Name: How to Make 7 Mouthwatering Chicken Flautas in Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Cooked Chicken, shredded; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 0.25 cup Salsa (Mild or spicy, your choice); 7 Flour Tortillas (6-inch size); 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (For frying)

What is truly magical? Is it crispy, savory, comforting, and easy to Make? I’m talking about chicken flautas! What are some of the best late night snacks? How do you make homemade chicken flautas? Think of it as the cooler, crispier cousin of chicken enchilada, but ready in a fraction of the time. My kids beg for these at least once a week, and honestly, I’m not complaining. Is it true that these are just so good?

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What are chicken flautas?

What are chicken flautas? What are tortillas? They’re rolled-up, filled with seasoned chicken, then fried or baked. How do I make a potato golden brown? In Spanish, the name “flauta” means flute, which perfectly describes their long, cylindrical shape. Think of them as mini, handheld chicken taquitos – only way more satisfying! What are Crispy Chicken tacos? What is a classic Mexican comfort food dish that can be made with leftover chicken?

Why you should try this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even begin? This Chicken Flautas recipe is a total winner for so many reasons. First, the flavor is absolutely incredible. You’ve got the tender, juicy chicken seasoned with just the right blend of spices, all wrapped in a perfectly crispy tortilla. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite! I always make sure to use quality chicken broth; it really adds to the flavor. What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy they are to make. Seriously, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip these up in under 30 minutes. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. We almost always have everything on hand already. It’s so much better, and way healthier than ordering out. And talk about versatile! You can serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. I like to have them on game day, or when we are just having a family fun night!

How do I make chicken flautas?

Quick Overview

How do I make chicken flautas? Then, we roll the filling tightly in tortillas, securing them with toothpicks. Lastly, we either fry them to crispy perfection or bake them for a lighter option. What is the best part? You can customize the filling to your liking. I sometimes add a can of diced green chilies for extra kick! I always use a cast iron skillet for frying. It gives them the best even browning.

Ingredients

What is the recipe for chicken filling?

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!
1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
1 clove of garlic, minced.
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) 1 cup chile powder.
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder.
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. 1 teaspoon
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon lemon juice. 1/4
1/4 teaspoon onion powder. 1 teaspoon salt.
Salt and pepper to taste.
1/4 cup chicken broth (helps keep it moist)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but delicious!)

For the flautas:

12 corn tortillas (or flour tortilla, if preferred)
Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Toothpicks, for securing the flauta

For Serving (optional):

Sour cream or Mexican crema.
Guacamole
Salsa
What is shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Chopped cilantro: How

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. This step is important to let the flavors marry together.

Step 3: Add Chicken Broth

In a small saucepan, pour in the chicken broth and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to simmer and the sauce to thicken. Serve hot or cold. What are the flavors that meld? If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

This is crucial! Gently warm the tortillas to make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolled. Can you do this by microwaving them for about 30 seconds, wrapping them in a damp paper towel? If you have a large skillet, heat them on the stove for 1-2 seconds per side. I like to use a skillet because it gives them char that is delicious.

Step 5: Assemble the Flautas

Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto each warmed tortilla. What is the best way to roll a tortilla around the filling? How do you secure a flauta with 2-3 toothpicks to prevent it from unrolling during frying or baking?

Step 6: Fry or Bake the Flautas

To Fry:In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the flautas in the skillet, seam-side down, and fry for 2-3 minutes. Is it necessary to cook a chicken for 3 minutes on each side? Remove the flautas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain them.

To Bake:Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray. I baked for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Remove Toothpicks and Serve

Carefully remove the toothpicks from the flautas before serving. What are some great toppings to serve with your favorite salsa, Sour Cream, or guacamole? What are some good ways to eat lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cilantro?

What should I serve it with?

I love chicken flautas. They are so versatile. What are some good ways to serve them: a few ideas for serving them.

As an Appetizer:Serve with guacamole and salsa for dipping. I like to arrange them on a platter with all the toppings in small bowls for fun and interactive.

As a Main Course:Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. A simple salad complements the richness of the flautas. I love a good Cilantro Lime dressing on my salad with flautas.

For Game Day: These are always a hit at parties! Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch dressing, hot sauce, and cheese dip. I even like to put out a toppings bar so people can customize their flautas.

Quick Lunch: They are great to just grab a couple and dip into your favorite sauce for a quick and fulfilling lunch!

Growing up, we always served them with a big dollop of Sour Cream and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. It’s a simple but delicious combination that brings back so many memories.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Flautas

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these Chicken Flautas even better. Here are some of my top tips:

Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to overfill the tortillas, as this can cause them to tear or unroll during frying or baking. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.

Warm Tortillas are Key: This step is crucial for preventing the tortillas from cracking. Make sure to warm them properly before rolling.

Fry at the Right Temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the flautas will absorb too much oil and become soggy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before the inside is heated through. Aim for a medium-high heat.

Toothpick Placement: Make sure to insert the toothpicks at an angle to securely hold the flautas together. I usually use 2-3 toothpicks per flauta.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When frying, make sure to leave enough space between the flautas so they can cook evenly. I usually fry them in batches of 3-4 at a time.

I’ve also experimented with different types of cheese in the filling. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and Oaxaca cheese all work well. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Chicken Flautas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s How to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing them at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, as the filling can spoil quickly.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they have completely cooled before storing them.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the flautas. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat the flautas, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave (although they won’t be as crispy). A toaster oven or air fryer work great as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a mixture of both. You can also add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can! Flour tortillas will result in a slightly softer flauta, but they are still delicious. Just be sure to warm them well before rolling to prevent them from tearing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the flautas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry or bake them. I recommend waiting to fry or bake them until just before serving for the best results.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices for frying. They have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the taste of the flautas.

Can I add other spices to the chicken filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of the filling. Some other spices that would work well include oregano, chipotle powder, and ancho chili powder.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my all-time favorite Chicken Flautas recipe! I truly believe this is a recipe that everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for a party, or just a comforting snack, these flautas are guaranteed to hit the spot. If you love these flautas, you might also enjoy my recipes for Chicken Enchiladas or Ground Beef Tacos. They’re all family favorites that are sure to satisfy. Happy cooking, my friends! And please let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you try this recipe. I’d love to hear how yours turn out!

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