Chicken Flautas Recipe

Name: Chicken Flautas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken breast; 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese; 12 count Corn tortillas; 0.5 cup Cooking oil

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What is a chicken flauta recipe? Is it the flauta recipe that gets asked at every family gathering, the one that my kids cheer on? When they see the ingredients laid out. What’s the best enchilada recipe you’ve ever had? What are some easy recipes to throw together on a busy weeknight? Imagine crispy, golden tortillas wrapped around a savory, perfectly seasoned chicken filling. What is the recipe for chicken flautas?

What is chicken flauta?

Think of flauta as a tightly rolled taco that’s been deep-fried or baked until it’ll be wonderfully flavorful. In Spanish, “flauta” literally means flute, which makes perfect sense when you see their shape. What is a corn tortilla filled with seasoned chicken? either fried until golden and crunchy or baked to a crispy perfection. Why do people confuse tacos with tortillas? What do you call them – the most important thing is that they are incredibly delicious!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are a million reasons to adore this Chicken Flautas Recipe, but let’s just highlight a few. What I love most is how the crispy tortilla gives way to the tender, flavorful chicken inside. It’s a textural masterpiece! Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even though it tastes like it took hours. Seriously, I’ve thrown these together in under 30 minutes on nights when I’m short on time, and they’re always a hit.

Flavor Explosion:The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices that just *sing* together. What is the best combination of cumin, chili powder and garlic?
Easy Peasy: Unlike some recipes that require a culinary degree, this one is genuinely straightforward. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can absolutely nail this.
Budget Friendly Chicken thighs (my secret weapon for maximum flavor) are super affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.
Super Versatile: You can customize the filling to your heart’s content! Add some black beans, corn, or even a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness. Plus, they are delicious baked or fried, whatever you prefer!

I’ve tried other flauta recipes, of course, but this one just *hits different*. It’s the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and satisfying. If you love tacos or enchiladas, prepare to meet your new favorite dish. I always double the recipe because they disappear in minutes!

How do I make chicken flautas?

Quick Overview

Making these Chicken Flautas is honestly a breeze. You basically cook and shred some chicken, mix it with a simple yet flavorful blend of spices, roll it up in tortillas, and then bake or fry until golden brown and crispy. The real magic is in the seasoning – that’s what takes these flautas from good to absolutely incredible. Don’t be intimidated; even if you’ve never made flautas before, you’ll be surprised how easy it is!

Ingredients

What is the recipe for chicken filling?

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trust me, the thighs are juicier!)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp chili powder
* 1/2 tsp cumin
* 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)

For the flautas:

* 12-15 corn or flour tortillas (I usually go for the smaller, street taco-sized ones)
* Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

For Serving:

* Sour cream or Mexican crema
* Salsa (pico de gallo, salsa verde, whatever you like!)
* Guacamole
* Shredded lettuce

What are the steps you

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken thighs and cook until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken with two forks.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Spice It Up

Add the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and salt to the bowl. Stir to combine. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. How do I wake up the flavors?

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Spices

Add the shredded chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the spices. If you’re using chicken broth, pour in the remaining ingredients and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you’re using cheese, stir it in now until melted.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Is this crucial? In a dry skillet or microwave, gently warm the tortillas for 5 minutes. If you roll them, they will not crack. This will prevent them from cracking.

Step 6: Assemble the Flautas

Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly and secure it with a toothpick, if needed. I usually do this even if I’m baking them, just to be sure they stay closed.

Step 7: Bake (or Fry!)

To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
To fry:In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. Remove from heat. Carefully place the flautas in the hot oil, seam-side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

If you used toothpicks, remove them and serve immediately. What are your favorite toppings? Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, you name it!

What should I serve it with?

Chicken Flautas are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

For a casual lunch: For lunches orWhat are some good side dishes to serve with Mexican rice and refried beans?
As an appetizer: Cut the flautas in half and arrange them on a platter with various dipping sauces, like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
Taco Tuesday Upgrade:Why not serve flautas instead of tacos? What will everyone think of the change?
For a Fiesta Feast:What are some of the best Mexican dishes to serve with enchiladas, quesadillas, and salsa? What are the best mar

What are some good side dishes to serve with a cilantro lime slaw? What’s a good counterpoint to the crispy flautas? Is it a match made in heaven? What is a great dish for potlucks because you can prepare it ahead of time and they hold up well.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Flautas

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take these Chicken Flautas to the next level. Here are my top tips for achieving flauta perfection:

Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to stuff too much chicken filling into each tortilla. Overfilling will make them difficult to roll and they’re more likely to burst open during cooking.
Warm Tortillas are Key: As I mentioned before, warming the tortillas is absolutely crucial. Cold tortillas will crack and break when you try to roll them. A few seconds in a dry skillet or microwave is all it takes.
Use Chicken Thighs: I know, I know, chicken breasts are leaner, but trust me on this one: chicken thighs are the way to go for maximum flavor and juiciness. They stay so tender, even after being shredded and cooked again.
Spice it Up (or Down!): Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and other spices to suit your taste. If you like a spicier flauta, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder.
Don’t overcrowd the Pan: If you are frying your flautas, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy, not crispy, flautas. Fry them in batches, if necessary.
Secure with Toothpicks (Optional): If you’re having trouble keeping the flautas rolled up, secure them with toothpicks before cooking. Just remember to remove the toothpicks before serving! I find this helpful if I’m baking them.

One time, I forgot to warm the tortillas and ended up with a pile of broken, sad-looking flautas. Lesson learned! Now, I always make sure to warm them properly – it makes all the difference. Also, I tested this recipe with some leftover rotisserie chicken once, and it worked like a charm! So, don’t be afraid to get creative and use what you have on hand.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover Chicken Flautas (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerating: Store the cooked flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the flautas. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Methods:

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the flautas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Skillet: Heat a little bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the flautas and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer: This is my favorite method! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the flautas in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

I’ve found that reheating them in the oven or air fryer is the best way to maintain their crispiness. Microwaving them will make them soggy, so I don’t recommend it. If I’m planning to freeze them, I usually wait to add the toppings until after reheating. That way, the sour cream and salsa stay fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Just brown the ground beef in the skillet before adding the onions and spices. Drain any excess grease before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of both. You can also add some cooked vegetables, like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Are flautas gluten-free?

Yes, if you use corn tortillas! Just make sure to check the ingredient list to ensure they are 100% corn and don’t contain any wheat flour.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the flautas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just wait to bake or fry them until you’re ready to serve.

What other toppings can I use?

The possibilities are endless! Some other great topping options include shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, pickled onions, and hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to Chicken Flautas Recipe that never fails to impress. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, making it the perfect weeknight meal or party appetizer. I truly believe that everyone should have a solid flauta recipe in their repertoire, and this one is a winner. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for chicken enchiladas or my easy weeknight tacos! I absolutely love seeing your creations, so if you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Happy cooking!