Crispy, golden, and delicious, Chicken Flautas are a Mexican classic that everyone loves. Perfectly seasoned shredded chicken is rolled in tortillas and fried to crunchy perfection. These handheld delights are ideal for parties, family dinners, or as a satisfying snack. Served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, Chicken Flautas are a treat you’ll want to make over and over.
How to Make Chicken Flautas
Warm Your Tortillas: If your tortillas crack while assembling, warm them first! Wrap a few tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds until they’re pliable and easy to roll.
Keep Them Rolled Tight: If your flautas tend to unravel, secure them with a toothpick or two before frying. Once fried, they’ll hold their shape beautifully.
Get That Perfect Crisp: The secret to crispy flautas is frying them at the right temperature. Heat your oil to 350-375°F. You’ll know it’s ready when a small strip of tortilla sizzles immediately upon contact. Pro tip: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the right temperature.
Chicken Flautas Variations
One of the best things about flautas is how flexible the recipe can be! Here are some creative ideas:
- Proteins: While chicken is classic, you can easily swap it out for shredded pork, beef, or even sautéed veggies for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheeses: Mix and match your cheeses—think Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Oaxaca, or even creamy feta.
- Extra Flavor: Add salsa, canned green chiles, or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for convenience or season your filling to suit your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, onions, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed. Set aside.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable. This step is crucial to prevent cracking when rolling the flautas.
Step 3: Assemble the Flautas
Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly, securing the seam with a toothpick if necessary.
Step 4: Fry the Flautas
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the rolled flautas seam-side down, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the toothpicks and serve hot with your choice of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
Chicken Flautas
Course: Chicken4
servings15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
10 small corn tortillas
Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, green chilies, shredded cheeses, salt, and a splash of hot sauce (if desired). Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Place one tortilla on a clean work surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly, starting from the bottom, and place it seam side down on a plate. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F. Test by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Carefully place 3 flautas seam side down into the hot oil. Fry, turning every 30 to 60 seconds, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Use tongs to transfer the cooked flautas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining flautas. Serve immediately with your choice of pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping. Enjoy!
FAQ
- Can I make Chicken Flautas ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble them in advance, then fry just before serving. - What’s the difference between flautas and taquitos?
Flautas are typically made with larger tortillas and rolled tighter, while taquitos are smaller and thinner. - Can I freeze Chicken Flautas?
Absolutely. Assemble the flautas, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen. - What kind of chicken should I use?
Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
