Oh, let me tell you about chicken flautas! These crispy rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken are an absolute treat that always brings a smile to my face. I remember the first time I had them at a little Mexican restaurant in town; the crunch, the burst of flavor, and that warm, cheesy goodness made my taste buds dance! It felt like a party in my mouth. The best part? You can whip them up right in your own kitchen without breaking a sweat! Seriously, they’re so easy to make and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings like salsa or guacamole. Trust me, once you try making these chicken flautas at home, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients for Chicken Flautas
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delicious chicken flautas. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for this!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – it adds that wonderful depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – for a hint of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – this gives it that warm, earthy taste.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – I prefer a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- 12 corn tortillas – these are key for that crispy exterior.
- Oil for frying – just enough to get that perfect golden brown crunch!
How to Prepare Chicken Flautas
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making chicken flautas! It’s really quite simple, and I promise you’ll be so proud of how these turn out. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have crispy, cheesy goodness in no time!
Step 1: Mix the Filling
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and shredded cheese. I like to give it a good mix with my hands—seriously, it’s the best way to ensure everything’s combined evenly. You want that cheesy goodness throughout!
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Next up, we need those corn tortillas nice and warm. Heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable. This step is crucial—warm tortillas roll up much easier without cracking, and that’s what we want!
Step 3: Assemble the Flautas
Now comes the fun part! Take a warm tortilla, and spoon a generous amount of your chicken mixture right down the center. Don’t overload it, though; you want to be able to roll it up tight! Roll the tortilla away from you, tucking it in as you go. Secure the ends with toothpicks to keep everything together. Trust me, the tighter the roll, the crispier the flautas will be!
Step 4: Fry the Flautas
In a large skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles in the pan. Carefully place your flautas seam side down in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them—nobody wants a burnt flauta!
Step 5: Serve the Chicken Flautas
Once they’re perfectly fried, place the flautas on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot, and don’t forget the salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping! They’re irresistible, and I guarantee they’ll be a big hit!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each chicken flauta is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, and here’s an estimated breakdown of what you’re getting in each one:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoying these tasty treats in moderation will definitely keep your taste buds happy!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken flautas are nothing short of perfect! Here are some of my top tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a total time-saver and adds amazing flavor!
- Don’t skip heating the tortillas: Warm tortillas are key to avoiding cracks when you roll them up.
- Adjust your seasonings: Taste as you go! Feel free to tweak the garlic, onion powder, or cumin to match your personal preference.
- Keep the oil temperature steady: If it’s too hot, you’ll burn the flautas; too cool, and they’ll be greasy. Aim for that perfect golden brown!
Variations on Chicken Flautas
Now, let’s get creative! There are so many fun ways to switch up your chicken flautas. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a fiery twist.
- Veggie lovers: Mix in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or black beans for a hearty, plant-based option.
- Cheesy goodness: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for extra flavor.
- Herbed delight: Add some fresh cilantro or parsley to the chicken mixture for a burst of freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any chicken flautas left over (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll last for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can; nobody wants a soggy flauta!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there are so many reasons to fall in love with these chicken flautas! Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Quick and easy: You can whip these up in just 25 minutes!
- Flavor-packed: The mix of spices and cheese makes every bite a flavor explosion.
- Customizable: Make them your own with different fillings or toppings!
- Crispy delight: The golden brown crunch is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a snack, dinner, or party food, they fit right in!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of chicken, you can read this Healthline article on the benefits of chicken.
Print
Comforting Chicken Flautas: A Nostalgic Family Favorite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 flautas 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken flautas are crispy rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cheese in a bowl.
- Heat tortillas until warm and pliable.
- Spoon chicken mixture onto each tortilla.
- Roll tortillas tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry flautas until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flauta
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken flautas, Mexican food, easy recipe