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Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Flautas Recipe with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

crispy baked chicken flautas - featured image

Crispy baked chicken flautas with a creamy cilantro sauce that are quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. This healthier baked version delivers satisfying crunch without the mess of frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 1012 corn tortillas
  • Olive oil spray or a light brush of olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: small jalapeño, seeded if preferred

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add diced onion and shredded cheese, mix well until evenly coated.
  2. Wrap tortillas in a damp kitchen towel and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or heat on a dry skillet for 15 seconds each side to soften and prevent cracking.
  3. Lay a warm tortilla flat, spoon about 2 tablespoons of chicken filling along one edge, leaving a small border. Roll tightly but gently to avoid ripping. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all tortillas.
  4. Lightly spray or brush flautas with olive oil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through and applying a second light spray for even browning.
  5. While baking, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and jalapeño (if using) in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth or finely chop and mix by hand for chunkier sauce.
  6. Remove flautas from oven when golden and crispy. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving with creamy cilantro sauce.

Notes

Warm tortillas properly to prevent cracking. Do not overstuff tortillas to avoid bursting during baking. Flip flautas halfway through baking for even crispiness. Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispy crust without excess oil. The creamy cilantro sauce can be made smoother in a blender or chunkier by hand mixing. Leftovers reheat best in the oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken flautas, crispy flautas, creamy cilantro sauce, easy Mexican recipe, healthy flautas, baked tortilla recipe