Name: Easy Mexican Chicken Flautas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 large onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8-10 corn tortillas; Vegetable oil, for brushing

I still remember the first time I tried authentic Mexican street food. The vibrant flavors, the aroma of sizzling spices, and the sound of eclectic mariachi music all came together to transport me to a world of culinary bliss. One particular dish that stands out in my memory is a mouth-watering, pan-seared chicken mole that my abuela used to make for special occasions. The way the rich, chocolatey sauce coated the tender chicken, infusing every bite with a depth of flavor, was absolute magic. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to recreate that experience in my own kitchen, and I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite easy Mexican dinner recipes that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

If you’re looking for more delicious and quick meal ideas, be sure to check out my related recipe for One-Pot Pasta Primavera – a colorful and flavorful twist on a classic Italian dish that’s sure to satisfy your Italian food cravings.

🛒 Quick Shopping List

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 large onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper, to taste
8-10 corn tortillas
Vegetable oil, for brushing

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it’s a simplified version of traditional Mexican dishes, using readily available ingredients and eschewing exotic spices. The result is a flavor profile that’s both bold and approachable, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
By using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought taco seasoning, we cut down the cooking time to just 25 minutes.
The combination of chicken, cheese, and tortillas creates a satisfying and filling meal that will leave you feeling full and content.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to making Mexican food, the quality of your ingredients is crucial. You want to choose chicken breasts that are tender and flavorful, as well as onions and garlic that are fresh and aromatic. While many store-bought taco seasonings can be convenient, it’s worth trying to make your own using a mixture of chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a more complex flavor profile.

When selecting cheese, you want to choose a cheddar that’s sharp and rich, rather than mild or pre-shredded. This will help to create a compelling balance of flavors in the dish. As for the cilantro, be sure to choose fresh leaves for the best taste and aroma.

EASY MEXICAN DINNER - Ready in 30 Minutes

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Easy Mexican Chicken Flautas

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 large onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and pepper, to taste

8-10 corn tortillas

Vegetable oil, for brushing

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Add the diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Then, add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the tomato mixture.

Using tongs or a spatula, warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Then, assemble the flautas by spooning the chicken and tomato mixture onto the center of each tortilla and folding the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.

Serve the flautas hot, garnished with additional cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Mexican dinner!

Storage & Reheating

Flautas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply microwave or bake the flautas until they’re warmed through and crispy. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to the microwave to help rehydrate the tortillas.