There’s something truly satisfying about the sound of sizzling flautas cooking to golden perfection in a skillet. Inspired by my quest for quick, comforting meals, I stumbled upon this recipe for Chicken Flautas that has become my go-to for weeknight dinners and festive gatherings alike. With just 20 minutes required, these crispy delights are stuffed with tender shredded chicken and melty cheese, making them a deliciously versatile dish that’s ready to wow either family or friends.
What makes these flautas even more appealing is how easily they can adapt to your preferences. Feeling adventurous? Tweak the fillings with leftover rotisserie chicken or experiment with different cheeses. Plus, they pair wonderfully with fresh sides like pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream, each bite bursting with flavor. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy night in or preparing for a lively gathering, these Chicken Flautas are sure to hit the spot!
Why are Chicken Flautas a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious flautas effortlessly.
Versatile Fillings: Customize with your favorite proteins, veggies, or cheese combinations, making each meal a new experience.
Perfect for Leftovers: Transform that rotisserie chicken into something exciting, reducing food waste while feeding your family deliciously.
Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Serve these crispy, golden beauties at your next gathering, and watch as they disappear in no time!
Flavorful Pairings: Complement them with sides like pico de gallo and guacamole for an explosion of taste in every bite!
You’ll absolutely love making these Chicken Flautas for any occasion!
Chicken Flautas Ingredients
For the Filling
• Shredded Cooked Chicken – The main filling protein; use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover chicken.
• Canned Chopped Green Chiles – Adds a mild heat and flavor; feel free to substitute with salsa or pickled jalapeños for a twist.
• Shredded Cheddar – Offers creaminess and flavor; consider Monterey jack or queso fresco as tasty alternatives.
• Queso Blanco (or Crumbled Feta) – Provides a creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor; white cheddar works well too.
For the Tortillas
• 7″ Flour Tortillas – These wrap your filling perfectly; switch to corn tortillas for a delightful gluten-free option.
For Frying
• Vegetable/Canola Oil – Essential for frying; any neutral oil can be used as a substitute.
To Serve
• Pico de Gallo – Adds freshness and tang; a must-try with your crispy chicken flautas!
• Sour Cream – Complements the flautas beautifully, creating a rich, creamy dip for each bite.
• Guacamole – Brings a creamy, avocado goodness that takes the flavor to the next level.
How to Make Chicken Flautas
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Warm Tortillas: Start by wrapping your tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 20 seconds until they are warm and pliable, which helps prevent any cracking when rolling.
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Assemble Flautas: Place a generous spoonful of the shredded chicken mixture, along with green chiles and a sprinkle of cheese, into each tortilla. Roll them tightly, securing with toothpicks if needed to keep everything inside.
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Heat Oil: In a skillet over medium-high heat, pour in vegetable oil and allow it to heat up to about 350-375°F. You’ll know it’s ready when you hear a sizzle upon adding the flautas.
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Fry Flautas: Carefully place the rolled flautas into the hot oil, frying each side until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t forget to turn them for an even cook! Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a touch of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chicken Flautas?
Elevate your meal experience by pairing these crispy delights with fresh, vibrant sides and complementary flavors.
- Mexican Rice: This fluffy, flavorful rice is the ideal base, soaking up any drizzled sauce and balancing the crunch of flautas.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and hearty, refried beans add a delicious, comforting texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken filling.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with lime vinaigrette brings brightness to the meal, cutting through the richness and enhancing every bite.
- Pico de Gallo: This zesty fresh salsa adds a burst of flavor with its diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, making each flauta taste even better.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado goodness transforms each bite into a rich experience, perfectly complementing the savory chicken.
- Sour Cream: Smooth and cool, sour cream serves as a delightful contrast to the warm flautas, enhancing their crunchy texture.
- Hot Sauce: Add a kick with your favorite hot sauce, elevating the flavors and catering to heat lovers among your guests.
- Churros: For a sweet ending, serve crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar – a delightful treat after the savory flair of Chicken Flautas!
- Margaritas: Pair your meal with a refreshing margarita, a fantastic drink option that pairs beautifully with the vibrant flavors of Mexican dishes.
Expert Tips for Chicken Flautas
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Perfect Tortilla Prep: Warm your tortillas in a damp paper towel to prevent cracking and tearing when filling them with your Chicken Flautas mixture.
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Crispy Cooking: Ensure your oil is at 350-375°F before adding the flautas. This ensures they fry evenly and get that delightful golden crunch.
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Secure the Roll: If your flautas start to unravel during frying, use toothpicks to keep them secure. This helps maintain their shape and filling.
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Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to mix up the flavors! Try different proteins like shredded pork or beef, along with various cheeses for a personalized touch.
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Healthier Option: For a lighter take, bake your flautas in the oven at a high temperature until crispy instead of deep-frying, keeping all that flavor intact!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Flautas
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will maintain their flavor best when kept sealed.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 400°F on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep them crunchy!
Make-Ahead: Feel free to assemble flautas in advance and store before frying. Just fry them right before serving for that perfect golden finish!
Chicken Flautas Variations
Customize your flautas for a delicious twist that will delight your taste buds!
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Vegetable Medley: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, and spinach to the filling for a colorful, nutritious boost. Each bite will offer a delightful crunch!
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Spicy Kick: Use hot pepper jack cheese or add diced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat. It’s a great way to elevate the flavor profile!
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Creamy Avocado: Blend ripe avocado into the filling for an added creaminess and healthy fat, creating a rich and satisfying texture.
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Zesty Cilantro Lime: Toss in fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to the chicken mixture for bright, zesty flavor that elevates your flautas.
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Pulled Pork Flautas: Swap chicken for pulled pork for a smoky, savory twist. The tender meat pairs perfectly with the crispy tortillas in a truly comforting way.
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Cheese Lovers: Mix in a combination of different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for varied flavor and incredible ooze when they’re hot and crispy.
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Breakfast Flautas: Fill with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese for a fun breakfast option. Serve with salsa for a delightful morning treat.
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Sweet & Savory: Add a spoonful of apple or peach salsa to the filling for a surprising and sweet twist, perfect for another level of flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Flautas are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can assemble the flautas up to 24 hours in advance, simply rolling the tortillas with the filling and securing them. To maintain optimal freshness, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When it’s time to enjoy your flautas, just heat your oil (to about 350-375°F) and fry them straight from the fridge for that crispy, golden texture. This way, you can have restaurant-quality Chicken Flautas with minimal effort, making your weeknight dinners a breeze while still delivering on flavor!
Chicken Flautas Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for filling?
Absolutely, using shredded cooked chicken is ideal for these flautas! I recommend rotisserie chicken for convenience, as it’s already tender and full of flavor. If you have leftovers from another meal, that’s perfect too! You can even use shredded pork or beef if you want to switch things up.
How should I store leftover Chicken Flautas?
To keep your leftover Chicken Flautas fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I suggest reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave to keep that crispy exterior.
Can I freeze Chicken Flautas?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Chicken Flautas, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake them from frozen at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
What can I do if my flautas unravel while frying?
No worries at all! If your flautas start to come undone, simply use toothpicks to secure them while frying. It helps keep the filling intact and ensures that when they come out, they’re perfectly shaped and delicious.
Are there any dietary considerations for Chicken Flautas?
Definitely take care when it comes to dietary preferences or restrictions! For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour. Be mindful of any allergens, as some may have sensitivities to dairy. You can easily modify ingredients like cheese to plant-based alternatives if needed.
What are good toppings or sides to serve with Chicken Flautas?
The more the merrier when it comes to toppings! I highly recommend fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and rich sour cream for dipping. You can also serve them alongside Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Crispy Chicken Flautas You’ll Want for Every Dinner Party
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm Tortillas: Start by wrapping your tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 20 seconds until they are warm and pliable.
- Assemble Flautas: Place a spoonful of shredded chicken mixture into each tortilla. Roll them tightly, securing with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat Oil: In a skillet over medium-high heat, pour in vegetable oil and heat to about 350-375°F.
- Fry Flautas: Carefully place the rolled flautas into the hot oil, frying each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.