Easy Crispy Chicken Flautas Recipe-Taste So Good

Chicken flautas are an absolute showstopper, aren’t they? Those crispy, golden tubes filled with savory seasoned chicken are simply irresistible. I’ve always adored them, and I bet you do too. There’s something magical about the perfect crunch that gives way to a tender, flavorful filling. It’s that satisfying contrast that makes chicken flautas so incredibly beloved. They’re more than just a meal; they’re an experience. Whether you’re craving a delicious appetizer for a gathering or a fun and satisfying weeknight dinner, these chicken flautas deliver every single time. What makes them truly special is how versatile they are – you can customize the filling and toppings to your heart’s content, making each batch uniquely yours.

Chicken Flautas Recipe

Get ready to impress your family and friends with these incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy Chicken Flautas! These crispy, golden rolls are packed with savory shredded chicken and melty cheese, making them a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a satisfying lunch, or even a flavorful dinner option, these flautas deliver on taste and texture. They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, transforming it into something truly special.

Ingredients:

• vegetable or canola oil, (for frying)
• 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)
• 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
• salt, (to taste)
• shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, Cilantro Ranch dressing. (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

Creating these amazing flautas is a straightforward process, and I’ll walk you through each step to ensure perfect results. The key to great flautas is the filling and then achieving that irresistible crispy exterior.

First, let’s prepare our flavorful filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, this is the perfect time to shine! Next, add the 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese. This cheese will become wonderfully gooey and bind everything together. Now, introduce the ½ cup of salsa. The salsa adds moisture and a wonderful tangy flavor to the chicken and cheese mixture. For a little kick and added flavor dimension, stir in the 1 (4-ounce) can of diced chiles. These are typically mild, but if you prefer more heat, you can opt for a spicier variety or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Season the filling generously with garlic salt with parsley flakes and freshly ground pepper to your taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; this is where a lot of the flavor comes from! Mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. You want a moist, cohesive mixture that will hold together well when you roll the tortillas.

Next, we need to prepare our tortillas. This is a crucial step for getting that authentic flauta texture. We need to make them pliable so they don’t crack when we roll them. There are a few ways to do this. The most common method is to warm them in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat for about 20-30 seconds per side. Alternatively, you can wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30-60 seconds until they are soft and flexible. If you’re using corn tortillas, warming them is even more important to prevent them from breaking.

Now comes the fun part: assembling the flautas! Lay out a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese filling onto the center of the tortilla, lengthwise. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and increase the chances of them opening during frying. Carefully fold one edge of the tortilla over the filling, then tightly roll the tortilla up like a taquito or cigar. Try to keep the roll as snug as possible. Secure the seam by inserting a toothpick through the roll. The toothpick will help keep the flauta from unrolling during the frying process. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling. You should end up with 12 beautifully rolled flautas.

It’s time to fry our flautas to golden perfection! In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough for the flautas to crisp up quickly without becoming greasy. A good test is to drop a tiny piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles and floats to the surface immediately, the oil is ready. Carefully place 3-4 flautas into the hot oil at a time, seam-side down if possible. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy flautas. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and crispy all over. Use tongs to gently turn them to ensure even cooking.

Once they are perfectly golden and crispy, carefully remove the flautas from the hot oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows any excess oil to drain away, keeping your flautas wonderfully crisp. If you used toothpicks, now is the time to carefully remove them. It’s important to let them drain for a minute or two before serving to prevent any hot oil from dripping.

Finally, it’s time to serve up these incredible Chicken Flautas! Arrange them on a platter and serve them immediately while they are hot and crispy. The classic toppings are a must for the full experience. Sprinkle generously with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes. Offer bowls of your favorite green salsa and creamy guacamole. And for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess, don’t forget to drizzle them with some delicious Cilantro Ranch dressing. The combination of the crunchy flauta, the cool and fresh toppings, and the zesty dressings is simply divine. Enjoy every bite!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – a delicious and surprisingly simple Chicken Flautas Recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! These crispy, flavorful rolls are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer, or even a party snack. The combination of tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and that satisfying crunch is simply irresistible. I love how versatile they are, easily adaptable to your personal taste.

Serve your flautas with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. For a heartier meal, pair them with Mexican rice and refried beans.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! You can add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, a bit of corn for sweetness, or even some black beans for extra texture. Experiment with different cheeses too – Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend all work wonderfully. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create these crowd-pleasing treats!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I prevent my flautas from unrolling while frying?

A crucial step is to ensure your tortillas are properly warmed and pliable before rolling. After rolling tightly, you can secure the seam with a toothpick inserted through the entire roll. This is especially helpful for beginners and ensures they stay beautifully shaped during the frying process. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the rolled and un-fried flautas a day in advance. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from the refrigerator, adding a minute or two to the cooking time as needed.

What are some healthier alternatives for frying?

For a lighter option, you can bake your chicken flautas. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the rolled flautas lightly with oil or cooking spray and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Chicken Flautas

Crispy and delicious chicken flautas, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or appetizer. Stuffed with shredded chicken, cheese, and diced chiles, then fried to golden perfection.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
12 servings

Ingredients

• 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced chiles
• Garlic salt with parsley flakes, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• Shredded lettuce, for serving
• Chopped tomatoes, for serving
• Green salsa, for serving
• Guacamole, for serving
• Cilantro Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them pliable. This can be done in a microwave or a dry skillet for a few seconds each.
2. Step 2
   In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded Mexican blend cheese, salsa, and diced chiles. Season with garlic salt with parsley flakes, pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well.
3. Step 3
   Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one edge of each warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing the end with a toothpick if needed.
4. Step 4
   Heat about 1 inch of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5
   Carefully place 2-3 flautas into the hot oil, seam-side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6
   Remove the flautas from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Remove toothpicks before serving.
7. Step 7
   Serve immediately with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, and cilantro ranch dressing on the side.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.