Picture yourself biting into a perfectly crisp, golden Chicken Flauta—warm, cheesy, and brimming with bold, savory spices. This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a Mexican favorite that’s virtually guaranteed to steal the show at your next dinner or gathering. Each flauta is wrapped snugly, stuffed with spiced chicken and melty cheese, then fried (or baked!) until irresistibly crunchy. Whether you serve them for family taco night, game day, or a spontaneous weeknight meal, Chicken Flautas promise to delight everyone at the table with their festive flavor and crunchy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Chicken Flautas is short and sweet, but every component brings its own magic to the dish. There’s nothing fussy or fancy—just a handful of staples mixed in the right way for maximum flavor and irresistible crunch.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The heart of the flauta; juicy, tender chicken soaks up all the seasonings and melds perfectly with the cheese.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, binding everything together with creamy, gooey richness.
- Ground cumin: Gives the filling a warm, earthy undertone that’s a must for authentic Mexican flavor.
- Chili powder: Brings gentle heat and deep, smoky complexity to the mix.
- Garlic powder: A subtle boost of savory flavor that makes every bite pop.
- Salt: Enhances all the other spices and the natural flavors of the chicken and cheese.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right bite and brightness to round off the spice blend.
- Small flour tortillas: The perfect wrapper—soft enough to roll, yet sturdy enough to fry up crispy without falling apart.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures each flauta is shatteringly crisp and golden all over. (Or brush with oil for a baked version!)
- Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole (optional): Creamy, zesty, and fresh toppings for dipping and drizzling—these extras make Chicken Flautas absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Chicken Flautas
Step 1: Mix the Chicken Filling
Start by gathering your cooked, shredded chicken, cheese, and all of those vibrant spices. In a large bowl, toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated and the cheese is evenly distributed. The filling should smell amazing—a little smoky, a little garlicky, and completely tempting!
Step 2: Roll the Flautas
Lay your tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken filling along the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly, tucking in the filling as you go. If your tortillas are a bit stiff, microwave them for 10 seconds until pliable. Secure each roll with a toothpick if you need extra help keeping them closed.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers (test with a small scrap of tortilla—it should sizzle!), gently place the rolled flautas in, seam side down. Fry in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until gloriously golden and crisp. They’ll puff and crackle as they cook. Move the Chicken Flautas to a paper towel-lined plate so any excess oil can drain off.
Step 4: Get Ready to Serve
Once your flautas are all snuggled up on the plate, carefully remove any toothpicks. Pile them high and serve them while they’re fresh and hot, with bowls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side for dipping. If you’re opting for the baked version, simply brush rolled flautas with oil and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
How to Serve Chicken Flautas
Garnishes
A pile of golden Chicken Flautas begs for bright, tasty toppings. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, a scattering of finely diced red onions, or crumbled cotija cheese for an extra kick. Don’t forget lime wedges—just a squeeze over the top wakes up every flavor and adds that perfect tang.
Side Dishes
Balance those crispy flautas with classic sides like Mexican rice, charro beans, or a crisp green salad tossed with lots of veggies. Sides not only round out your plate but also bring cool, fresh contrast to every crunchy, spicy bite of Chicken Flautas.
Creative Ways to Present
Chicken Flautas can be party-ready in a snap! Arrange them standing upright in a glass for a grab-and-go appetizer, slice them in half and serve as finger food, or layer them over a bed of shredded lettuce for a festive platter. Try offering a trio of homemade dips for a total fiesta on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra Chicken Flautas? Let them cool to room temperature, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three days in the fridge, ready to be revived for a speedy snack or lunch.
Freezing
Flautas freeze beautifully! After frying and cooling, wrap each one individually in foil and stash them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for about two months. Reheat straight from frozen for a delicious, grab-and-go treat.
Reheating
To bring that signature crunch back, reheat leftover or frozen Chicken Flautas in a 375°F oven for 8–12 minutes, or until piping hot. Avoid the microwave if possible—the oven keeps the shells crisp and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for Chicken Flautas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flauta earthy flavor but can be a little trickier to roll. Warm them first to prevent cracking, or look for “super soft” corn tortillas.
What’s the best chicken to use for flautas?
Any cooked and shredded chicken works beautifully, but rotisserie chicken is particularly convenient and full of flavor. If you have leftover roast or grilled chicken—use that for an extra flavor boost!
Can I bake Chicken Flautas instead of frying?
Yes! Simply arrange your rolled flautas on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 425°F for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through. You’ll still get plenty of crispness with less oil.
How do I keep my flautas from unrolling during cooking?
If you’re worried about loose rolls, secure each flauta with a toothpick before frying or baking. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving for the best (and safest) eating experience!
What are some fun variations for Chicken Flautas?
Get creative! Stir in a spoonful of chipotle peppers, diced green chiles, or even black beans to the filling. Swap out the cheese, add fresh corn, or top finished flautas with shredded lettuce and pico de gallo for a new twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings big flavor and big smiles, Chicken Flautas are your ticket. Everything about them—from the crunchy exterior to the cheesy-chicken filling—makes them a total joy to make and devour. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a legend at your next gathering or family meal!
Print
Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (2 flautas per serving) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Flautas are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. Shredded chicken, cheese, and spices are rolled in tortillas and fried until golden brown. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for a tasty treat!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 small flour tortillas
- vegetable oil for frying
- sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill Tortillas: Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture along the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Fry Flautas: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet and fry the flautas in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer fried flautas to a paper towel-lined plate, remove toothpicks, and serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- You can bake the flautas at 425°F (220°C) for a lighter version—brush with oil and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Great use for leftover rotisserie chicken!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 flautas
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
