Chicken Flautas

Deliciously cheesy, filled chicken flautas are the perfect appetizer or dinner at your next fiesta. These crispy delights can be fried, air-fried, or baked, making them a versatile choice for any gathering. With their savory filling and golden exterior, Chicken Flautas will surely be a hit among friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and quick prep time, you can whip up these flautas in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of shredded chicken, cheese, and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these flautas fit any occasion.
• Customizable Toppings: Serve with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream to elevate the dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These crispy treats are always a hit at parties and gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Chicken Flautas, it’s essential to have the right tools ready. This ensures a smooth cooking process and great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• large saucepan
• medium mixing bowl
• tongs
• paper towels
• foil-lined baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Perfect for frying multiple flautas at once while maintaining the right oil temperature.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Tongs: Essential for safely handling hot flautas in oil without burning yourself.

Ingredients

Deliciously cheesy, filled chicken flautas can be fried, air-fried, or even baked for the perfect appetizer or dinner at your next fiesta.

For the Flautas

• 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)

For Serving

• shredded lettuce
• chopped tomatoes
• green salsa
• guacamole
• Cilantro Ranch dressing

How to Make Chicken Flautas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to the warm setting or about 200°F. This will keep your finished flautas warm while you cook the rest.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Fill a large saucepan with about ¾ inch of oil. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 375°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure perfect frying.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine:
1. Shredded chicken
2. Shredded cheese
3. Salsa
4. Diced chiles
5. Garlic salt
6. Pepper

Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Flautas

Working with 4 tortillas at a time:
1. Spread a heaping spoonful of chicken filling along the middle of each tortilla.
2. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling.
3. Secure each one with a toothpick.

Step 5: Fry the Flautas

Using tongs:
1. Hold each flauta in hot oil until firm (about 30 seconds).
2. Release them to continue cooking until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Remove onto a paper towel-lined plate and immediately season with salt.

Step 6: Keep Warm & Serve

Transfer cooked flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while assembling and cooking more tortillas. Serve warm with your choice of toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, or Cilantro Ranch dressing.

Enjoy these crispy Chicken Flautas at your next gathering!

How to Serve Chicken Flautas

Serving chicken flautas is all about enhancing their delicious flavors and textures. These crispy delights can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.

With Fresh Toppings

• Shredded Lettuce – Add a crisp layer of shredded lettuce for freshness and crunch.
• Chopped Tomatoes – Diced tomatoes bring a juicy burst of flavor that complements the flautas perfectly.
• Guacamole – This creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances the savory chicken filling.
• Green Salsa – Drizzle green salsa for a zesty kick that elevates the overall taste experience.
• Cilantro Ranch Dressing – A drizzle of this creamy dressing adds an herby twist to your flautas.

As Part of a Platter

• Buffet Style – Arrange several chicken flautas on a platter surrounded by your favorite dips and toppings for a fun sharing experience.
• Fiesta Plate – Include other Mexican-inspired dishes like rice, beans, or quesadillas to create a complete meal.

For Meal Prep

• Make-Ahead Option – Prepare the flautas in advance, then reheat them in the oven before serving for busy weeknights or parties.
• Freezer Friendly – Freeze uncooked flautas and fry or bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Perfect Chicken Flautas

Creating the perfect chicken flautas involves some simple techniques to ensure they’re crispy and flavorful. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose Quality Tortillas – Use fresh tortillas that are pliable; this prevents cracking when rolling and frying.
• Don’t Overfill – Use just enough filling to prevent bursting during cooking; a heaping spoonful is usually sufficient.
• Maintain Oil Temperature – Keep the oil at 375°F for optimal frying. Too hot can burn them, while too cold results in soggy flautas.
• Use Toothpicks Securely – Ensure each flauta is secured with a toothpick before frying to keep them intact during cooking.
• Serve Immediately – Enjoy your flautas right after cooking for maximum crispiness. Reheating may soften them.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Flautas

Pairing side dishes with your chicken flautas can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with spices adds substance and flavor.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy beans provide protein and balance nicely with the crispy texture of flautas.
3. Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad with lime juice offers sweetness and brightness to every bite.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies add smokiness and color, making your plate visually appealing.
5. Black Bean Salad – A tangy black bean salad mixed with herbs brings a hearty element alongside your flautas.
6. Chips & Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa make for a classic appetizer duo.
7. Pico de Gallo – This fresh tomato-based salsa adds zing and pairs perfectly as a topping or side dish.
8. Guacamole Dip – A must-have pairing that enhances flavor while providing creaminess to each bite of chicken flauta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Flautas can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly overstuffing – Adding too much filling can cause the tortillas to break. Use just enough filling to roll them comfortably.
• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning the chicken mixture can lead to bland flautas. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning before rolling.
• Not heating the oil properly – Cooking in oil that’s not hot enough will result in greasy flautas. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 375°F.
• Using cold tortillas – Cold tortillas are more prone to tearing. Warm them slightly before filling for easier rolling.
• Ignoring cooking time – Cooking for too long can burn the flautas. Keep an eye on them, and remove once they are golden brown.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Place Chicken Flautas in an airtight container.

Freezing Chicken Flautas

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer bags or containers that seal tightly.

Reheating Chicken Flautas

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes; check frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop – Lightly fry in a pan with a little oil until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chicken Flautas:

How do I make Chicken Flautas crispy?

To achieve crispy Chicken Flautas, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I use different types of meat in Chicken Flautas?

Yes! You can substitute shredded beef, turkey, or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Can I bake Chicken Flautas instead of frying?

Absolutely! To bake, place filled flautas on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden.

How do I store leftover Chicken Flautas?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

What sauces go well with Chicken Flautas?

Complement your Chicken Flautas with green salsa, guacamole, or a creamy Cilantro Ranch dressing for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Flautas are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent appetizer or main dish that can be customized with various toppings and fillings. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or enjoying a cozy night in, give this recipe a try!