These Quick & Easy Chicken Flautas are the perfect solution for a fast, flavorful meal or snack that satisfies cravings for Mexican-inspired food. Made with simple pantry ingredients like canned chicken, cream cheese, salsa, and shredded cheese, they come together in no time and bake up crispy in the oven without the need for frying. The addition of spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder adds just the right amount of kick to the creamy, cheesy filling. Flautas are perfect for dipping in your favorite condiments like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, making them a versatile option for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) Chicken (drained & flaked)
- 6 oz Cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup Salsa
- 1 cup Shredded cheese (any variety)
- ¼ tsp Cumin
- ¼ tsp Garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Onion powder
- ¼ tsp Chili powder
- 12 8″ Flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil, or spray it with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked chicken, softened cream cheese, salsa, shredded cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir the mixture together until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
Tip: For extra creaminess, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. - Fill the Tortillas:
Place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Spread it evenly, then roll the tortilla up tightly, making sure to place it seam side down on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Tip: If you’re using smaller tortillas, reduce the amount of filling per tortilla accordingly. - Spray and Season:
Lightly spray the tops of the rolled flautas with cooking spray. This step is essential to achieving that golden, crispy texture. Optionally, you can sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on top to enhance the flavor and add an extra crunch. - Bake:
Bake the flautas for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the filling set, making the flautas easier to handle. - Serve:
Serve these crispy flautas with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. They’re also great with hot sauce or queso for an extra indulgent touch!
Tips:
- Cheese Variety: You can use any type of shredded cheese for the filling, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend, depending on your preference.
- Crispier Flautas: Make sure to spray the tops of the flautas generously with cooking spray to get that perfect crispy finish.
- Adjust Filling: If you prefer smaller tortillas, simply adjust the amount of filling for each to avoid overstuffing.
- Spice It Up: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick!
These chicken flautas are super versatile and perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or any occasion that calls for a delicious handheld treat!
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