With a dreamy crunch that instantly transports me to bustling Mexican markets, these Chicken Flautas are a fun, satisfying dinner option for any night of the week! What’s even better? This quick and easy Chicken Flautas Recipe whisks together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules or unexpected guests. As I bite into the crisp tortilla, I can’t help but savor the perfectly savory filling of tender chicken and ooey-gooey cheese. These delightful flautas are endlessly versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings and toppings based on what’s in your pantry. Plus, they are freezer-friendly—ideal for whipping up a scrumptious meal anytime. Are you ready to wrap up fantastic flavors and share a crispy bite with your loved ones? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why Are These Chicken Flautas So Special?
Quick and Easy Preparation: You can whip up these flautas in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for any busy weeknight.
Endlessly Customizable: Whether you prefer shredded chicken, ground beef, or even beans, you can tailor the filling to your liking.
Crispy Texture: The golden-brown, shatteringly crispy tortillas offer a wonderful contrast to the creamy cheese and savory filling, elevating every bite.
Freezer-Friendly Delight: Make a double batch and freeze some for a quick meal later—perfect for when you need something delicious on hand!
Crowd-Pleaser: When served with toppings like avocado and sour cream, these flautas become the star of any gathering.
For other delicious chicken ideas, check out my Garlic Parmesan Chicken or try the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles for a flavorful change!
Chicken Flautas Recipe Ingredients
• A delightful mix of flavors awaits!
For the Filling
- Salsa – Provides a spicy and tangy flavor base; medium salsa works well for a balanced taste.
- Sour Cream – Adds creaminess; Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter substitute.
- Chopped Green Chiles – Infuses mild spice; opt for fresh chilies for an extra kick.
- Chili Powder – Enhances warmth; adjust for your desired spice level.
- Ground Cumin – Adds earthy depth to the flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Imparts a savory richness; fresh garlic can also be used for vibrant flavor.
- Onion Powder – Contributes a sweet sharpness; fresh onions work too!
- Smoked Paprika – Offers a subtle smokiness; essential for a comforting flavor profile.
- Dried Oregano – Complements the spices beautifully; fresh oregano can elevate the taste.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken – The main filling; rotisserie chicken is convenient and tasty. Substitute with ground beef or beans for variety.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Melts perfectly for a creamy texture; consider queso blanco for a twist.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Deepens the flavor; mild cheddar can lighten it up.
For the Tortillas
- Flour Tortillas – Essential for easy rolling; make sure they’re fresh for the best results. Corn tortillas can change the dish’s nature but create tasty taquitos!
For Cooking
- Vegetable Oil – Optional for shallow frying; can be replaced with a non-stick cooking spray for air frying.
Each ingredient is key in making this Chicken Flautas Recipe a delightful hit!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Flautas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of salsa, ½ cup of sour cream, and 1 can of chopped green chiles. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and salt. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup each of Monterey Jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed, creating a delicious filling for your Chicken Flautas.
Step 2: Roll Flautas
Take a warm flour tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling along one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed; secure with toothpicks if using corn tortillas to keep them together. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, creating a delightful array of flautas ready for cooking.
Step 3: Cook Flautas
To fry the flautas, heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 325°F. Carefully add 3-4 flautas seam-side down, frying for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. If you prefer a healthier option, skip the oil and opt for baking or air frying at 425°F for 18-20 minutes or 400°F for 6-8 minutes, respectively, until crispy.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, let the Chicken Flautas cool for a minute on a wire rack. Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, tart sour cream, and zesty salsa. This colorful ensemble perfectly complements the crunch of the flautas, creating a memorable dining experience.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Flautas
Fridge: Store cooked Chicken Flautas in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their crispiness and flavor.
Freezer: Uncooked Chicken Flautas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating: To reheat, air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes for a fresh, crispy texture, or bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble the flautas just before cooking for a quick weeknight meal.
What to Serve with Chicken Flautas
The vibrant crunch of these golden flautas brings joyful flavors to any table, making it easy to create a delicious full meal experience.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: A zesty side that adds freshness to the meal while balancing the richness of the flautas.
- Corn Salad: Sweet corn mixed with lime, tomatoes, and avocado creates a delightful textural contrast and complements the filling perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and savory, refried beans provide a comforting heartiness and anchor the meal. Serve them alongside as a dip.
- Guacamole: This creamy avocado delight is the ultimate companion, providing both flavor and freshness that enhances every bite of flautas.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn slathered in cotija cheese and spice offers a fun, crunchy element that pairs beautifully with flautas.
- Pico de Gallo: Bright, fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onion, and cilantro adds a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the filling.
- Margaritas: A refreshing drink that perfectly complements the flautas, with its tangy notes bringing out the spices in the meal delightfully.
- Churros for Dessert: These sugary, crispy treats provide a sweet ending to your meal, striking a delightful balance after savoring savory flautas.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Rich and comforting, this beverage featuring hints of cinnamon creates a cozy finish alongside the crispy flautas.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Flautas are fantastic for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can assemble the flautas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. To maintain their crispiness, wrap the assembled flautas tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. If you want to prep even further in advance, you can freeze the uncooked flautas for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw; just fry or bake them directly from the freezer while slightly extending the cooking time. Enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality Chicken Flautas with minimal effort when you prepare them ahead of time!
Chicken Flautas Recipe Variations
Feel free to explore these variations and make your Chicken Flautas recipe truly yours! Each option brings a delightful twist that will excite your taste buds.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version. Enjoy creamy avocado slices instead for richness!
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra punch of heat. Your taste buds will dance with joy!
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans, corn, or sautéed zucchini for a veggie-packed option that’s just as delicious. Imagine the colorful filling you’ll create!
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Crispy Air Fryer: Instead of frying, air fry your flautas at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. This method yields perfectly crispy flautas with less oil, still maintaining great flavor.
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Flavor Explosions: Experiment with spices like chipotle powder or cayenne for different heat levels. You’ll discover a world of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.
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Sweet & Savory: Try adding diced apples or pineapples to your filling for a unique sweet contrast; it’s a twist that might surprise your family and friends in the best way.
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Taco Twist: Stuff your flautas with seasoned ground beef or carnitas instead of chicken to recreate the experience of your favorite taco in a crispy tortilla form. They pair beautifully with a side of One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos for a fun night.
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Herbed Version: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the filling for a burst of freshness. It transports your flautas to a whole new flavor dimension!
With these options, you can transform your Chicken Flautas into an endless array of possibilities! Each bite is a conversation starter, and what’s more, they are a fantastic way to shake off that fast-food routine. So, which variation will you try today?
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Flautas
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Fresh Tortillas: Always use fresh flour tortillas; if they feel stiff, warm them slightly in the microwave to make rolling easier without tearing.
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Flavor Boost: Adjust the seasonings in your Chicken Flautas filling to suit your palate; it’s always okay to add a little more chili powder for heat or cumin for richness.
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Perfect Frying: For crunchier flautas, ensure your oil is at the right temperature (325°F) before adding; if it’s too cool, the flautas will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
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Freezing Friendly: Assemble your Chicken Flautas ahead of time, freeze uncooked, and fry directly from frozen for quick meals on busy weeknights.
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Creative Toppings: Experiment with toppings! Fresh guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cilantro can elevate your flautas and make them uniquely yours.
Chicken Flautas Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to choose ripe avocados for toppings?
Absolutely! When selecting avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. Avoid avocados with dark spots or a mushy feel. If they’re too firm, leave them at room temperature for a few days to ripen.
How should I store leftover Chicken Flautas?
Store your cooked Chicken Flautas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispy texture, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture.
Can I freeze uncooked Chicken Flautas?
Very much! To freeze, arrange assembled but uncooked Chicken Flautas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, fry them straight from frozen for a quick meal!
What if my flautas are not crispy after cooking?
If your Chicken Flautas aren’t crispy, it could be due to the oil temperature being too low while frying. Always heat your oil to 325°F before adding them. Alternatively, if you are baking or air frying, make sure to brush them lightly with oil before cooking to help achieve a crunchy texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! If anyone in your family has dairy allergies, consider substituting the cheese with a dairy-free alternative. For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour. Always double-check specific ingredients for allergens that might affect your loved ones or pets.
How long can I prep the filling before assembling the flautas?
You can prepare the Chicken Flautas filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to roll, just give it a good stir and assemble the flautas for a quick meal. Keeping things ready in advance makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Crispy Chicken Flautas Recipe You’ll Crave Every Weeknight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine salsa, sour cream, and chopped green chiles. Add chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and salt. Stir in shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Take a warm flour tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling along one edge. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks if necessary. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 325°F. Fry flautas seam-side down for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Alternatively, bake or air fry.
- Let flautas cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
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