Baked Chicken and Cheese Flautas: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight!

Craving a satisfying, crispy, and cheesy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these baked chicken and cheese flautas! Ditch the deep fryer and embrace a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative. These flautas are packed with flavorful shredded chicken, melty cheese, and wrapped in tortillas, then baked to golden perfection. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun weekend lunch.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and provides clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. We’ll cover everything from preparing the chicken filling to rolling the flautas and baking them to a satisfying crisp. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing dish!

## Why Bake Flautas Instead of Frying?

While traditional flautas are deep-fried, baking offers several advantages:

* **Healthier Option:** Baking significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making it a much healthier choice.
* **Less Mess:** No splattering oil or dealing with disposing of used oil.
* **Easier Cleanup:** Baking sheets are much easier to clean than a deep fryer.
* **Consistent Results:** Baking ensures even cooking and a consistent crispiness.

Don’t worry, you won’t sacrifice any flavor or texture by baking these flautas. With the right technique, you can achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

### For the Chicken Filling:

* **1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts:** This is the star of the filling. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **1 tablespoon Olive Oil:** For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **1/2 cup Diced Onion:** Adds flavor and texture to the filling.
* **2 cloves Garlic, minced:** Essential for a savory flavor boost.
* **1 teaspoon Chili Powder:** For a mild heat and smoky flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Cumin:** Adds warmth and earthiness.
* **1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika:** Enhances the smoky flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** To amplify the garlic flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder:** To amplify the onion flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Oregano:** Adds a touch of herbaceousness.
* **1/4 teaspoon Salt:** Enhances the other flavors.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adds a subtle kick.
* **1/4 cup Chicken Broth:** Helps to keep the chicken moist.
* **1/4 cup Salsa:** Adds flavor and moisture.
* **1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro:** Adds freshness and a vibrant flavor (optional).

### For the Flautas:

* **16-20 Corn Tortillas (6-inch):** Corn tortillas provide the traditional flauta texture. Make sure they are fresh and pliable.
* **2 cups Shredded Cheese:** Use a Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorites.
* **Cooking Spray:** To prevent the flautas from sticking to the baking sheet.

### Optional Toppings:

* Sour Cream
* Guacamole
* Salsa
* Pico de Gallo
* Shredded Lettuce
* Diced Tomatoes
* Hot Sauce

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* Baking Sheet
* Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper (optional, for lining the baking sheet)
* Mixing Bowl
* Measuring Spoons and Cups
* Tongs

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious baked chicken and cheese flautas:

### 1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

* **Cook the Chicken:** There are several ways to cook the chicken:
* **Boiling:** Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Drain the water and let the chicken cool slightly.
* **Baking:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
* **Instant Pot:** Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water or chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Let the remaining pressure release manually.
* **Shred the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks or your fingers.
* **Sauté the Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* **Add the Spices:** Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
* **Combine the Ingredients:** Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, and salsa to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* **Add Cilantro:** Stir in the chopped cilantro (if using).
* **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking.

### 2. Warm the Tortillas:

This step is crucial for preventing the tortillas from cracking when you roll them. There are several ways to warm the tortillas:

* **Microwave:** Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm and pliable.
* **Oven:** Wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
* **Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla individually for a few seconds on each side, until pliable.

### 3. Assemble the Flautas:

* **Lay out a tortilla:** Place a warmed tortilla on a clean surface.
* **Add the Filling:** Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle about 2-3 tablespoons of shredded cheese over the chicken filling.
* **Roll the Flauta:** Tightly roll the tortilla up, starting from one edge and continuing to the other. Tuck in the ends as you roll to prevent the filling from spilling out. If the tortilla doesn’t stay rolled, you can secure it with a toothpick.
* **Repeat:** Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, chicken filling, and cheese.

### 4. Bake the Flautas:

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
* **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. You can also line the baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
* **Arrange Flautas:** Place the rolled flautas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
* **Spray with Oil:** Lightly spray the tops of the flautas with cooking spray. This will help them crisp up nicely.
* **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the flautas are golden brown and crispy. Flip the flautas halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy!

* **Remove from Oven:** Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
* **Cool Slightly:** Let the flautas cool for a few minutes before serving.
* **Serve with Toppings:** Serve the baked chicken and cheese flautas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and hot sauce.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Protein:** You can substitute the chicken with shredded beef, pork, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini into the chicken filling for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Spice it Up:** Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling for a spicier kick.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Oaxaca, or queso fresco.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the flautas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freeze for Later:** Assemble and bake the flautas as directed, then let them cool completely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake the frozen flautas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
* **Air Fryer Option:** You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375F (190C). Place flautas in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

## Serving Suggestions

These baked chicken and cheese flautas are delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer. They also make a satisfying main course when served with:

* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the flautas.
* **Refried Beans:** Another traditional Mexican side dish.
* **Corn Salad:** A refreshing and flavorful salad that adds a burst of sweetness.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** A crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love.
* **Simple Salad:** A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 300-400 per flauta
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams

## Conclusion

These baked chicken and cheese flautas are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these flautas are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a crispy, cheesy delight! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below!

Enjoy!