Chicken Flautas
Chicken flautas are crispy, flavorful rolled tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken, perfect as a snack or main dish, served with picante sauce, rice, or salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken, debone it, and shred the meat.
- Add seasonings to the shredded chicken.
- Soften the corn tortillas in a microwave, a few at a time.
- Fill each tortilla with the seasoned chicken.
- Roll up the tortillas and fasten with toothpicks.
- Deep fry the filled tortillas until golden and crispy.
- Serve with picante sauce, or with Spanish rice and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like cumin and garlic powder to the shredded chicken. If corn tortillas are hard to roll, try using flour tortillas as a substitute. For a healthier version, bake the flautas instead of deep-frying. You can also experiment with fillings, using ingredients like black beans or cheese for variety. Browse more Mexican recipes for creative ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy flautas with a side of picante sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with Spanish rice and a refreshing Jicama Salad With Citrus Dressing for a complete meal. Consider adding some sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy contrast. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Knock Your Socks Off Salsa for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover flautas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness. Make sure to cover them with a damp paper towel while microwaving to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Flautas contains roughly 111 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for flautas. Just shred the meat and season it as directed. This saves time and adds great flavor. Using pre-cooked chicken also allows you to prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal option.
What can I do if my tortillas keep breaking?
If your corn tortillas are breaking when you roll them, try warming them up longer in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable. You can also use a little oil to grease the tortillas before filling them, which can help prevent tearing. Alternatively, consider using flour tortillas as they tend to be more flexible.
Can I make flautas in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the flautas in advance. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. When ready to serve, simply deep fry them directly from the fridge. If you want to freeze them, make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).