Chicken flautas are a delightful dish that brings joy to any meal. If you are looking for something delicious yet easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect. It combines the crispy texture of rolled tortillas with tender, seasoned chicken. Flautas are simple to make, and they can be a great snack or a main course.
Making chicken flautas at home allows you to control the ingredients, making them healthier than store-bought versions. You can customize the flavor by choosing your favorite spices. Moreover, they are versatile and can be served with various toppings, like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
The process of making flautas is a fun activity, especially if you involve family or friends. Rolling the tortillas and filling them with chicken can bring everyone together in the kitchen. Once they are ready, the crispy flautas are sure to impress your guests or family members. Each bite is a burst of flavor!
Additionally, chicken flautas make for excellent leftovers. You can prepare a big batch and keep them for a quick meal later in the week. Overall, making chicken flautas at home is a rewarding and delicious experience that everyone will love.
How to Make Chicken Flautas
Making chicken flautas is simple. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need cooked chicken, corn tortillas, cheese, and a variety of spices. Begin by shredding the cooked chicken into small pieces. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with your desired spices, like cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
Next, pour a small amount of oil into a pan and heat it over medium heat. Take a tortilla and add a spoonful of the chicken mixture and a sprinkle of cheese on one side. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Secure it if needed with a toothpick to hold its shape. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas.
Once your flautas are ready, it is time to fry them. Gently place them in the heated oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry each flauta until they are golden brown and crispy, which takes about 3-4 minutes on each side. After frying, place the flautas on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Finally, your chicken flautas are ready! Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy a homemade treat full of flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Flautas
Servicing chicken flautas can be as exciting as making them. Once they are fried and crispy, you can serve them with a variety of toppings. Consider putting out bowls of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the table. This way, everyone can customize their flautas with their favorite dips.
You can also serve a fresh salad or rice alongside the flautas to create a well-balanced meal. Arrange the flautas on a large platter, so they are easy to reach. You could even garnish with fresh herbs or chopped green onions for a colorful touch.
If you have kids, they will enjoy creating their own flautas with different toppings. This makes for a fun meal or snack that everyone can enjoy together. Additionally, you can use flautas as a party snack; they are perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Just be prepared – they are often the first to disappear!
How to Store Chicken Flautas
If you have leftover chicken flautas, it’s essential to store them properly. Allow the flautas to cool completely before placing them in a container. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. The cool atmosphere will help maintain their crispy texture.
Leftover flautas can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Whenever you’re ready to eat them again, you can reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the flautas on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again.
If you wish to store flautas for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each flauta tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw and bake them until warm and crispy.
Tips to Make Chicken Flautas
To ensure your chicken flautas come out perfect, here are a few handy tips. First, make sure to use fresh tortillas. They should be pliable enough to roll without cracking. If they seem stiff, warm them briefly in a pan or microwave.
When frying the flautas, do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them in small batches to avoid steaming instead of frying. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. You should also ensure the oil is at the right temperature – too hot may burn them, while too cool can make them greasy.
Experiment with the fillings! While chicken is a classic choice, you can use shredded beef, pulled pork, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. Lastly, let the flautas rest on paper towels after frying to absorb any excess oil – this keeps them crispy and delicious for longer.
Variation
You can easily customize chicken flautas to suit your taste. For a twist on the classic, consider adding beans or corn to the chicken filling for extra flavor and texture. Another great option is to use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to give it a unique taste.
For those seeking a healthier version, you can bake the flautas instead of frying them. Brush them lightly with oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Additionally, if you want to spice things up, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick!
FAQs
1. Can I make chicken flautas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the flautas ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven before serving.
2. What can I use instead of chicken?
You can use shredded beef, pulled pork, or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option.
3. How can I keep my flautas crispy?
Once fried, let them rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Also, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave for best results.
Chicken Flautas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Crispy rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, perfect as a snack or main course.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), shredded
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with spices (cumin, garlic powder, and salt).
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Take a tortilla, add a spoonful of chicken mixture and sprinkle cheese on one side, and roll tightly.
- Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Fry the rolled tortillas in heated oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil and let them rest on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For a healthier option, bake the flautas at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: flautas, chicken, Mexican, snack, main course
