Homemade Chicken Flautas

Crispy chicken and cheese-filled rolled tortillas, perfect for an appetizer or main dish.

These crispy rolled tortillas filled with chicken and cheese can be baked, fried, or air-fried for a delicious appetizer or main meal. The recipe offers various cooking methods to achieve the perfect crispy texture, making it a versatile dish that anyone can enjoy.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 flautas

Full Ingredient List

1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is recommended)
4 oz mild green chiles
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
12 flour tortillas
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Canola or vegetable oil (for frying, if applicable)
Cooking spray (for baking or air frying)

Flautas

Tools and Equipment

Large skillet (Buy)
Baking sheet with wire rack (Buy)
Microwave (Buy)
Oven or air fryer (Buy)
Tongs (if frying) (Buy)

Ingredients

Quantity	Name	Preparation Notes	Substitutions
1 tablespoon	olive oil or avocado oil	none	canola oil
1/2 chopped	yellow onion	chopped	white onion
1	jalapeno	seeded and minced	serrano pepper
3 cups	shredded chicken	use rotisserie chicken for ease	shredded beef or pork
4 oz	mild green chiles	none	poblano peppers
1 tablespoon	fresh lime juice	none	lemon juice
3 cups	shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese	none	Monterey Jack cheese
12	flour tortillas	use the freshest available	corn tortillas
1 teaspoon	ground cumin	none
1 teaspoon	chili powder	none
1/2 teaspoon	garlic powder	none	fresh garlic
1/2 teaspoon	paprika	none	smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon	kosher salt	none	sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack and spray with nonstick spray. (Tips: Ensure the rack is in place to allow air circulation underneath for even crisping.)
Step 2: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and jalapeno and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. (Tips: Avoid browning the onions for a milder flavor.)
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooked onion, jalapeno, shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, green chiles, lime juice, and cheese. (Tips: Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.)
Step 4: Heat tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds until pliable. (Tips: This prevents the tortillas from cracking while rolling.)
Step 5: Place about 3 tablespoons of filling on each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam side down on a prepared rack. (Tips: Ensure tight rolling to maintain the shape during cooking.)
Step 6: Bake flautas for 18-23 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown. (Tips: For extra crispiness, finish with a brief broil while monitoring closely.)

Nutritional Information

Calories: 221
Protein: 10g
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Additional Information

Notes: To freeze flautas, prepare and assemble them, then freeze before baking. Thaw slightly before cooking as instructed.

Background: Flautas, meaning flutes in Spanish, are popular Mexican dishes made mainly with flour tortillas, differentiating them from taquitos which use corn tortillas.

Geographic Region: Mexican

Seasonality: Year-round

Occasion: Family dinner or party appetizer

Recommended Pairings

Mexican rice
Refried beans
Queso dip
Fruit salad