There is something irresistibly satisfying about this Chicken Flautas Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Crispy, golden tortillas tightly rolled around a flavorful, cheesy shredded chicken filling combine texture and spice in every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or planning a festive meal, these flautas bring together simple ingredients to create a dish bursting with authentic Mexican flair. You’ll soon discover why these crunchy, savory delights are a staple in many households and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect balance of crispy exterior and savory interior. Each component brings its own magic, from the melty Mexican cheese to the subtly spicy diced chiles, creating layers of flavor you’ll love.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Essential for frying to achieve that golden, crispy shell without overpowering flavor.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (or shredded beef): The hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the delicious seasoning and cheese.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling together beautifully.
- ½ cup salsa (store-bought or homemade): Brings a tangy, vibrant kick that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced chiles: Infuses mild heat and depth, waking up every bite with subtle spice.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes, to taste: Seasoning that enhances the savory notes with a gentle herbal touch.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a bit of warmth and complexity to the filling.
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas (or corn tortillas): The crispy wrapping that holds the filling snugly and crisps up beautifully when fried.
- Salt, to taste: Sprinkled after frying to elevate the overall flavor.
- Shredded lettuce: For serving, offering a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Chopped tomatoes: Adds juiciness and color that brighten the plate.
- Green salsa: A zesty topping that pairs wonderfully with the fried flautas.
- Guacamole: Creamy and cool, perfectly balancing the crispiness and spice.
- Cilantro Ranch dressing: Offers a herbaceous, tangy richness to finish the dish delightfully.
How to Make Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to the warm setting, around 200°F. This will be where you keep the cooked flautas nice and warm while frying the rest, ensuring they stay crispy and delicious.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Fill a large saucepan with roughly ¾ inch of vegetable or canola oil. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches 375°F, the perfect temperature for frying flautas to a golden crunch without absorbing too much oil.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together your shredded chicken, Mexican blend cheese, salsa, diced chiles, garlic salt, and pepper. This filling is packed with flavor and moisture that keeps each bite juicy and satisfying.
Step 4: Roll the Flautas
Work with about 4 tortillas at a time for ease. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly to secure the filling and use a toothpick to keep them snug while frying.
Step 5: Fry to Crisp Perfection
Using tongs, carefully place each rolled flauta into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until they become beautifully golden and crisp. Remove them and drain on paper towels, then lightly season with salt while still hot.
Step 6: Keep Warm
Transfer the fried flautas onto a foil-lined baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm and crispy as you finish frying the rest.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once all your flautas are cooked and warm, it’s time to plate them up and add your favorite toppings and sides for a festive, satisfying meal or snack.
How to Serve Chicken Flautas Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Chicken Flautas Recipe with fresh shredded lettuce, juicy chopped tomatoes, and a generous dollop of guacamole adds brightness and creaminess that perfectly complements the crispy, savory flautas. Drizzle with green salsa or cilantro ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Serve these flautas alongside classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad to round out the meal. Each side enhances the overall experience by balancing the fried richness with freshness and heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange your flautas standing up in a shallow dish lined with shredded lettuce and scatter chopped tomatoes and cilantro over the top. Add small bowls of various salsas, guacamole, and sour cream to let everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extras, store cooled flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place paper towels between layers to help keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, rolled flautas before frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months and can be fried straight from frozen with a slightly longer cook time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked flautas without sacrificing crispiness, warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving. This revives that irresistible crunch every time.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor and texture, though they can be a bit more fragile when rolling. To prevent cracking, warm them slightly before rolling and handle gently.
What is the best chicken to use for these flautas?
Shredded cooked chicken works best, especially from a rotisserie or poached chicken breast or thighs. It’s tender, easy to shred, and absorbs the flavorful filling ingredients beautifully.
Are there healthier ways to cook flautas?
Yes! Instead of frying, you can bake the flautas in a 425°F oven, turning halfway through until golden and crispy. This reduces the oil while still delivering a satisfying crunch.
Can I make the filling spicier?
Definitely. Add extra diced chiles or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling to tailor the heat level to your liking without overwhelming the other flavors.
How do I prevent the tortillas from unrolling during frying?
Rolling the flautas tightly and securing them with toothpicks is key. Also, frying them seam-side down first helps seal them closed quickly, keeping the filling securely inside.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Flautas Recipe brings together such a wonderful combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory elements that it quickly becomes a beloved classic. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a festive occasion, the ease of preparation and the incredible flavor will make these flautas one of your go-to recipes. Give them a try and enjoy the happy smiles that follow every crispy bite!
Print
Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 flautas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Crispy and flavorful Chicken Flautas made with shredded cooked chicken, Mexican blend cheese, and diced chiles, rolled in warm tortillas and fried to golden perfection. Served with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, and cilantro ranch dressing for a delightful Mexican-inspired appetizer or meal.
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)
- Salt, to taste
For frying
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about ¾ inch in saucepan)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Green salsa
- Guacamole
- Cilantro Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to the warm setting, approximately 200°F, to keep the cooked flautas warm while frying the remaining batches.
- Heat oil: Fill a large saucepan with about ¾ inch of vegetable or canola oil and heat over medium heat to 375°F, ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Mexican blend cheese, salsa, diced chiles, garlic salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble flautas: Working with 4 tortillas at a time, spread a heaping spoonful of the chicken filling along the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and secure each one with a toothpick to maintain shape during frying.
- Fry flautas: Using tongs, carefully place each rolled flauta into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side, turning gently to cook all sides evenly. Once crispy, remove and drain on a paper towel–lined plate. Season lightly with salt while still hot.
- Keep warm: Transfer the fried flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm as you cook the remaining tortillas.
- Serve: Serve the warm flautas topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, and cilantro ranch dressing for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Notes
- Use flour or corn tortillas depending on preference; flour tortillas give a softer texture, while corn tortillas tend to be crispier.
- Ensure oil temperature remains at 375°F for perfect crispiness without absorbing excess oil.
- Adjust seasoning of filling to taste before rolling the flautas.
- Secure the rolled tortillas with toothpicks to prevent unrolling during frying.
- Serve immediately with fresh toppings for best flavor and texture.
