Chicken and Black Bean Flautas

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that will please the entire family, look no further than Chicken and Black Bean Flautas. These crispy rolled tortillas filled with shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, and pepper jack cheese are sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. With their golden-brown exterior and flavorful filling, they’re perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun appetizer for game day. Plus, they’re simple to whip up, making them a fantastic option for weeknight meals!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Chicken and Black Bean Flautas are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making them irresistible. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty black beans wrapped in a crispy tortilla is simply mouthwatering. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will find its way into your kitchen over and over again:

• Quick and Easy: Using rotisserie chicken saves time, and the whole recipe comes together in under an hour.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These flautas freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy them later without any extra effort.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy texture and cheesy filling make these a favorite among kids and adults alike.

What Goes Into Chicken and Black Bean Flautas

Creating the perfect Chicken and Black Bean Flautas requires just a handful of ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese (can also use cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 26-inch (10 count) Old El Paso soft flour tortillas
• Oil for brushing or frying (see note)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers (see note)
• 1 lime, juiced

Cook’s Kit

Before you dive into making these flautas, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Large Bowl: For mixing the filling.
• Skillet: To fry the flautas until crispy.
• Baking Sheet: If you choose to bake them instead of frying.
• Spatula: For flipping the flautas with ease.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Build Chicken and Black Bean Flautas Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, shredded cheese, and salsa. Mix everything together until well combined. The filling should be hearty and flavorful.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

To make them pliable, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15 seconds on each side, or cover them with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Assemble the Flautas

Take a tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and black bean filling along one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the rolled flauta seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Fry or Bake

If frying, heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the flautas seam-side down, frying in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the flautas on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the adobo sauce and lime juice. This will be your zesty dipping sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the flautas are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot with the creamy sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Black Bean Flautas with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or extra salsa!

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

If you’re looking to lighten up your Chicken and Black Bean Flautas or just want to make a few adjustments, consider these options:

• Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.
• Substitute low-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat.
• Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the filling for extra nutrients.
• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.

Troubles You Can Avoid

Making Chicken and Black Bean Flautas can be a breeze, but here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Don’t overfill the tortillas; this can cause them to burst while cooking.
• Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy flautas.
• Use fresh tortillas; older ones can crack and break while rolling.
• Allow flautas to cool on a paper towel if frying to absorb excess oil.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To keep your Chicken and Black Bean Flautas fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate cooked flautas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, place uncooked flautas on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat cooked flautas in the oven for best results, or in the microwave if you’re short on time.

Quick Q&A

Can I use different types of cheese for the flautas?

Absolutely! While Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, you can substitute it with cheddar or Monterey Jack based on your preference.

Can I make these flautas vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of black beans or add more vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?

Warming the tortillas before filling and rolling them helps keep them pliable and prevents tearing.

What can I serve with Chicken and Black Bean Flautas?

These flautas pair wonderfully with a side of guacamole, a fresh salad, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Similar Recipes

If you love Chicken and Black Bean Flautas, you might also enjoy:

• Beef and Cheese Taquitos
• Vegetable Quesadillas
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Spicy Chicken Burritos

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Black Bean Flautas are a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into an impressive meal that will leave your guests raving. With their crispy exterior and savory filling, these flautas are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, you’ll fall in love with how easy and delicious they are. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make this dish your own. Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy bite of your Chicken and Black Bean Flautas!