Chicken Flautas are a delicious and crispy Mexican dish that features seasoned chicken wrapped in corn tortillas and fried to perfection. These golden delights are not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun snack. Their irresistible crunch, combined with flavorful fillings, makes chicken flautas a beloved addition to any culinary repertoire.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This chicken flautas recipe is a must-try for anyone who adores bold flavors and crispy textures. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken and the crunch of fried tortillas creates a satisfying dish that’s sure to please. Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also allows you to customize the filling based on your preferences. Whether you’re on a busy weeknight schedule or planning for a festive gathering, these flautas fit seamlessly into any lifestyle, making them a reliable go-to for delicious comfort food.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Preheat Oil: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the flautas. This ensures they get that crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
- Tortilla Tip: If your tortillas are breaking, warm them slightly in a pan or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable before filling and rolling.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning of the chicken to your taste. Adding spices like cumin or chili powder can elevate the flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making it easy to roll and fry the flautas when you’re ready. If you want to make the entire dish ahead of time, you can fry the flautas and then reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Cooked flautas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Flautas: Swap the chicken for seasoned black beans or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Flautas: Add some shredded cheese to the filling for an extra cheesy delight.
- Baked Flautas: For a healthier option, brush the rolled flautas with oil and bake them at 400°F until crispy, about 20-25 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve your chicken flautas hot out of the fryer with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of cheese for added color and flavor. Arrange the flautas on a large platter for sharing, and don’t forget to add some lime wedges for a zesty finish!
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your chicken flautas with a refreshing margarita or a classic Mexican beer like Corona. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a zesty limeade or hibiscus tea. Complement the dish with a side of Mexican street corn or a simple salad to brighten the meal.
How to Store
Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked flautas, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 375°F for about 25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Equipment Needed
- A large skillet or deep frying pan
- Tongs for flipping the flautas
- A slotted spoon for removing them from the oil
- Paper towels for draining excess oil
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit any cheese or sour cream. For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas and ensure your chicken seasoning is gluten-free. If you need a nut-free option, this recipe is already nut-free, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, fresh corn can be added to the chicken filling for sweetness and texture. In the winter months, using roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes can add a hearty touch to the flautas.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn? Yes, but corn tortillas give the authentic flavor and texture that flautas are known for.
- How long should I cook the flautas? Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Can I make the filling spicy? Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a kick.
Chicken Flautas
Chicken Flautas are a delicious and crispy Mexican dish that features seasoned chicken wrapped in corn tortillas and fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10-12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, diced onion, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the rolled flautas in the skillet, seam side down, and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the flautas from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 113Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 92mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 7g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making chicken flautas is not only a rewarding cooking experience but also a delightful way to bring a taste of Mexico to your home. With their crispy exteriors and flavorful fillings, flautas are perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal or a festive appetizer, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your culinary collection. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your family and friends with these delectable chicken flautas!
