Oh my goodness, let me tell you about chicken flautas! These crispy little rolls filled with seasoned chicken are not just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture. Every time I make them, I’m transported back to family gatherings where we’d sit around the table, dipping these golden treasures in salsa and guacamole, laughing and sharing stories. The crunch of the tortilla paired with the juicy, flavorful filling is simply unbeatable. Trust me, once you bite into one, you’ll understand why they’re a family favorite! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, and I promise they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too. So, grab your tortillas, and let’s dive into the deliciousness of chicken flautas!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up the most amazing chicken flautas. Make sure to gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients before you start:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
It’s all about the quality of your ingredients, so if you can, opt for fresh spices and good chicken! This combination of flavors is what makes these flautas so irresistible!
How to Prepare Chicken Flautas
Let’s get into the delicious process of making chicken flautas! It might sound a bit daunting, but don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through each step. You’ll see how easy it is to create these crispy delights that are sure to impress everyone at the table!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by mixing the shredded chicken with the spices. In a bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with 1 teaspoon each of cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and a sprinkle of salt. Give it a good stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Pro tip: Taste a little bit of the mixture! Adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a bit more kick. You want that filling to be bursting with flavor!
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Next up, let’s warm those tortillas! Heat a skillet over medium heat and place your corn tortillas in there for just about 30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable and warm. This step is super important; it makes them easier to roll without cracking. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 3: Assemble the Flautas
Now for the fun part—assembling the flautas! Take a warm tortilla and place about a tablespoon of your chicken mixture on one end. Then, roll it up tightly! Make sure to tuck in the sides as you go to keep all that tasty filling inside. Keep going! Repeat this with the remaining tortillas and filling. You’ll have a lovely line-up of flautas ready to fry!
Step 4: Fry the Flautas
Time to fry! In a frying pan, heat up a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want it to be hot enough that a small piece of tortilla sizzles right away when you drop it in—about 350°F (175°C) is perfect! Fry the flautas in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You’ll want to cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Watch them carefully! If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Once they’re done, use tongs to carefully remove them and place them on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
Finally, it’s time to serve these beauties! Place your crispy chicken flautas on a platter and enjoy them while they’re hot and fresh. I love to serve them with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping—like, you can never go wrong with that! They’re the perfect snack or appetizer for any gathering, and believe me, they won’t last long!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make these delicious chicken flautas, here are some pro tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken on hand, this is a fantastic way to save time! Just shred it and you’re good to go.
- Check Oil Temperature: It’s super important to make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. A quick test is to drop a small piece of tortilla in; if it sizzles right away, you’re ready! If not, wait a bit longer to avoid soggy flautas.
- Don’t Skip the Warm Tortillas: Warming the tortillas is key to preventing them from cracking while rolling. Trust me, this little step makes a huge difference!
- Fry in Batches: To get that perfect golden-brown color, fry the flautas in small batches. This way, they won’t crowd the pan and can cook evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Flautas are best enjoyed hot and crispy, so try to serve them right after frying. If they sit too long, they might lose that beautiful crunch!
Following these tips will help you create flautas that are not only tasty but also look absolutely irresistible on the plate!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful chicken flautas. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions:
- Serving Size: 2 flautas
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 15g
These flautas are not only delicious but also pack a satisfying punch of protein! Perfect for a filling snack or appetizer without feeling too heavy. Enjoy every crispy bite knowing you’re fueling your body right!
FAQ Section
Got questions about chicken flautas? No worries! I’ve got you covered with answers to some common queries that might pop up as you’re whipping up these tasty treats.
Can I make chicken flautas in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the flautas ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to fry. They’re best fried fresh, but if you need to make them ahead, just be sure to warm the tortillas before rolling to keep them from cracking.
What can I serve with chicken flautas?
Flautas are fantastic with a variety of dips! I love serving them with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You can also add a side of Mexican rice and beans to turn them into a full meal. Yum!
Can I use a different type of meat?
For sure! While chicken is a classic, you can experiment with shredded beef, pork, or even a vegetarian filling like black beans and cheese. The spices work well with just about any protein!
How do I store leftover chicken flautas?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 2-3 days. Just reheat them in an oven for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back!
Are chicken flautas gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas, chicken flautas are naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the labels on the tortillas to make sure they don’t contain any gluten.
Can I bake flautas instead of frying?
You can absolutely bake them if you want a lighter option! Brush the rolled flautas with a bit of oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden. Just keep an eye on them!
Hopefully, these FAQs help clear up any questions you might have about making chicken flautas! Enjoy the cooking experience, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your flavors and sides!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken flautas are not just a delicious treat; they come with a whole bunch of perks that make them a favorite in my kitchen! Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making them:
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a plate of crispy flautas ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is super straightforward. Trust me, you’ll feel like a pro!
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and juicy chicken filling makes each bite a flavor explosion that everyone will rave about.
- Gluten-Free Option: Using corn tortillas means you can enjoy these crispy delights without worrying about gluten, making them a great choice for everyone.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the filling to suit your taste. You can use different proteins or even go vegetarian!
- Perfect for Sharing: These flautas make a fantastic appetizer for gatherings, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Just set out some dips, and you’re ready to go!
With all these reasons, it’s easy to see why chicken flautas are a must-try in your culinary adventures!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover chicken flautas (which is rare in my house, but it happens!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that crispy goodness intact. Here’s how to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the flautas to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from building up, which can make them soggy. They should be good in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To bring back that crispy texture, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the flautas on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy again. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
- Microwave Option: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be warned—it won’t give you that wonderful crunch. Just pop them in for about 30-45 seconds, but be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your chicken flautas even after the initial feast, savoring every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Flautas: 5 Irresistible Steps to Flavor Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy chicken flautas filled with seasoned chicken and fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix shredded chicken with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt.
- Heat tortillas in a skillet until warm.
- Place a tablespoon of chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Tightly roll each tortilla around the filling.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry flautas until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Make sure oil is hot enough to avoid soggy flautas.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 flautas
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken flautas