Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of baked chicken flautas wafting through your kitchen, reminiscent of a cozy family gathering. These oven-baked delights offer a guilt-free alternative to the fried versions, combining crispy corn tortillas with a savory chicken filling. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Curious about how to make them and what to serve alongside? Stick around for all the details.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Oven Baked Chicken Flautas are a healthier alternative to traditional fried flautas, offering a crispy texture without the extra oil.
- The main ingredients include cooked shredded chicken, cheese, taco seasoning, and corn tortillas, making it a flavorful dish.
- Preparation involves mixing the filling, warming tortillas, and rolling them tightly before baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- These flautas can be customized with different proteins, spices, or vegetarian options to suit various tastes.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a complete meal experience that's perfect for casual gatherings.
How To Make It – Recipe
Oven Baked Chicken Flautas are a delicious, crispy, and satisfying dish that will surely impress your family and friends. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with a crispy tortilla wrap, baked to perfection in the oven. Not only are they lighter than traditional fried flautas, but baking them also allows for easy preparation and cleanup, making them a great option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
To achieve the best flavor, you can use either shredded rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breast. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and mixed with cheese, then rolled tightly in corn tortillas. Baking them gives that golden-brown finish and keeps them crunchy without the need for frying. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping, and you have a complete meal that's both comforting and fun to eat. For a twist, you can also incorporate Oven Baked Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken for added flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 12 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, and taco seasoning until well blended.
Warm the corn tortillas slightly in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable. Take a tortilla, place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center, and roll it tightly.
Place the rolled flautas seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Spray the tops of the flautas lightly with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the flautas are golden brown and crispy.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking.
You can also customize the filling by adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or black beans. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Enjoy your flautas with a variety of dipping sauces to cater to everyone's taste!
Substitution Suggestions
If you're looking to switch things up with your Oven Baked Chicken Flautas, there are plenty of substitution options that can still deliver fantastic flavor.
Try using shredded beef or pulled pork for a savory twist. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken with black beans or seasoned tofu.
Experiment with ingredient alternatives like corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version. You can also add flavor variations by incorporating spices like smoked paprika or chipotle for a smoky kick.
Don't forget to adjust your toppings—guacamole, salsa, or even a drizzle of lime crema can elevate your dish beautifully! Additionally, you might consider using shredded chicken enchiladas as a new flavor inspiration for your flautas.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your Oven Baked Chicken Flautas can transform a simple meal into a festive gathering. Present them on a vibrant platter, and don't forget to include an array of dipping sauces like zesty guacamole, creamy sour cream, or tangy salsa for a burst of flavor.
To elevate your meal, pair the flautas with fresh side salads—think crisp romaine, colorful bell peppers, and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette. This combination not only adds color to your table but also balances the richness of the flautas. Additionally, consider serving oven-baked chicken enchiladas alongside the flautas to offer a delightful variety of flavors.
Your guests will love the variety, making your gathering unforgettable!
Make-Ahead and Storage
Planning ahead can make your mealtime smoother, and Oven Baked Chicken Flautas are perfect for that. You can prepare these delicious flautas in advance, rolling them up and placing them in storage containers.
For the best flavor, assemble them a few hours before baking or even the night before. Just remember to cover them tightly to prevent drying out. Savory oven baked chicken can enhance the overall taste of your flautas.
When you're ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and pop them in.
With these make-ahead tips, you'll enjoy a hassle-free dinner that's both satisfying and flavorful, allowing you to savor every bite without the last-minute rush.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal of Oven Baked Chicken Flautas, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers.
For proper leftover storage, place the flautas in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours. They'll stay fresh for up to three days. Additionally, you can pair the flautas with savory oven baked chicken for a delightful meal experience.
When you're ready to enjoy them again, follow these reheating tips: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the flautas on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're crispy and warm throughout.
This method keeps them from getting soggy while ensuring you savor that delightful flavor once more!
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
When it comes to enjoying Oven Baked Chicken Flautas, knowing the nutrition facts can enhance your dining experience. Each serving packs around 250 calories, making it a satisfying choice without overwhelming your daily intake.
The chicken serves as a fantastic protein source, delivering about 20 grams per serving, which helps keep you full and energized. With a balance of healthy fats and carbohydrates from the tortillas, these flautas cater to a well-rounded meal. Plus, they offer essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring you're not just indulging but nourishing your body with every delicious bite. Additionally, these flautas can be paired with Oven Baked Chicken for an even more flavorful experience. Enjoy guilt-free and tasty eating!
Final Thoughts
Although you may be tempted to indulge in takeout, preparing Oven Baked Chicken Flautas at home offers a healthier and equally delicious alternative.
These flautas aren't only easy to make but can also be customized with delicious variations like adding cheese, beans, or veggies. Additionally, using oven baked chicken as a filling not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a tender and juicy texture.
Pair them with fresh guacamole, tangy salsa, or a zesty cilantro-lime crema for the perfect complement.
You'll impress family and friends with your culinary skills, all while enjoying a satisfying meal that's packed with flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead of Flour Tortillas?
You can definitely use corn tortillas instead of flour. Corn tortillas offer a delightful flavor and are gluten-free, but they're thinner, so be mindful of their texture differences; they may be more fragile when rolling.
What Type of Cheese Is Best for Flautas?
For flautas, you'll love using cheese types like Monterey Jack or queso fresco. Their creamy textures and mild flavor profiles melt beautifully, enhancing your dish, while adding a delightful richness that complements the crispy tortillas perfectly.
Are Flautas Gluten-Free?
Like a refreshing change, flautas can be gluten-free! Just choose corn tortillas for your flautas ingredients, and you'll enjoy delicious gluten-free options. Always double-check other ingredients to confirm they're safe for your diet.
Can I Freeze Uncooked Flautas?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked flautas! For best results, use proper uncooked storage techniques. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This guarantees freshness and makes meal prep a breeze later!
How Can I Make Flautas Spicier?
If you think spiciness isn't your thing, try adding spicy sauces or experimenting with different pepper varieties. A dash of chipotle or jalapeño can elevate your flautas, igniting a flavorful kick you'll love!
