Chicken Flautas: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken Flautas, those crispy, golden-brown rolls of deliciousness, are calling your name! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly fried tortilla, yielding to a savory, seasoned chicken filling. Are you ready to learn how to make this irresistible dish at home?

Flautas, also known as taquitos or rolled tacos, are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine. While their exact origins are debated, they’ve been enjoyed for generations, offering a satisfying and portable meal. These delightful snacks are a testament to the resourcefulness and culinary creativity of Mexican cooks, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

What makes Chicken Flautas so universally appealing? It’s a combination of factors! The satisfying crunch of the fried tortilla, the tender and flavorful chicken filling, and the endless possibilities for toppings – from creamy guacamole and sour cream to zesty salsa and shredded lettuce – all contribute to their irresistible charm. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Perfect as an appetizer for your next fiesta, a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or even a fun snack for game day, flautas are always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to discover how easy it is to create these crispy, flavorful delights in your own kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 12 corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce

Preparing the Chicken Filling:

Okay, let’s start with the heart of our flautas – the delicious chicken filling! This is where we build the flavor, so pay attention to the details.

1. Season the Chicken: First things first, grab those chicken breasts and give them a good rub-down. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This spice blend is our secret weapon for flavorful chicken. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy; we want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken: Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (that’s how you know it’s hot enough!), carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re nicely browned. This searing process creates a beautiful crust and locks in all those delicious juices.
3. Simmer and Shred: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the broth to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Combine and Simmer Again: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the remaining broth. Stir in the cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. This creates a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken filling that’s just irresistible. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Maybe a pinch more chili powder for extra kick?

Assembling the Flautas:

Now for the fun part – rolling up those flautas! This is where we transform our delicious filling into crispy, golden-brown perfection.

1. Warm the Tortillas: This is a crucial step! Corn tortillas can be brittle and prone to cracking if you don’t warm them up first. There are a few ways to do this:
   • Microwave: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, or until they’re pliable.
   • Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side, until they’re soft and flexible.
   • Oven: Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

   I usually go for the microwave method because it’s quick and easy, but feel free to choose whichever method works best for you.

2. Fill the Tortillas: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll be difficult to roll and might burst open during frying.
3. Roll the Flautas: Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from one end and tucking in the sides as you go. Secure the flauta with a toothpick or two to prevent it from unrolling during frying. This is important!
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Frying the Flautas:

Get ready for some sizzling action! This is where we transform our soft flautas into crispy, golden-brown delights. Safety first, though – be careful when working with hot oil!

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it. If the tortilla sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Flautas: Carefully place a few flautas into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
3. Drain the Flautas: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the flautas from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This helps them stay crispy.
4. Remove Toothpicks: Once the flautas have cooled slightly, carefully remove the toothpicks.

Serving and Enjoying:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Time to plate up those crispy, delicious chicken flautas and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

1. Plate and Garnish: Arrange the flautas on a serving platter. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and extra cilantro.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the flautas immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
3. Enjoy!: Dig in and savor every bite of these homemade chicken flautas. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a party appetizer, or a fun snack.

Tips and Variations:

• Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the flautas instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with a little olive oil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a mixture of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the flautas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry or bake them.

Storage Instructions:

If you have any leftover flautas (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet until they’re heated through and crispy.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Flautas recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a passport to flavor town, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, one of the most satisfying things I’ve made in ages. The crispy, golden tortillas, the savory, perfectly seasoned chicken filling, and the explosion of textures and tastes with every bite – it’s an experience you absolutely have to try for yourself. I know there are a million recipes out there, but trust me, this one is special. It’s the perfect balance of simple ingredients and incredible flavor, making it achievable for even the most novice cook.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic as a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for game night, or even a party snack that everyone will rave about. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it both economical and delicious. The crispy texture is undeniably addictive, and the filling is so flavorful that you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving these Chicken Flautas with a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a vibrant homemade guacamole, and a zesty pico de gallo. A sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, cheesy finish that takes them to the next level. For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a drizzle of chipotle mayo.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the filling to your liking. Add some black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. A little bit of shredded cheese mixed into the chicken filling adds a gooey, melty element that’s simply irresistible. You could even experiment with different spices, like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika, to create your own signature flavor profile.

For a lighter option, you can bake the flautas instead of frying them. Simply brush them with a little bit of oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. While they won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, they’re still incredibly delicious and a healthier alternative.

Another fun variation is to make mini flautas, perfect for appetizers or snacks. Simply use smaller tortillas and adjust the filling accordingly. You can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, salsa verde, or even a creamy cilantro-lime sauce.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be intimidated by the frying process; it’s actually quite simple, and the results are well worth the effort. And remember, cooking should be fun! So put on some music, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic.

Once you’ve made these amazing Chicken Flautas, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!