Chicken and Bean Baked Flautas

Taco Tuesday. It's becoming a tradition in our household. Over the past few years, it's pretty much become routine for us to have a Mexican inspired dish on Tuesday nights. I love Mexican food. At the beginning of each month I make a big batch of refried beans and black beans. I separate them into freezer bags and store them in the freezer until I need them on Taco Tuesday! [Recipe to come] Most of the time, I'll just make chicken or ground turkey tacos with a side of rice and beans. Not only are they so quick and easy, I never get sick of tacos. Sometimes I like to switch it up, though - enchiladas, taquitos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, taco salad, flautas... This week's recipe is Chicken and Bean Baked Flautas. These crispy baked tortillas are stuffed with a mix of chicken, cheese, and beans. They're great served with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, margaritas, or wine :)

Chicken and Bean Baked Flautas

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, seeds removed, chopped
4 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
2 cups refried beans or 1 can refried beans
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 cup fresh grated cheese
1/4 tbsp cilantro, chopped
12 flour tortillas
Olive oil for brushing

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno, saute for about 2 minutes. Add chicken and beans to the pan. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Mix in cheese and cilantro and heat until cheese is melted.

Spoon in about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of a tortilla. Roll up tortilla and place in a lightly greased baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas. Lightly brush olive oil on the top of the tortillas.

Bake in a preheated oven. After 15 minutes, turn the tortillas. Let them bake for another 10 minutes and turn to another side. Bake the remaining two sides for 5 minutes each. Remove when the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.

Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa (or all 3!).