If you are craving a crunchy, flavor-packed dish that feels like a fiesta in every bite, then you are going to adore this Chicken Flautas Recipe. These golden, crispy rolled tacos are stuffed with a deliciously seasoned chicken and cheese mixture that simply melts in your mouth. Perfectly spiced with cumin and garlic, and paired with your favorite salsa, each flauta offers a comforting crunch and a burst of savory goodness. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a total game-changer that makes Mexican cuisine effortlessly approachable and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect Chicken Flautas Recipe. Each component is straightforward yet essential, contributing to the rich flavor, satisfying texture, and vibrant appeal of this dish.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts for tender, juicy filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy, melty richness that binds the filling.
- 1/4 cup salsa or enchilada sauce: Brings tanginess and a just-right kick of spice to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Imparts warm, earthy flavor that’s signature to Mexican dishes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the ingredients perfectly.
- 8 small flour tortillas: Soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling and crisp evenly when cooked.
- Oil for frying or spraying: Essential for achieving those irresistibly crispy exteriors.
How to Make Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix everything until it’s evenly incorporated. This filling is the heart of your flautas, so make sure the spices and salsa are well distributed to get that perfect harmonious taste.
Step 2: Warm and Fill Tortillas
Warming the tortillas slightly makes rolling them a breeze, preventing cracks and splits during the process. Lay each one flat, then spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling in a line down the center. Roll tightly from one end to the other, securing with a toothpick if necessary to keep everything snug and intact.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
This Chicken Flautas Recipe lets you pick your favorite cooking style. For traditional crispy flautas, heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (around 350°F), fry the flautas in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are a luscious golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. If you prefer baking or air frying, preheat to 400°F, place the flautas seam-side down on a baking sheet or air fryer basket, lightly spray with oil, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
How to Serve Chicken Flautas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Flautas Recipe, don’t forget the garnishes. A dollop of cool sour cream, vibrant guacamole, or fresh salsa balances the richness and adds freshness. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime juice can also brighten each bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these flautas with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp, zesty salad. These sides round out the meal by adding contrasting textures and flavors without stealing the spotlight from your crispy flautas.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange flautas standing upright with colorful dipping bowls around them. You can also serve them on a bed of shredded lettuce topped with a drizzle of crema and salsa garnish for a charming presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover flautas store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them from sogging requires laying them flat and separating layers with parchment paper to preserve their crispiness as much as possible.
Freezing
This Chicken Flautas Recipe is freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze. Roll the filled tortillas but do not cook yet. Freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They keep well for up to 2 months and cook straight from frozen for a quick fix.
Reheating
Reheat flautas in an oven or air fryer to restore their crunchiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying crisp exterior. About 10 minutes at 350°F should do the trick for refrigerator-stored flautas, and slightly longer for frozen batches.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work nicely but tend to be more fragile, so warming them gently before rolling is crucial to prevent cracking. You may also find they need a bit more care during frying or baking to keep them crisp.
Is this Chicken Flautas Recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild, comforting spice from cumin and salsa, but you can easily adjust the heat level by using a spicier salsa or adding chili powder to the filling if you enjoy more kick.
Can I bake the flautas instead of frying?
Yes, baking or air frying is a healthier alternative that still delivers crispiness. Just make sure to spray them lightly with oil and flip once during cooking to get that even golden texture.
What can I do if the flautas unravel during cooking?
Rolling them tightly and securing with a toothpick if needed helps keep them intact. Also, placing them seam-side down in the pan or on the baking sheet encourages them to seal closed as they cook.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The filling can be made a day in advance, which makes assembly quick and stress-free. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to fill and roll the tortillas.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Flautas Recipe is a definite crowd-pleaser that brings together simplicity, flavor, and that perfect crunchy texture we all crave. Once you’ve made it, these flautas will become one of your go-to meals for busy nights, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a fun and delicious taste of Mexico right at home. Give them a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 flautas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Flautas are crispy, golden rolled tacos filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, cheese, and spices. This easy-to-make Mexican dish can be fried, baked, or air fried for a deliciously crunchy texture, perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 8 small flour tortillas (use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version)
- Oil for frying or spraying (olive or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a flavorful filling.
- Warm the tortillas: Slightly warm the tortillas to make them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking. This can be done by heating them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or on a hot skillet for a few seconds per side.
- Assemble the flautas: Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if needed to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
- Frying option: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F. Fry the flautas in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully turn them and ensure even cooking. Drain the fried flautas on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Baking or air frying option: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the flautas seam side down on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with oil to help them crisp up. Bake or air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to achieve even browning and crispiness.
- Serve: Remove the cooked flautas from heat and serve hot with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping. Enjoy this delicious Mexican treat!
Notes
- Great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
- You can prepare flautas ahead of time and freeze them before cooking. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- For gluten-free flautas, swap the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
- Use toothpicks to secure flautas when frying or baking to keep them tightly rolled.
- Slicing cooked flautas in half makes for an appealing presentation and easier dipping.
