Description
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!
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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flauta
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
