Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Chicken Flautas! They are like little bundles of joy, crispy rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken that are just bursting with flavor. Every bite is a delightful crunch followed by that savory, cheesy goodness that makes my taste buds do a happy dance! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the kitchen smelled so incredible that my relatives were practically lining up at the counter before they were even done frying! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun get-together with friends. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll want to whip them up again and again. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients for Chicken Flautas
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Chicken Flautas, and luckily, this recipe is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess!)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (for that lovely crunch and flavor)
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose your favorite—mild or spicy, it’s up to you!)
- 8 corn tortillas (make sure they’re fresh and pliable for easy rolling)
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill your pan about an inch deep)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create some crispy, mouthwatering flautas that will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Prepare Chicken Flautas
Making Chicken Flautas is a fun and rewarding experience, and I promise, it’s easier than you might think! Follow these steps, and you’ll have crispy, delicious flautas in no time!
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine your 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 1/2 cup of salsa. I like to mix it all together with a fork until everything is well incorporated. The cheese should be evenly distributed, and the salsa will add just the right amount of moisture and flavor. Don’t be shy about tasting the mixture—it’s gonna be yummy!
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Next up, heat a skillet over medium heat and warm your corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side. This step is crucial! Warming makes the tortillas pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them. You want them soft and ready to embrace that delicious filling!
Step 3: Assemble the Flautas
Now for the fun part! Take a warm tortilla, scoop a generous spoonful of your filling mixture into the center, and roll it up tightly. I like to tuck in the sides as I roll to keep everything snug. To secure the flauta, use a toothpick—just slide it through the middle to hold it all together. Repeat this process until all your tortillas are filled and rolled!
Step 4: Fry the Flautas
In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering (about an inch deep should do). Carefully place your flautas seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they fry evenly; you want that perfect crunch! If they’re browning too quickly, just lower the heat a bit.
Step 5: Serve Your Flautas
Once the flautas are golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to soak up any excess grease. Serve them hot with extra salsa on the side for dipping. You’ll want to savor every bite of these delightful treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Flautas are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that will have you falling in love at first bite! Here’s why you’ll adore making and munching on these crispy delights:
- Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip these up for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute party!
- Crispy Texture: The golden-brown crunch of the fried tortillas is simply irresistible, making every bite a satisfying experience.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of seasoned chicken, cheese, and salsa creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion that’s sure to please!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the filling to your liking—add some black beans, jalapeños, or even switch up the cheese!
- Perfect for Sharing: Flautas are great finger foods, making them perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in!
Trust me, once you try these crispy Chicken Flautas, they’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Chicken Flautas turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some pro tips to share! First off, using leftover chicken is a game changer—it’s quick, and you can save time while still enjoying that homemade taste. Just shred it up and toss it in! If you love a little kick, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level by using hot salsa or adding diced jalapeños to the filling. Also, consider pairing your flautas with some creamy guacamole or sour cream for dipping; it adds an extra layer of richness that complements the crispy tortillas beautifully. Lastly, if you want to elevate the flavor even more, sprinkle some fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. These little touches make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each serving of these delicious Chicken Flautas (2 flautas per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these tasty treats guilt-free!
FAQ Section
I know you’ve got questions about Chicken Flautas, and I’m here to help! Let’s tackle some of the most common ones:
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas give that authentic flair, flour tortillas work just as well if you prefer them. Just remember that they might not get quite as crispy!
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, feel free to swap the chicken for black beans, refried beans, or even sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. They’ll still be delicious!
How can I keep my flautas crispy after frying?
After frying, make sure to drain them on paper towels, and serve them immediately. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a warm oven. But trust me, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the pan!
What dips pair well with Chicken Flautas?
Guacamole, sour cream, or even a zesty lime crema are all fantastic choices that complement the flavors perfectly. You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for that extra burst of freshness!
Can I make these ahead of time?
While flautas are best fresh, you can prepare the filling in advance and roll them up when you’re ready to fry. Just keep everything covered in the fridge until you’re set to cook!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have some Chicken Flautas left over (which is a rarity in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delightful crunch. Let the flautas cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re layered with paper towels to absorb any moisture—nobody wants soggy flautas!
When it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using an oven or an air fryer for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the flautas on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. If you’re using an air fryer, just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This way, you’ll retain that irresistible crunch that makes these flautas so special!
Your Turn to Try This Recipe!
Now it’s your turn to dive into the delicious world of Chicken Flautas! I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of creating these crispy, flavorful bites in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, I know they’ll be a hit!
Once you make your own Chicken Flautas, I’d love to hear all about your experience! Did you add any fun twists or special ingredients? Maybe you went with a spicy salsa or tried a different cheese? Share your variations and thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep this cooking adventure going together—your feedback can inspire others to get cooking too!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Print
Chicken Flautas: 5 Irresistible Steps to Crispy Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 8 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, onion, and salsa.
- Heat tortillas in a skillet until warm.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture in each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the flautas until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve with additional salsa.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quick preparation.
- Adjust spice level with hot salsa if desired.
- Serve with guacamole or sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 flautas
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Chicken Flautas, Mexican recipe, crispy tortillas, chicken dish