Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing; 1 pound ground chicken (preferably dark meat); Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoons chopped chipotle in adobo, plus 2 teaspoons sauce; ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving; 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice; 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups); 6 flour tortillas (each 8 inches); Pico de gallo, for serving; Sour cream, for serving

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Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas are a delicious, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that’s both crispy and satisfying. Filled with seasoned ground chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a touch of chipotle heat, these flautas are a perfect appetizer, snack, or main dish. Baked to golden perfection, they offer the crunch of fried flautas without the added oil, making them a lighter, healthier option. Served with fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro, these flautas are a crowd-pleasing treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas are bursting with flavor from the tender ground chicken, chipotle in adobo, and the creamy, melty Monterey Jack cheese. The combination of smoky heat from the chipotle and the fresh lime juice creates a fantastic depth of flavor, while the cilantro adds a fresh, herby kick. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy all the crispiness without the extra grease. Pair them with cool, tangy sour cream and zesty pico de gallo for the ultimate flavor experience!

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 pound ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons chopped chipotle in adobo, plus 2 teaspoons sauce
¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 ½ cups)
6 flour tortillas (each 8 inches)
Pico de gallo, for serving
Sour cream, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste, chipotle in adobo, and the chipotle sauce. Add ½ cup of water, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice for added flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Flautas

Brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Take one tortilla and add about ¼ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture along the center. Roll up the tortilla tightly, placing it seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and chicken mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Flautas

Brush the tops of the rolled flautas with a little more olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the flautas are browned and crisp.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the crispy flautas with a side of pico de gallo, sour cream, and extra cilantro for garnish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 6 flautas (serves 3-4)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes

Variations

Different Meat: You can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even vegetarian crumbles for a different twist.
Cheese Swap: While Monterey Jack is traditional, you can also use cheddar, queso fresco, or a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor.
Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle to make the flautas spicier or milder depending on your taste preference.
Add Veggies: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling for added vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover flautas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the flautas at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these flautas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the flautas ahead of time, store them covered in the fridge, and bake them just before serving. They will need an extra minute or two in the oven if they’re cold from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze the flautas?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked flautas. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas will work, but they may crack more easily. To prevent this, heat the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds or briefly warm them in a dry skillet before filling them.

4. How can I make these flautas spicier?

For a spicier kick, add more chopped chipotle peppers in adobo or some hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

5. Can I use a different filling besides chicken?

Absolutely! These flautas can be made with ground beef, shredded pork, or even a vegetarian filling like black beans and cheese for a meatless version.

6. Can I skip the cilantro?

If you don’t like cilantro, you can skip it or substitute with fresh parsley or green onions for a different fresh flavor.

7. Can I make these flautas without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free version or prefer a lighter option.

8. Can I add guacamole to the serving?

Yes, guacamole would make a great addition to the flautas, giving them an extra creamy and flavorful topping.

9. Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the flautas in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the flautas for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.

10. How do I prevent the flautas from unrolling?

Ensure the tortillas are tightly rolled and placed seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling during baking.

Conclusion

These Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas are a deliciously flavorful and easy-to-make dish that will surely become a family favorite. With a flavorful chicken filling, crispy exterior, and a variety of toppings to customize, they’re perfect for dinner, snacks, or entertaining. Whether served with pico de gallo, sour cream, or guacamole, these flautas are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more!

Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe

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Author: Maggie
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 6 flautas (serves 3-4)

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Description

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, chipotle in adobo, and the chipotle sauce. Add ½ cup of water, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice for added flavor.
Brush a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Take one tortilla and add about ¼ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture along the center. Roll up the tortilla tightly, placing it seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and chicken mixture.
Brush the tops of the rolled flautas with a little more olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the flautas are browned and crisp.
Serve the crispy flautas with a side of pico de gallo, sour cream, and extra cilantro for garnish.

Notes

Different Meat: You can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even vegetarian crumbles for a different twist.
Cheese Swap: While Monterey Jack is traditional, you can also use cheddar, queso fresco, or a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor.
Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle to make the flautas spicier or milder depending on your taste preference.
Add Veggies: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling for added vegetables.
Storage: Leftover flautas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican