Name: Chicken Flautas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo; 10 small flour or corn tortillas; vegetable oil for frying

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There’s something irresistibly festive about a platter of crisp, golden Chicken Flautas Recipe straight from the kitchen. Juicy seasoned chicken and melted cheese, all rolled up in tortillas and fried until gorgeously crunchy, make these Mexican-style flautas a true crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners, game nights, or anytime you need happy faces around your table. You can serve them with your favorite sauces and toppings for endless flavor combinations. If ever there were a dish that guaranteed empty plates and second helpings, this is it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Chicken Flautas Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient pulls its weight, offering a punch of flavor, a pop of color, or that coveted crunch. Don’t be afraid to use what you have on hand, but try to keep these essentials close for the ultimate flauta experience!

Cooked and shredded chicken breast (2 cups): This forms the hearty base, and using rotisserie chicken makes it even easier.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, earthy depth to the filling.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory notes and an aromatic kick.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Provides mild heat and a signature reddish hue.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the filling.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives just a bit of sharpness and balances out the spices.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for oozy, gooey bites in every flauta.
Salsa or pico de gallo (½ cup): Infuses moisture and zest; pick whichever you prefer for your flavor mood.
Flour or corn tortillas, small (10): The essential wrapper—corn tortillas deliver an authentic crunch, but flour tortillas roll more easily.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil for frying to get that crave-worthy crispy shell.

How to Make Chicken Flautas Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Chicken Filling

Begin by grabbing a large bowl and adding your shredded chicken, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and your choice of salsa or pico de gallo. Use a fork or your clean hands to toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the cheese starts to cling to the juicy pieces. This mixture is absolutely bursting with flavor and makes it hard not to sneak a bite!

Step 2: Warm and Prep Your Tortillas

To make rolling easy (and to avoid tears), warm your tortillas so they’re nice and pliable. A quick 20 seconds in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel, or a short stint in a dry skillet does the trick. Softened tortillas are super important here—their flexibility helps you achieve that classic tight roll without any crumbling.

Step 3: Assemble the Flautas

Lay one tortilla flat on your work surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third, then roll tightly, tucking the filling as you go. If your tortillas are stubborn or you want extra insurance, secure each roll with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling—you’ll soon have a parade of little rolled-up flautas ready for the skillet!

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat it over medium until shimmering (around 350°F is perfect if you have a thermometer). Gently add your rolled flautas in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until they’re golden brown, flipping once. As they finish, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. The result? A shatteringly crisp exterior with a cheesy, savory center.

Step 5: Serve Hot with Toppings

Pile your crispy Chicken Flautas Recipe high on a platter and get creative with the toppings. Classic choices include cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, fresh salsa, or even a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or jalapeños. These little rolls taste best piping hot, so gather your friends and dig in while they’re fresh!

How to Serve Chicken Flautas Recipe

Garnishes

The perfect garnishes for your Chicken Flautas Recipe are all about contrast—think creamy, cool, and even a little tangy. Dollops of sour cream, silky guacamole, vibrant salsa, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese make every bite exciting. A little chopped cilantro or a quick squeeze of lime takes the flavors to new heights and adds a pop of color to your plate.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, serve these crispy flautas alongside Mexican rice, charro beans, or a simple black bean and corn salad. If you’re hosting a gathering, add a platter of tortilla chips and queso for a real fiesta spread. Don’t forget a pitcher of refreshing horchata or aguas frescas to sip between each crunchy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, stand the flautas on end in a narrow glass or wrap them like little flavor bundles in parchment for individual snack packs. Arrange them on a board with all your favorite dips for a build-your-own flauta bar. Mini flautas make great appetizers, so slice them in half and secure with festive toothpicks for a party-perfect treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Chicken Flautas Recipe fresh, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment or waxed paper to keep them from sticking together. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—just be sure to crisp them up before serving again!

Freezing

Flautas freeze beautifully, giving you a quick meal option for busy days. Arrange cooked and cooled flautas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then move to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months; just reheat straight from the freezer for best results.

Reheating

To revive that signature crunch in leftover flautas, reheat them in an oven or air fryer set to 375°F for about 8–10 minutes (no need to thaw first if frozen). Skip the microwave if you can, as it tends to soften the shells rather than crisping them. You’ll get close to that fresh-from-the-fryer texture with just a little patience!

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, simply brush the rolled flautas with a bit of oil and bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy. The oven won’t deliver quite the same deep-fried crunch, but you’ll still enjoy plenty of golden, satisfying texture.

Do I have to use chicken breast?

Not at all. Rotisserie chicken, shredded thighs, or even leftover turkey work wonderfully. The Chicken Flautas Recipe is very flexible, so feel free to use whatever cooked poultry you have on hand.

What’s the difference between taquitos and flautas?

It mostly comes down to tortilla size and type. Flautas tend to be larger and often use flour tortillas, while taquitos are traditionally smaller and made with corn. Both are delicious and crisp—make whichever you prefer!

How can I make them spicier?

For extra heat, add chopped pickled jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or swap the salsa for a spicy variety in your filling. You can also sprinkle a little cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix.

Can I prep these ahead for a party?

Definitely! Roll and chill the flautas (unfried) on a tray up to a day in advance. When it’s party time, just fry or bake them straight from the fridge for fresh, crunchy results that’ll impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that always brings excitement to the table, this Chicken Flautas Recipe is the way to go. The flavors, the crispy texture, and the sheer fun of eating with your hands make it a guaranteed hit. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your new go-to favorite!

Chicken Flautas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 10 flautas 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these delicious Chicken Flautas for a flavorful and crispy meal. Perfect for a main course, these fried tortillas filled with seasoned chicken and cheese are sure to be a hit at your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Filling:

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup salsa or pico de gallo

For Assembly:

10 small flour or corn tortillas
vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, cheese, and salsa. Mix well.
Assemble the Flautas: Warm tortillas, place chicken mixture on one end of each, and roll tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Fry the Flautas: Heat oil in a skillet, fry flautas until golden and crispy.
Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with desired toppings.