Crispy, creamy and super tasty, these Chicken Flautas (aka Rolled Tacos) are a perfect homemade Mexican feast that the whole family will love. Made with shredded chicken and a creamy filling that is rolled into flour tortillas and then baked to perfection.

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Guys, I am not even going to pretend here.

These Chicken Flautas are anything but pretty.

Ok, they are flat out ugly.

So ugly I almost thought I should reshoot the pictures. 

Honestly though, no matter how many times I would try and make them look pretty, they just won’t do it. 

These Flautas turn out kind of lumpy and bumpy because of large chunks of shredded chicken. 

Line up all the Flautas on a platter and they kind of look like the gang from Fat Albert. (If you are a child of the 70’s or early 80’s, you know exactly what I am talking about. )

However, what these Chicken Flautas lack in beauty, they definitely make up for with taste.

They are crispy, creamy and absolutely delicious.

A comfort food meal perfect for a weekend night.

Also, they are very kid friendly.

So much so that my youngest niece gobbled hers down when usually dinner is a chorus of, “Just Please Eat Your Dinner!”

So if you are looking for a meal that is easy to make and the whole family will love, look no further. 

 

Flautas vs Taquitos 

So here is what is very interesting, what you call your rolled tacos all comes down to where you are from. In Mexico, and the Mexican culture, Flautas are the same thing as Taquitos and are usually made with corn tortillas. They can be made with beef, chicken, pork, etc. that is shredded, rolled in the corn tortillas and then fried. 

Here in the states, Flautas are composed of shredded meat inside rolled flour tortillas and then fried or baked. Taquitos on the other hand, are made with corn tortillas, shredded meat of choice and then fried. 

How To Make Flautas 

Mexican Shredded Chicken

These incredibly tasty Flautas start with shredded chicken. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, please feel free to use that in place of making the Mexican Shredded Chicken. Also, big batches of this chicken can be made, separated into smaller portions and then frozen for all kinds of Mexican recipes that require shredded chicken. 

1. Place chicken breasts into a large pot and cover with cold water 1 inch above the surface of the breasts. 
2. Bring to a boil, uncovered, over high heat. Once boiling lower to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature of breasts reaches 165℉. (If you do not have a meat thermometer simply cut a breast in half and if there is no remaining pink, you are good to go.)
3. Turn off heat. (Leave one breast in the hot water while shredding first one. Keeping the chicken warm makes for much easier shredding.) Place chicken on a plate and using two forks shred meat by pulling the forks in opposite directions. Repeat with second breast.
4. In a small bowl, mix together spices and salt. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the shredded chicken. Toss chicken pieces well to coat all sides with spices. 

Looking for an affordable price on your favorite organic spices? Here are some of my favorite options: Organic Coriander, Organic Cumin, Organic Chili Powder and Organic Garlic Powder. 

Pro Tip: Many chili powders can have varying degrees of spice/heat. Proceed cautiously and test first if serving anyone with delicate tastebuds. 

Creamy Sauce/Filling

Shredded chicken added to this flavorful creamy sauce is another element that makes these Chicken Flautas absolutely irresistible. The sauce is made very similarly to a béchamel sauce. However, the addition of onions, lime juice, diced green chilis and shredded chicken makes this recipe over the top delicious.

1. Melt butter in a frying pan over medium/high heat. Add finely diced onions and sauté until tender, about 5-7 mins. 
2. Stir in flour and salt. Cook stirring consistently until paste is formed and bubbles but does not brown.
3. Slowly stir in lime juice. Mix well and then repeat with milk. 
4. Cook stirring consistently, until sauce thickens and is smooth, about 7-8 mins. 
5. Add in diced green chilis and shredded chicken. 
6. Stir well and take off of heat. 

How To Roll Flautas

Since these Chicken Flautas are made with flour tortillas, there is no need to preheat the tortillas. 

1. Place a single tortilla on a plate. 
2. Add a decent sized spoonful (about 1/3 cup) to the bottom third of the tortilla, forming a line across the tortilla. 
3. Starting with the bottom half of the tortilla, roll as tightly as possible. 
4. Place seam side down into a roasting pan. 
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and then lightly spray with a healthy cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 375℉ oven for 25- 35 mins or until desired crispiness. 

Pro tip: Another option to replace the cooking spray is to brush the outside of the Flautas with this oil. 

Healthier Ingredient Alternatives 

The ingredients used for these Chicken Flautas can make all the difference as far as providing a higher level of wholesomeness. However, this recipe will never provide the level of nutrition that a plate of Brussel Sprouts or serving of Spinach would. But what fun would life be if all there was on the menu was Brussels Sprouts? Below are some suggestions of ways to make these a little healthier.

1. Either use organic grass-fed butter or replace with a healthy oil, such as avocado oil. (Pro Tip: The butter will provide the highest level of flavor.)
2. Use a high fiber tortilla. 
3. Replace regular milk with organic grass-fed or a nut milk. 
4. Use sea salt or pink Himalayan salt.

Half Batch Amounts

These Flautas make for a very satisfying dinner and personally I love having leftovers in the refrigerator. However, if you are cooking for a smaller number of people, here are the portions for a half batch of Chicken Flautas. 

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, 1/2 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt (for the chicken), 1/4 of a large onion (finely diced), 1/4 cup butter, 3 tbsp flour, 1/4 tsp salt (for the sauce), 2 tbsp lime juice, 3/4 cup milk, 2 oz diced green chilis, 6 soft taco size flour tortillas and avocado spray. For these amounts, follow the directions from the recipe below. 

More Mexican Recipe You’ll Love

Simple Healthy Guacamole

Pico de Gallo

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

Mango Shrimp Salsa

Carne Asada

Healthy Baked Tostadas  

Additional Family Favorite Recipes

Tortilla and Beans

Country Style Spare Ribs and Sauerkraut

Mom’s Family Style Sweet and Sour Chicken

Oat Flour Pancakes

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes