If you are craving a vibrant and satisfying meal that truly excites your taste buds, the Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish perfectly balances crunchy, golden flautas filled with tender shredded chicken alongside warm, flavorful fideo noodles simmered in a subtly spiced tomato broth. Each bite offers the perfect harmony of textures and spices that’s both comforting and invigorating. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes and will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of the Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each component adds an essential element, from the fragrant spices that bring warmth to the chicken filling, to the crunchy tortillas and the humble noodles that soak up all those bright, punchy flavors.
- 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time while adding juicy, savory goodness to the flautas.
- 1/2 cup Onion (finely chopped): Provides a mild sweetness and crunch that balances the spices perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Brings a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the filling.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: Essential for that warm, earthy note synonymous with Mexican-inspired dishes.
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder: Gives a gentle kick that wakes up the palate in the best way.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
- 8-10 Small Flour or Corn Tortillas: The perfect crisp vessel for those delicious chicken fillings.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Key for achieving that irresistible golden crisp exterior on the flautas.
- Optional toppings—Sour Cream, Salsa, Guacamole, Shredded Lettuce: These provide extra creaminess, freshness, and zest once your flautas are plated.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Used to toast the noodles, adding richness and helping them crisp slightly.
- 1 cup Fideo Noodles (or broken spaghetti): The star ingredient for the accompanying spicy noodle side.
- 1 small Tomato (diced): Gives the fideo a fresh base and a lovely pop of color.
- 1/2 small Onion (finely chopped): Works alongside garlic to deepen the fideo’s flavor profile.
- 1 clove Garlic (minced): Delivers unmistakable aroma and depth.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth: The comforting simmering liquid that brings the noodles and veggies together.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: Reinforces that warm, earthy tone in the noodles.
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder: Adds a balanced heat to the fideo, echoing the spiciness in the flautas.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): To perfectly season the noodle dish.
How to Make Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by combining your shredded cooked chicken with finely chopped onion, fresh cilantro, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure every shred of chicken is packed with bold, layered flavors that promise comfort and spice in every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Flautas
Lay out your small tortillas and spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of your beautifully seasoned chicken mixture down the center of each. Roll them up carefully and tightly into a cylinder shape to keep all that filling secure. This rolling technique is crucial because it guarantees each flauta crisps perfectly and remains intact throughout frying.
Step 3: Fry the Flautas
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Gently place each rolled flauta seam side down into the hot oil. Fry them for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the tortillas reach that satisfying crunch we all crave. Once cooked, transfer the flautas onto paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Spicy Fideo Noodles
While the flautas are frying, start your fideo noodles by warming olive oil in a saucepan. Add the fideo noodles and cook, stirring often, until they’re lightly toasted and golden. This toasting step is the secret to adding an irresistible nutty flavor and slightly crispy texture to your noodles.
Step 5: Build the Flavor Base
Add diced tomato, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the toasted noodles. Stir to combine and soften the veggies for a few minutes. Then pour in chicken broth along with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer and Finish the Noodles
Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the mixture cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fideo noodles have absorbed most of the broth and softened to tender perfection. If the noodles look dry before they are fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water to keep things moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe by topping the flautas with dollops of cool sour cream, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and shredded lettuce. These garnishes add freshness, creaminess, and a vibrant contrast to the crispy, spicy flautas and warm noodles. Don’t be shy—layer flavors freely for an unforgettable meal.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your meal, consider serving simple Mexican classics like refried beans, a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, or even pickled jalapeños. These sides complement the spices beautifully, providing texture and a variety of tastes that create a well-balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your flautas standing upright in a shallow bowl of the spicy fideo noodles, allowing the noodles to soak up any excess oil and flavors from the flautas. Alternatively, serve everything in a large shallow platter family-style, encouraging guests to grab both flautas and noodles in hearty bites. Presentation can make the experience feel lively and inviting, perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your flautas and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the flautas’ crispness longer and keeps the noodles from becoming mushy. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked flautas by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. The fideo noodles don’t freeze as well because of their delicate texture, so it’s best to prepare those fresh.
Reheating
To reheat flautas, the oven or air fryer is your best friend—set to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to regain crispiness. For the fideo noodles, warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to revive their saucy texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for the flautas?
Absolutely! Both flour and corn tortillas work well. Corn tortillas give a more traditional flavor and a slightly different texture. Just warm them before rolling to prevent cracking.
What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?
If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, shredded cooked chicken breast or thighs work perfectly. You can quickly poach or roast chicken and shred it for this recipe.
Are fideo noodles the same as vermicelli?
Fideo noodles are a type of thin pasta similar to vermicelli but often broken into shorter pieces. Broken spaghetti can be used as a perfect substitute if you cannot find fideo.
Can I bake the flautas instead of frying them?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Brush the rolled flautas with a little oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
How spicy is this Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the chili powder in both the chicken filling and noodles. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the chili powder. For more kick, try adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of crunchy chicken flautas and rich, spicy fideo noodles, making this Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe a standout meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its approachable ingredients and simple steps bring together incredible flavors that will quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try this lively dish, it will soon be a staple you turn to again and again!
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Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe features crispy Chicken Flautas paired with flavorful Mexican-style Fideo noodles, creating a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. The flautas are filled with a seasoned shredded chicken mixture, rolled in tortillas, and fried until golden and crunchy. The accompanying fideo is a simple, toasted noodle dish simmered in a seasoned tomato and chicken broth, making a comforting side.
Ingredients
Chicken Flautas Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Flautas Assembly
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce
Fideo Noodles
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fideo noodles or broken spaghetti
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped onion, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Assemble the Flautas: Place each small tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoned chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly into a cylinder shape to enclose the filling.
- Fry the Flautas: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the rolled flautas to the hot oil seam side down to prevent unrolling. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve the Flautas: Remove the flautas from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce.
- Toast the Fideo Noodles: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add fideo noodles (or broken spaghetti) and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the noodles are lightly golden and toasted.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add diced tomato, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pan with the toasted noodles. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, then add ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Fideo: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender and the broth is mostly absorbed. Add more broth or water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve the Fideo: Once cooked, fluff the fideo noodles gently and serve warm as a perfect side dish alongside the crispy chicken flautas.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor to the flauta filling.
- For extra crispiness, use corn tortillas and fry in hot oil just enough to brown evenly.
- If you prefer a lighter cooking method, flautas can also be baked in an oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.
- Adjust seasoning in the fideo as preferred; adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne gives a spicy kick.
- Leftover fideo can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
