Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give you a more authentic flavor, but they're a bit trickier to work with. Warm them first in the microwave between damp paper towels for about 30 seconds to make them pliable, otherwise they may crack when rolled.

How do I keep my flautas from getting soggy on the bottom?

The key is using a preheated oven and placing the flautas directly on a preheated baking sheet. Also, make sure your filling isn't too wet – drain salsa if it seems watery, and let any frozen ingredients thaw and drain completely before mixing.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the filling and roll the flautas up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Brush with oil just before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're cold from the refrigerator.

What's the difference between flautas and taquitos?

Traditionally, flautas are made with flour tortillas and tend to be larger, while taquitos use corn tortillas and are smaller. However, in many parts of the US, the terms are used interchangeably. This recipe works great for either style!

Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe

Name: Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon chili powder or taco seasoning; 1/3 cup salsa of choice; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 flour tortillas (soft taco size); Neutral cooking oil, as needed

These Baked Chicken Flautas are truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside, these flautas deliver restaurant-quality taste without the mess or hassle of deep frying. The combination of tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and zesty seasonings wrapped in a golden tortilla creates an irresistible dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven-Baked Goodness: Get that satisfying crunch without the extra calories and mess of deep frying.
Meal Prep Champion: Make a double batch and freeze some for those hectic nights when cooking feels impossible.
Customizable: Easily adapt the filling to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will reach for seconds – these flautas strike the perfect balance between familiar comfort food and exciting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooked Chicken: The foundation of our flautas – use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides that perfect melt and mild, creamy flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that binds everything together and creates an irresistibly creamy texture.
Chili Powder or Taco Seasoning: Adds that classic southwestern kick – adjust according to your spice preference.
Salsa: Brings moisture and flavor complexity to the filling – choose your favorite variety from mild to spicy.
Flour Tortillas: Creates that perfect crispy outer shell – soft taco size works best for manageable flautas.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Cooking Oil: Helps achieve that beautiful golden color and crispy texture in the oven.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Transform these flautas by substituting the chicken with shredded beef, pork carnitas, or even seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.

Cheese Adventures

Try pepper jack for extra heat, a Mexican cheese blend for authenticity, or add a sprinkle of cotija cheese on top after baking for a salty finish.

Flavor Boosters

Mix in diced green chiles, corn kernels, or sautéed bell peppers to the filling for added texture and nutrition.

Tortilla Options

While flour tortillas get wonderfully crispy, corn tortillas will give you a more traditional flavor and are naturally gluten-free (just warm them first to prevent cracking).

How to Make Baked Chicken Flautas

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and brush it with oil – this prevents sticking and helps create that beautiful crispy bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, chili powder or taco seasoning, and salsa. Stir everything until well mixed, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The filling should be creamy but still hold together.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in a line down the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, creating a compact cylinder. The tighter you roll, the better they’ll stay together.

Step 4: Arrange and Brush

Place your rolled flautas on the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down to prevent them from opening during baking. Brush the tops and sides with oil to ensure they get evenly golden and crispy.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the tortillas turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside gets all melty and delicious.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Warm Your Tortillas: Briefly warm flour tortillas before rolling to make them more pliable and prevent cracking.
Secure If Needed: If your flautas are unwrapping during prep, secure them with toothpicks (just remember to remove before serving!).
Even Oil Distribution: Use a pastry brush to ensure even coating of oil for uniform crispiness.
Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking for golden-brown color around 8 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Filling Control: Don’t overstuff your tortillas or the filling might leak out during baking.

How to Serve

Dipping Sauces

These flautas shine when served with a variety of dips like guacamole, sour cream, extra salsa, or a zesty cilantro-lime crema.

Complete the Meal

Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a complete dinner.

Presentation

Arrange on a platter with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an impressive presentation that looks like it took hours instead of minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some crispiness but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

These flautas freeze beautifully! After assembly but before baking, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat refrigerated flautas in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. If reheating from frozen, add about 5-7 minutes to the original baking time, no need to thaw first.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give you a more authentic flavor, but they’re a bit trickier to work with. Warm them first in the microwave between damp paper towels for about 30 seconds to make them pliable, otherwise they may crack when rolled.
How do I keep my flautas from getting soggy on the bottom?

The key is using a preheated oven and placing the flautas directly on a preheated baking sheet. Also, make sure your filling isn’t too wet – drain salsa if it seems watery, and let any frozen ingredients thaw and drain completely before mixing.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the filling and roll the flautas up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Brush with oil just before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.
What’s the difference between flautas and taquitos?

Traditionally, flautas are made with flour tortillas and tend to be larger, while taquitos use corn tortillas and are smaller. However, in many parts of the US, the terms are used interchangeably. This recipe works great for either style!

Final Thoughts

These Baked Chicken Flautas bring the best of Mexican-inspired cuisine right to your dinner table with minimal effort. They’re the perfect solution when you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying without having to leave home. Whether for a family dinner, game day snack, or meal prep solution, these flautas deliver big flavor in a handheld package. Give them a try tonight – your taste buds (and family) will thank you!