If you have been on the lookout for a crunchy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying Mexican appetizer or meal, you are going to adore this Chicken Flautas Recipe. Filled with tender shredded chicken, melted Monterrey Jack cheese, and a punch of vibrant spices, these golden rolled tortillas deliver a crispy texture that everyone will want seconds of. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends, these chicken flautas bring a burst of flavor wrapped in every bite, guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken Flautas Recipe is delightfully simple. Each component plays a crucial role, from the aromatic spices to the creamy cheese, all coming together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté onions and spices, bringing out their natural flavors.
- Onion (½, diced): Adds a sweet and savory base for the filling.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Chili powder (½ tablespoon): Brings warmth and subtle heat to the chicken filling.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds earthy depth and a slightly smoky note.
- Cooked and shredded chicken (3 cups): The hearty main filling that’s tender and juicy.
- Salsa (½ cup): Provides zest and moisture, perfect for mixing into the chicken.
- Monterrey Jack cheese (2 cups, freshly shredded): Melts beautifully inside each flauta for cheesy goodness.
- Flour tortillas (12, 6-inch): The crispy shell that holds everything together.
- Vegetable oil (¾ cup): For shallow frying and achieving that irresistible golden crunch.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds fresh crispness when serving.
- Diced tomatoes: Brings vibrant color and juiciness.
- Sliced avocado: Offers creamy, buttery notes that complement the spices.
- Sour cream: A cool, tangy contrast to the crispy flautas.
- Cilantro: Fresh herbaceousness to brighten every bite.
How to Make Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful chicken filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add diced onion, kosher salt, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook until the onions soften and the spices become fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then stir in the shredded chicken and salsa, mixing well to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Remove from the heat to let the filling rest while you prepare the tortillas.
Step 2: Assemble your flautas
Lay a flour tortilla flat and spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the savory chicken mixture onto the center. Sprinkle some freshly shredded Monterrey Jack cheese on top of the chicken for melty indulgence. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, making sure to tuck in the sides, and place it seam side down on a plate to keep it secure. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling, building a lineup of ready-to-fry flautas.
Step 3: Achieve that perfect golden crunch
Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently add four of the rolled flautas seam side down to the oil. Fry them for about one minute per side or until they turn a glorious golden brown and develop a satisfyingly crispy exterior. Flip carefully to cook evenly. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and repeat frying with the rest of the flautas.
Step 4: Prepare to enjoy
Your chicken flautas are now beautiful, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite toppings and sides. The inviting aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in!
How to Serve Chicken Flautas Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Chicken Flautas Recipe with fresh and colorful garnishes elevates every bite. Shredded lettuce adds a crisp contrast, diced tomatoes bring bright juiciness, and creamy sliced avocado balances the spicy flavors. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream to add a refreshing tang, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to brighten the dish with herbaceous notes. These simple toppings transform your flautas into a bursting plate of textures and tastes.
Side Dishes
Complement your flautas with classic Mexican side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a cool jicama salad. Each adds a unique flavor and texture to the meal while keeping things authentic. A flavorful guacamole or a spicy salsa dip also pairs beautifully, creating opportunities for dipping and mixing flavors that your guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Flautas Recipe stacked like mini towers or arranged in a fan shape on a platter with colorful garnishes sprinkled over. You can also serve them alongside small bowls of different salsas and toppings, turning your meal into an interactive sharing feast. This not only looks irresistible but also lets everyone customize their bites and enjoy a personalized experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover flautas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crunch, place paper towels between layers to absorb excess moisture. This way, the flautas stay delicious and ready to enjoy later without losing their crispy charm.
Freezing
Chicken flautas freeze wonderfully for longer storage. After assembling the rolled tortillas but before frying, lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, simply fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are heated all the way through and perfectly golden.
Reheating
To reheat leftover or frozen flautas while maintaining their crisp texture, use a skillet over medium heat or an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soggy. A quick re-fry or baking on a rack will bring back that signature crunch and melty cheese center you love.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this Chicken Flautas Recipe?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just be aware that corn tortillas are more delicate and may require softening by warming in a damp cloth to prevent cracking when rolling.
Is it possible to bake the flautas instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative. Place the assembled flautas on a greased baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes until crispy, turning halfway through for even browning.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast shredded by hand works beautifully, providing tender and flavorful meat that blends effortlessly with the seasonings and salsa.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spiced black beans, or a mixture of roasted vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version while keeping the same spices and cheese.
What salsa is best to use in the chicken filling?
Either store-bought or homemade salsa works well depending on your preference. A medium-spiced tomato-based salsa balances the heat and moisture perfectly for this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Flautas Recipe is one of those dishes that brings instant happiness to the table. The combination of crisp tortillas, cheesy, spiced chicken, and fresh toppings makes every bite a celebration of Mexican flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this recipe a try and get ready to enjoy a new favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These crispy Chicken Flautas are a delicious Mexican-inspired appetizer or main dish featuring shredded chicken, cheese, and spices rolled in flour tortillas and fried to golden perfection. Served with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro, they make a flavorful and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- ½ cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups freshly shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
Tortillas
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
For Frying
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, kosher salt, chili powder, and ground cumin, sautéing for a few minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant. Stir in the shredded chicken and salsa, mixing well to combine all flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the flautas: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and a sprinkle of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese in the center of each flour tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly to enclose the filling and place seam side down on a plate to prevent unrolling.
- Fry the flautas: Pour half of the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Carefully place 4 flautas seam side down into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 1 minute on one side until golden brown, then flip and fry the other side for another minute. Repeat with the remaining oil and flautas until all are crisp and golden.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy flautas on a serving platter and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro to add freshness and contrast to the rich fried flautas.
Notes
- Use fresh or leftover cooked chicken for the filling to save time.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- For a healthier option, bake the flautas at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Make sure to roll the flautas tightly to avoid the filling falling out during frying.
- Adjust the amount of oil for frying depending on your pan size to ensure even cooking.
