Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making chicken flautas! There’s just something so delightful about the sound of those tortillas sizzling in the pan, isn’t there? When you bite into one, the crispy exterior gives way to that flavorful, seasoned chicken filling—it’s pure bliss! These flautas are the perfect appetizer for any gathering or even a cozy night in. They’re super fun to make and absolutely satisfying to devour! Trust me when I say, once you make them, you’ll want to whip up a batch every week. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking these crispy little wonders!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious chicken flautas. Trust me, these ingredients come together beautifully for a flavor-packed dish!
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. Make sure it’s shredded nicely for easy filling!
- 1 teaspoon cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. Don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: For that little kick! Adjust according to your heat preference, but I love a good chili flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: It brings in that aromatic essence that makes everything taste better.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Just a hint of sweetness and depth—so good!
- 8 small corn tortillas: Look for fresh, pliable tortillas; they’ll hold up better when you’re rolling them.
- Vegetable oil for frying: You’ll need enough to cover the bottom of your pan for frying. Oil adds that crispy goodness we all crave!
- Salt to taste: Always taste as you go! A little sprinkle enhances all the flavors.
How to Prepare Chicken Flautas
Alright, let’s dive into making these crispy chicken flautas! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise, you’ll be so proud of your culinary skills when you see (and taste!) the result.
- First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well incorporated. This is where the magic begins—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Next, warm the corn tortillas. I usually pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds with a damp paper towel over them. This makes them pliable and so much easier to roll without tearing.
- Now, take a tortilla and place a small amount of the chicken mixture on the lower third of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill; about 2 tablespoons should do the trick!
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick if needed. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas and filling. You’re almost there!
- Heat up some vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once it’s hot (but not smoking!), carefully add the flautas, seam side down.
- Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this step; that crunch is everything!
- When they’re done, drain them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve these beauties hot and watch them disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These chicken flautas come together in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering!
- Flavor Explosion: With the combination of spices and tender chicken, each bite is bursting with flavor—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Crispy Perfection: Who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch? The golden-brown exterior is just as important as the tasty filling inside.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the seasonings or fillings based on what you have on hand. Get creative with it!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week. They reheat beautifully and are just as tasty!
- Kid-Friendly: These flautas are a hit with kids! They’re fun to eat and perfect for little hands to hold.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your chicken flautas turn out perfectly every time!
- Don’t skip the warming: Warming your tortillas is crucial to avoid tearing. A quick zap in the microwave does wonders!
- Watch the oil temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the flautas. A good test is to drop in a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle immediately!
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in small batches for even cooking and that golden crunch.
- Use toothpicks: If you’re worried about your flautas unrolling, secure them with toothpicks until they’re crispy.
- Experiment with sauces: Try serving with different salsas or guacamole for dipping. It adds another layer of fun flavor!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your chicken flautas! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Cheesy Delight: Add some shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar to the chicken mixture for a gooey, melty surprise inside!
- Veggie Loaded: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for an extra dose of veggies. They add color and nutrients!
- Spicy Kick: If you like it hot, try adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mix.
- Sweet and Savory: Consider adding a bit of cream cheese and diced green chilies for a creamy, flavorful twist.
- Toppings Galore: Serve them with different toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of sour cream to elevate your flautas!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your crispy chicken flautas ready, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them! I absolutely love pairing these flautas with a fresh, zesty salsa that adds a burst of flavor. A cool guacamole on the side is a must—it complements the crunch and richness perfectly! You could also set out some shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for a refreshing crunch. Don’t forget a drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top for that extra indulgence! Trust me, it’ll take your meal to the next level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your delicious chicken flautas, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key to keeping that crispy texture. I recommend using an oven or an air fryer for the best results. Just preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to about 350°F (175°C) and air fry for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the crunch all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful chicken flautas! Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving (which is about 2 flautas):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 15g
This gives you a good balance of protein and carbs, perfect for a satisfying appetizer! Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious while keeping an eye on those nutrients!
FAQ Section
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
While corn tortillas are traditional for chicken flautas, you can absolutely use flour tortillas if you prefer them! Just keep in mind that they might not get quite as crispy.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! If you want a lighter option, you can bake your chicken flautas. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place them on a baking sheet, spray with a little cooking oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I serve with chicken flautas?
These flautas pair wonderfully with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. You can also add a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad to complete the meal!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and roll the flautas in advance, then store them in the fridge. Just fry them right before serving for that perfect crunch!
What other fillings can I use?
Get creative! You can fill chicken flautas with shredded beef, cheese, or even veggies for a delicious twist. The possibilities are endless!
Chicken Flautas: 7 Crispy Delights You Must Try
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy chicken flautas filled with seasoned chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix shredded chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Warm tortillas to make them pliable.
- Place a small amount of chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Roll tortillas tightly and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry flautas until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
- Can use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 flautas
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken flautas, crispy flautas, Mexican appetizer