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
Scale
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.
