they’re a hit.
• Packed with Flavor: Seasoned chicken with a variety of spices gives every bite tons of flavor.
• Easy to Customize: Add your favorite fillings like cheese, beans, or even vegetables to make them your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a quick meal later.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy texture and delicious flavor make them a favorite with little ones.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving (depends on size and toppings)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fat: 10g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

You’ll need these ingredients to make the Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas:

For the Flautas:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded) – rotisserie chicken works great
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas (corn for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

For Serving:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Lime wedges

Ingredient Highlights

• Cooked Chicken: Using cooked or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy. It’s flavorful and the perfect base for these flautas.
• Spices: Cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder create a warm, slightly smoky flavor that’s perfect with the chicken.
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas give a soft texture, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option or for an even crispier texture.
• Cheese: A melty cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack adds richness to the flautas and helps hold everything together.
• Toppings: Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole are classic additions that complement the crispy flautas perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas:

Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
2. Add Cheese: Mix in half of the shredded cheese with the seasoned chicken. This helps to bind the filling together.

Assemble the Flautas

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable, which will help prevent cracking when you roll them.
2. Fill the Tortillas: Spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them tightly to form flautas. Be sure not to overfill them to avoid spills during baking.
3. Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled flautas seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Leave a little space between each one so they can crisp up evenly.
4. Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the flautas with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Toppings: Once baked, serve your crispy chicken flautas with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or lime wedges.
2. Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, diced onions, or shredded lettuce make great additions for extra freshness.

How to Serve

These Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas are incredibly versatile, and you can serve them in many ways:

1. As an Appetizer: Serve with small bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.
2. As a Main Dish: Pair with a side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a satisfying meal.
3. For a Party: Make a batch of flautas and set up a taco bar with different salsas, cheeses, and toppings for a fun, interactive meal.
4. On Taco Night: Switch up your usual taco routine by serving these crispy flautas as a tasty alternative.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you perfect your Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas:

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds extra flavor, but you can also use leftover chicken or cook your own.
2. Don’t Overstuff: When filling your tortillas, don’t overstuff them. You want them to roll easily and cook evenly in the oven.
3. Spray with Cooking Oil: Spraying the flautas with a little cooking oil helps them crisp up beautifully. You can also brush them with melted butter for an extra golden finish.
4. Keep Them Crispy: If you’re making a large batch, you can keep the flautas warm and crispy in a 200°F oven while you finish baking the rest.
5. Make Ahead: Assemble the flautas in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
6. Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas to make these flautas gluten-free.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations to make this recipe your own:

• Cheesy Chicken Flautas: Add more cheese to the filling for a gooier, cheesier flauta.
• Spicy Flautas: Add a bit of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the filling for some extra heat.
• Vegetarian Flautas: Substitute the chicken with black beans, corn, and cheese for a vegetarian option.
• Beef Flautas: Use seasoned ground beef or shredded beef in place of the chicken for a different flavor.
• Crispy Taquitos: If you prefer taquitos, use smaller corn tortillas for an even crunchier texture.

Freezing and Storage

These Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas can be stored or frozen for later:

• Storage: Store leftover baked flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Reheating: Reheat the flautas in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

Special Equipment

You won’t need much to make these crispy baked flautas:

• Baking Sheet: To bake the flautas evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Spoon: For filling the tortillas.
• Microwave: To warm the tortillas and make them pliable.

FAQ Section

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas:

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
  Yes, flour tortillas work well for this recipe. Corn tortillas are great for a gluten-free option and offer a slightly different texture.
• Can I freeze the flautas before baking?
  Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled flautas and bake them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Can I make these vegetarian?
  Yes! You can substitute the chicken with black beans, cheese, and corn for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
• Yes, you can prepare the flautas ahead of time by assembling them, then storing them in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days before baking. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.
• Can I add extra fillings to the flautas?
• Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Add some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overstuff them, as this can make it hard to roll them up.
• What toppings do you recommend?
• The classic toppings for flautas are salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges. You can also serve them with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, or some fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness.

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Conclusion

These Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas are the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and convenience. With just the right amount of seasoning and a crispy, golden finish, these flautas are bound to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these flautas are sure to please everyone at the table.

The best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without the extra guilt. Plus, they’re totally customizable—add in your favorite fillings or toppings to make them your own!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!