Chicken Flautas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Flautas are crispy, rolled tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken and fried to golden perfection. Popular in Mexican cuisine, these crunchy delights are perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or even a main dish. Served with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, they offer a satisfying blend of texture and flavor that everyone will love.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

corn tortillas
shredded cooked chicken
cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
chili powder
ground cumin
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
pepper
vegetable oil (for frying)
toothpicks (optional for securing)

directions

Warm the corn tortillas slightly to make them pliable.

In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add cream cheese if using for a creamy filling.

Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla and roll tightly into a flute shape.

Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry the flautas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded lettuce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 flautas.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use flour tortillas for a softer crunch and larger flautas.
Add shredded cheese to the chicken filling for extra richness.
Try using leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick version.
Bake the flautas at 425°F (220°C) for a healthier alternative.

storage/reheating

Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze uncooked rolled flautas for up to 2 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen.

FAQs

What’s the difference between flautas and taquitos?
Flautas are typically made with flour tortillas and are longer, while taquitos are usually shorter and made with corn tortillas.

Can I make flautas without frying?
Yes, baking or air frying are great alternatives for a healthier option.

Can I use beef or pork instead of chicken?
Absolutely, any cooked and shredded meat works well in flautas.

Why are my tortillas cracking?
Make sure to warm them before rolling to prevent cracking.

Do I need toothpicks?
Not always, but they help keep the flautas closed while frying.

Can I make these in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.

Are flautas gluten-free?
If using corn tortillas and gluten-free seasonings, they can be gluten-free.

What dipping sauces go well with flautas?
Try sour cream, guacamole, salsa, queso, or even chipotle mayo.

How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
Drain well after frying and avoid stacking them while hot.

Can I cook these in a skillet without deep frying?
Yes, shallow frying in a bit of oil also works well.

Conclusion

Chicken Flautas are a delicious, crispy treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, their flavorful filling and crunchy texture make them a crowd favorite. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your homemade Mexican food lineup.

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