Flautas, also known as taquitos, are a beloved Mexican dish known for their crispy texture and savory fillings. These rolled tortillas, typically filled with chicken, are fried to perfection, creating a delightful crunch with every bite. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, flautas are versatile and can be served with various toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. This recipe for Crispy Chicken Flautas will guide you through making this delicious treat at home, ensuring that your family and friends will be coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Toothpicks
- Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce
Steps to Make Crispy Chicken Flautas
- Prepare the Filling
- Start by preparing the filling for your flautas. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, diced onions, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and chili powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll the Flautas
- Next, take the corn tortillas and warm them up slightly to make them more pliable. You can do this by microwaving them for about 30 seconds or heating them briefly in a skillet. Place a small amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly. Secure the rolled tortillas with toothpicks to prevent them from unrolling during frying.
- Fry the Flautas
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the flautas in the skillet, seam side down. Fry the flautas in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the flautas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the Flautas
- Once all the flautas are fried, remove the toothpicks and serve them immediately. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and shredded lettuce. Enjoy these crispy delights while they are still warm.
Tips For Variation
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, try using shredded beef, pork, or turkey for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack, queso fresco, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- Baked Flautas: For a healthier option, brush the rolled flautas with oil and bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Tortilla Choices: Use flour tortillas if you prefer a different texture or want a softer bite.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy chipotle mayo, creamy avocado dip, or tangy pico de gallo.
- Add Greens: Incorporate some finely chopped spinach or kale into the filling for added nutrition.
Macros (per flauta, without toppings)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
- Can I make flautas ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the flautas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
- Can I freeze cooked flautas?
- Absolutely! Cooked flautas can be frozen. Once they are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- What can I serve with flautas?
- Flautas pair well with a variety of side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. They are also great with an assortment of dipping sauces like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
- How do I keep flautas from getting soggy?
- To keep flautas crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and don’t overcrowd the pan. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serving them immediately after frying also helps maintain their crispiness.
- Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling?
- Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the meat and mix it with the other filling ingredients. This can make the preparation process much quicker and easier.
Crispy Chicken Flautas: A Flavor-Packed Mexican Delight
These rolled tortillas, typically filled with chicken, are fried to perfection, creating a delightful crunch with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Toothpicks
- Optional toppings: guacamole sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Combine cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, diced onions, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and chili powder in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm corn tortillas until pliable. Place a small amount of the chicken mixture on each tortilla and roll tightly. Secure with toothpicks to prevent unrolling during frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 1 inch deep). Fry flautas in batches, seam side down, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Remove toothpicks and arrange flautas on a platter. Garnish with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and shredded lettuce. Serve warm and enjoy!