Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas (Clean Schema Markdown)
Introduction
If you love the crispy, rolled goodness of flautas but don’t love standing over a pot of hot oil, these crispy baked chicken flautas are your new best friend. You get that signature crunch, the savory chicken filling, and the irresistible “just one more” factor—without frying. The oven does the heavy lifting, and the result is a tray of golden flautas that feel party-worthy but are easy enough for a weeknight.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy without deep frying: Baking (plus a little oil) gives you a shatteringly crisp exterior.
- Great use for leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance, bake when you’re ready.
- Perfect for dipping: Flautas + sauce = happiness.
Ingredients
For the flautas
- Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie is ideal)
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- Tortillas (flour or corn—see notes below)
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika (or taco seasoning in a pinch)
- Salt and black pepper
- Oil or cooking spray (for crisping)
Optional, but highly recommended
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Salsa, sour cream, guacamole for serving
Swaps and Notes
- Tortillas:
- Flour tortillas roll easiest and bake super crisp.
- Corn tortillas taste more traditional but need warming first to prevent cracking.
- Chicken: Shredded turkey works great too.
- Cheese: Pepper jack adds heat; Monterey Jack melts like a dream.
- Extra flavor: Add a spoonful of salsa or a few diced green chiles to the filling (just don’t over-wet it).
- Spice level: Add cayenne or hot sauce if you want more kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment (or lightly oil it).
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, onion, garlic, and spices. Mix until evenly coated.
- Warm tortillas (especially corn): Microwave briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel, or warm in a skillet—this prevents splitting.
- Roll the flautas: Add a small line of filling near one edge, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Oil for crunch: Brush lightly with oil or spray the tops generously—this is the secret to that “fried-like” crisp.
- Bake: 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until deeply golden and crisp.
- Finish and serve: Hit them with a squeeze of lime and sprinkle cilantro if you like. Serve hot with dips.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill. A tight roll crisps better and won’t burst open.
- Seam-side down matters. It helps the flautas stay sealed while baking.
- Use enough oil. You don’t need a lot, but you do need some to get that crackly exterior.
- Space them out. Crowding traps steam and steals crispiness.
- Want extra crunch? Finish for 1–2 minutes under the broiler—watch closely.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These flautas are the definition of “dip food,” so I like to build a little spread:
- Party-style meal: Serve alongside This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd for a DIY taco-and-flauta night.
- Easy dinner pairing: Add a scoop of This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit for a hearty, comforting plate.
- Fast crowd feeding: Pair with These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast when you’re hosting and want options.
Dip ideas (hyperlinked):
- Salsa roja or salsa verde
- Guacamole
- Sour cream with lime + salt
- Queso-style dip (and if you want a fun appetizer spread, add This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes on the table too—unexpected, but wildly good with crunchy dippers.)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Estimate (will vary by tortilla size, cheese amount, and oil used):
- Calories: 320–420
- Protein: 18–28g
- Carbs: 22–35g
- Fat: 14–22g
- Fiber: 2–5g
- Sodium: varies widely by seasoning and cheese
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store cooled flautas in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat for crispiness: Use the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crunchy again (microwave = soft).
- Freeze: Assemble and freeze unbaked flautas on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
More Recipes You Will Love
If these flautas hit the spot, keep the Tex-Mex comfort train rolling:
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
Final Thoughts
Crispy baked chicken flautas are one of those recipes that feel like a treat but fit perfectly into real life: quick, flexible, kid-friendly, and endlessly dippable. Make them for game day, make them for a weeknight, make them when you’ve got leftover chicken that needs a glow-up—just don’t expect leftovers to survive.
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