If you are craving a crispy, flavorful snack or appetizer that’s packed with zest, then this Chicken Flautas Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden, crunchy flautas are filled with tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a touch of spicy salsa that all come together wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfectly fried to a satisfying crisp and paired with fresh toppings, this dish brings an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether for a casual gathering or a lively family dinner, this Chicken Flautas Recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients makes all the difference, and this recipe keeps it simple while ensuring every bite packs a punch. Each component adds to the irresistible balance of flavors, textures, and colors you’ll love in every flauta.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Essential for frying to achieve the perfect crispy golden exterior.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken or shredded beef: The hearty, tender filling that’s full of savory goodness.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to add creamy richness inside each flauta.
- ½ cup salsa: Brings a lively, tangy kick—feel free to use your favorite homemade or store-bought version.
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced chiles: Adds a subtle heat and bursts of flavor.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes: For seasoning that lifts the entire filling with savory notes and a dash of color.
- Pepper: Freshly ground works best to balance the spices.
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas or corn tortillas: The sturdy wrap that crisps up just right while holding all the delicious filling.
- Salt: Sprinkled right after frying for that perfect finishing touch.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch as a topping.
- Chopped tomatoes: Brightens up the plate with fresh, juicy bursts.
- Green salsa: A zesty option that complements the flautas perfectly.
- Guacamole: Creamy and smooth, an irresistible partner to the crispy rolls.
- Cilantro Ranch dressing: Offers a herby, tangy dip that keeps things interesting.
How to Make Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to the warm setting, about 200°F, so you have a cozy space to keep the finished flautas warm. Next, get about ¾ inch of vegetable or canola oil heating in a large saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 375°F, creating the perfect environment for frying each flauta to golden crisp perfection.
Step 2: Create the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, Mexican blend cheese, salsa, diced chiles, garlic salt with parsley flakes, and freshly ground pepper. This combination guarantees every flauta is bursting with a tasty, slightly spicy filling that melts and marries when cooked.
Step 3: Roll the Flautas
Working with a few tortillas at a time to keep things tidy, place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla. Roll them up snugly and secure each one with a toothpick to hold that delicious filling inside during frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Using tongs to handle those little rolls, carefully place each flauta in the hot oil. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, approximately two minutes per side. Once perfectly done, drain them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil and sprinkle with salt while still warm.
Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve
Transfer the freshly fried flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet and pop them into the warm oven. This step keeps them crispy and ready to enjoy while you fry the rest. Once all are cooked, it’s time to plate up and dive into this irresistible Chicken Flautas Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Flautas Recipe
Garnishes
Serving flautas with fresh garnishes elevates the experience, bringing bursts of color and contrasting textures. A scoop of shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes add refreshing crunch, while drizzling or dipping in cilantro Ranch dressing, creamy guacamole, and zesty green salsa creates delightful layers of flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
Complement these crispy delights with simple sides like Spanish rice or refried beans to round out the meal. A fresh Mexican street corn salad (elote) or even a light cucumber and lime salad also pairs wonderfully, keeping the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the flautas into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a party platter with an array of colorful dipping sauces. Another charming idea is serving them in small individual baskets lined with parchment paper, perfect for casual gatherings where everyone can dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover flautas, store them tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them dry and covered helps maintain their delicious texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This way, you always have a convenient snack or meal ready to pop in the oven.
Reheating
To retain that signature crispiness, reheat flautas in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes rather than using a microwave. Microwaving might make them soggy, and nobody wants that when you’re craving a crunchy, tasty bite!
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work wonderfully for Chicken Flautas Recipe and lend an authentic touch. Just make sure to warm them a bit before rolling to prevent cracking.
Is it possible to bake the Chicken Flautas instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter version, bake the rolled flautas on a greased baking sheet at 425°F for about 20 minutes or until crisp, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried but still delicious.
What can I substitute for the canned diced chiles?
If you prefer less heat, mild diced green chilies or even finely chopped mild jalapeños can be used. You can also omit them for a milder flavor without compromising the overall taste.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The filling can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to one day before assembling the flautas, making your cooking day much easier and faster.
How do I avoid the tortillas from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to fry the flautas at the correct oil temperature and don’t overcrowd the pan. Additionally, drain them well on paper towels and keep them warm in the oven until serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Flautas Recipe truly is a crowd-pleaser with its crispy texture, spiced-up filling, and endless serving possibilities. Once you make them, you’ll understand why they’re a go-to loved by so many. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the warm, satisfying crunch of homemade flautas that everyone will rave about.
Print
Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Crispy and flavorful Chicken Flautas made with shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa, rolled into tortillas and fried to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for a crowd, offering a satisfying combination of spice and crunch served with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and cilantro ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken, or shredded beef
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup salsa, store-bought or homemade
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced chiles
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Tortillas
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Green salsa
- Guacamole
- Cilantro Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to the warm setting or approximately 200°F to keep the flautas warm after frying.
- Heat the oil: Fill a large saucepan with about ¾ inch of vegetable or canola oil and heat over medium heat until it reaches 375°F for frying.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, Mexican blend cheese, salsa, diced chiles, garlic salt, and pepper, mixing well to blend the flavors.
- Fill and roll tortillas: Working with 4 tortillas at a time, spread a heaping spoonful of the chicken filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly around the filling and secure each roll with a toothpick to keep it intact during frying.
- Fry the flautas: Using tongs, carefully place each rolled flauta into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side to ensure crispiness and thorough cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels; season with salt while hot.
- Keep warm: Transfer the fried flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet and place it in the warmed oven to keep them warm while frying the rest.
- Serve: Serve the flautas warm topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, and cilantro ranch dressing for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded beef for chicken if preferred.
- Using corn tortillas will make the dish gluten-free, but flour tortillas offer a softer texture.
- Be careful when frying; keep oil temperature steady at 375°F for best results.
- To prevent rolling tortillas from opening, secure them well with toothpicks before frying.
- Leftover flautas can be reheated in the oven for crispiness, avoid microwaving to keep them crunchy.
