Chicken Flautas
If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying, crispy, and utterly delicious meal, look no further than Chicken Flautas. These delightful rolled tortillas filled with savory chicken are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, Chicken Flautas are sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, they are easy to make, making them a fantastic option for home cooks of all skill levels.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Crispy texture: Flautas are fried to perfection, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
– Flavor-packed filling: The combination of spices, chicken, and cheese creates a savory filling that is hard to resist.
– Versatile: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary needs.
– Perfect for sharing: These flautas are great as appetizers or main dishes, making them perfect for gatherings.
– Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
The Ingredient Lineup
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious Chicken Flautas:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 large jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 12 (8-inch) flour and corn tortillas
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Tools of the Trade
To make your Chicken Flautas, you will need the following tools:
- Large skillet: For sautéing the filling and frying the flautas.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the chicken filling ingredients.
- Spatula: For flipping the flautas as they fry.
- Tongs: To safely handle the hot flautas.
- Paper towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
Cooking Chicken Flautas: The Process
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño, cooking until the onion is translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the kosher salt, chili powder, and ground cumin, cooking for an additional minute until the spices are fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and jalapeño mixture with the shredded cooked chicken, salsa, lime juice, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Warm the flour and corn tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet until they are pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick if necessary.
Step 4: Fry the Flautas
In the large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the filled tortillas seam side down in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the flautas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Chicken Flautas hot, accompanied by additional salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness with your loved ones!
Year-Round Variations
Get creative with your Chicken Flautas by trying some of these variations:
- Vegetarian Flautas: Substitute the shredded chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Spicy Flautas: Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Flautas: Mix in different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for added flavor.
- Oven-Baked Flautas: For a healthier alternative, brush the rolled tortillas with olive oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while making Chicken Flautas, here are some tips to help you out:
- Tortillas break while rolling: Make sure to warm your tortillas thoroughly to make them pliable.
- Flautas are soggy: Ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil isn’t hot, the flautas can absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Filling leaks out: Roll the tortillas tightly and seal the edges with a toothpick if necessary to prevent leaking during frying.
- Overcooked or burnt flautas: Keep an eye on the color while frying. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.
Storage & Reheat Guide
If you have leftovers or want to prepare Chicken Flautas in advance, follow these storage tips:
Store any leftover Chicken Flautas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally to ensure even heating. For freezing, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned.
Quick Q&A
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to your Chicken Flautas.
What can I serve with Chicken Flautas?
Chicken Flautas pair well with a variety of sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget the salsa and guacamole for dipping!
Can I make Chicken Flautas in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the flautas ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and fry them just before serving for the best texture.
Are Chicken Flautas gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Chicken Flautas, simply use gluten-free tortillas in place of the regular flour and corn tortillas.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have the recipe and tips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Chicken Flautas are sure to become a favorite in your household, with their crispy exteriors and flavorful fillings. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a snack, these flautas are a hit every time. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Chicken Flautas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño, cooking until the onion is translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the kosher salt, chili powder, and ground cumin, cooking for an additional minute until the spices are fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and jalapeño mixture with the shredded cooked chicken, salsa, lime juice, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Warm the flour and corn tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet until they are pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick if necessary.
- In the large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the filled tortillas seam side down in batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the flautas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the Chicken Flautas hot, accompanied by additional salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness with your loved ones!
Notes
- For a healthier option, brush the tortillas with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick filling option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
