If you are craving a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful treat that is sure to impress both family and friends, this Chicken Flautas Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crunchy rolled tortillas filled with a savory chicken mixture are easy to make and offer a satisfying combination of textures and tastes. Every bite bursts with the zest of diced chiles, melty cheese, and the perfect hint of spice, making it an irresistible snack or meal that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together effortlessly in this Chicken Flautas Recipe to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the creamy cheese for melty indulgence or the spices that give each bite a flavorful kick.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Perfect for frying, it ensures the flautas get crispy without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty, protein-packed star of the filling offering tender, flavorful bites.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling.
- ½ cup salsa: Adds tang and moisture, balancing the richness of cheese and chicken.
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced chiles: Brings a touch of heat and vibrant flavor to keep things exciting.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes: Provides savory depth and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
- Pepper: A dash enhances the overall seasoning with a subtle bite.
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas (or corn tortillas): The carrier that crisps perfectly when fried, rolling tightly around the filling.
- Salt: To season the fried flautas and bring out the best flavors.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch when serving.
- Chopped tomatoes: Provides a juicy, bright contrast on the plate.
- Green salsa: A zesty topping that complements the warm spices in the filling.
- Guacamole: Creamy, cooling goodness to balance the crispiness.
- Cilantro Ranch dressing: Offers a flavorful drizzle that elevates every bite.
How to Make Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oil
Start by preheating your oven to a warm setting around 200°F to keep your flautas hot once they’re cooked. Then pour about ¾ inch of vegetable or canola oil into a large saucepan and heat to 375°F over medium heat. This precise temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden, crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese, ½ cup of salsa, and the entire can of diced chiles. Season the mixture with garlic salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is where all the flavor magic happens, bringing together creamy, spicy, and savory notes that will melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Work with about four tortillas at a time, laying each flat and placing a heaping spoonful of the chicken mixture along the center. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, making sure to tuck the ends to keep everything neatly inside. Use toothpicks to secure each flauta so they don’t unravel during frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Carefully place each rolled flauta into the hot oil using tongs, frying for about 2 minutes per side or until beautifully golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. The crispiness of the tortilla paired with the melty filling is what makes this Chicken Flautas Recipe truly delightful.
Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve
As you fry batches, transfer cooked flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet placed in the oven to stay warm. This ensures everyone gets to enjoy their flautas fresh and hot, preserving that satisfying crunch right up to the very last bite.
How to Serve Chicken Flautas Recipe
Garnishes
No Chicken Flautas Recipe is complete without fresh garnishes. Shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes add a refreshing crunch and pop of color on the plate. A dollop of creamy guacamole and a drizzle of cilantro ranch dressing provide cool, creamy contrasts to the crispy flautas. Don’t forget the green salsa for an extra zing of brightness that ties all elements together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these flautas with simple sides like Mexican rice or refried beans for a heartier meal. A crisp, light salad can also brighten the evening, balancing all the deep, rich flavors in the flautas. For those wanting to keep things casual and snack-like, a side of tortilla chips and salsa is always a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the flautas on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, sprinkled with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added zest. You could also turn this Chicken Flautas Recipe into a party platter with an array of dipping sauces and colorful salsas arranged around the flautas to encourage dipping and sharing—the perfect crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to remove toothpicks before storing to make reheating easier. Leftovers are perfect for a quick lunch or snack that retains much of the original crisp.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange un-fried rolled flautas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method keeps them from sticking together and makes it easy to fry up just the amount you want, fresh and crispy, anytime.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven or air fryer works best to keep flautas crispy. Heat them at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that wonderful crunch that makes this Chicken Flautas Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for this Chicken Flautas Recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work great and add an authentic flavor, but they can be a bit more delicate. Warm them slightly before filling to avoid cracking while rolling.
Is it possible to bake the flautas instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Brush the rolled flautas lightly with oil and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
What types of chicken work best in this recipe?
Shredded cooked chicken works best, whether from a rotisserie, poached breast, or leftover grilled chicken. The key is to have tender, bite-sized shreds that mix well with the cheese and salsa filling.
Can I make the filling spicier?
Definitely! Add extra diced chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling to bring more heat. Adjust according to your taste, since the salsa and chiles already pack a nice punch.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans. You can keep the cheese and spices the same for a delicious vegetarian version of the Chicken Flautas Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Flautas Recipe is a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect anytime you want to bring a little festivity and warmth into your kitchen. From the crisp tortillas and cheesy, savory filling to the fresh garnishes and zesty salsas, it’s an explosion of flavor in every bite. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe just as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed winner at any table!
Print
Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 flautas (serves 12) 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful Chicken Flautas featuring shredded chicken, melted Mexican cheese, and spicy diced chiles wrapped in flour tortillas, fried to golden perfection and 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
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about ¾ inch deep in a saucepan)
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Green salsa
- Guacamole
- Cilantro Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to the warm setting, approximately 200°F, to keep flautas warm after frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour about ¾ inch of vegetable or canola oil into a large saucepan and heat over medium until it reaches 375°F for optimal frying temperature.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded Mexican blend cheese, salsa, diced chiles, garlic salt with parsley flakes, and pepper. Mix evenly to combine all flavors.
- Fill and roll tortillas: Working with 4 tortillas at a time, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick to hold shape during frying.
- Fry the flautas: Carefully place each rolled flauta into the hot oil using tongs. Fry until golden brown on one side, about 2 minutes, then flip and fry the other side for another 2 minutes. Ensure they are crispy yet cooked through.
- Drain and season: Remove the flautas from the oil and place them on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Season immediately with salt to taste.
- Keep warm and continue frying: Transfer the fried flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet and keep them warm in the preheated oven while you fry the remaining tortillas.
- Serve: Serve the warm flautas topped or accompanied by shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, and cilantro ranch dressing for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use flour tortillas for a softer texture or corn tortillas for a more traditional taste.
- Adjust the amount of diced chiles and salsa based on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure oil temperature stays at 375°F for crispy, non-greasy flautas.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid accidents while eating.
- Leftover flautas reheat well in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
