Background
Baked Chicken Flautas are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried flautas. These crispy rolled tortillas are filled with flavorful shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a touch of poblano and tomatillo sauce. They make for a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a main course. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for making Baked Chicken Flautas, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Table of Contents
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 2 flautas
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving
- Protein: About 18-20 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: About 25-30 grams per serving
- Fat: Around 12-15 grams per serving
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3 grams per serving
Recipe Duration
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup poblano pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomatillo sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Flautas:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For Serving:
- Salsa or dipping sauce of your choice
Variations to Chicken Flautas
- Spicy Kick: If you prefer your flautas with a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Air Fryer Method: You can also prepare these flautas using an air fryer for an even healthier option.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, finely chopped poblano pepper, tomatillo sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The cream cheese should make the filling creamy and flavorful.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds until they become soft and pliable. This makes them easier to roll.
Step 3: Assemble the Flautas
- Take a softened tortilla and place it on a clean surface.
- Spoon a generous portion of the chicken and cream cheese filling onto the center of the tortilla.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight. Repeat this process for all the tortillas.
Step 4: Bake the Flautas
- Place the rolled flautas seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly brush or spray the flautas with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. This helps them turn crispy during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the flautas are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the baked chicken flautas from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve them warm with your favorite salsa or dipping sauce.
Conclusion
These Baked Chicken Flautas are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. They offer the perfect blend of creamy and savory, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to be a hit at your next Mexican-inspired meal. Enjoy your homemade Baked Chicken Flautas!
For those who prefer an air fryer method, simply follow the same steps and air fry the flautas at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Alternative meals:
