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Crispy Chicken Flautas Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexico with our Crispy Chicken Flautas recipe. Flautas, or “rolled tacos,” are a favorite in Mexico. They are flour tortillas filled with savory chicken and fried until crispy.
These tasty appetizers or main dishes are common in Mexican restaurants. They offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Chicken Flautas at home. You’ll learn to prepare the juicy chicken and fry the tortillas perfectly. We’ll also cover the differences between flautas and taquitos and the essential ingredients and steps for crispy, flavorful Chicken Flautas
Key Takeaways
- Crispy Chicken Flautas are a beloved Mexican dish with a delicious, savory filling wrapped in a crispy, fried flour tortilla.
- Flautas differ from taquitos in their use of larger flour tortillas and their larger size.
- This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for making perfect Chicken Flautas at home, with tips for frying and serving.
- The Chicken Flautas recipe is highly rated, with a 5-star review, and can be easily customized with various protein options.
- Chicken Flautas are a crowd-pleasing finger food that are perfect for parties, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
What are Chicken Flautas?
Chicken Flautas are a favorite Mexican dish. They are flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and spices. The name “flautas” means “flute” in Spanish, because of their long, cylindrical shape after frying.
Origins and History of Chicken Flautas
Chicken Flautas have a deep history in Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. They likely started as a way to use leftovers, with the filled and fried tortillas being a tasty meal. Today, they are a favorite in Mexican restaurants and homes, loved for their crispy outside and tender inside.
The history of Chicken Flautas goes back centuries. Similar dishes were found in different parts of Mexico. As Mexican food spread worldwide, Chicken Flautas became a favorite for their delicious taste and texture.
“Chicken Flautas are a delightful fusion of crispy, fried tortillas and juicy, shredded Chicken – a true taste of authentic Mexican Cuisine.”
Chicken Flautas vs Taquitos
Chicken Flautas and Taquitos may look similar, but they have some key differences. The main difference is in the tortilla type. Flautas use flour tortillas, while taquitos use corn tortillas. Flautas are longer and thinner than taquitos, which are shorter and thicker.
Both can be filled with many ingredients, but chicken is a favorite. Flautas have a flakier, crispier texture when fried. Taquitos, on the other hand, have a softer, chewier bite. Both are tasty Mexican snacks or appetizers with their own special qualities.
| Characteristic | Flautas | Taquitos |
|---|---|---|
| Tortilla Type | Flour Tortillas | Corn Tortillas |
| Shape | Long and Thin | Shorter and Thicker |
| Texture | Flakier and Crispier | Softer and Chewier |
| Fillings | Chicken, Beef, Pork, Beans, Cheese | Chicken, Beef, Cheese, Beans |
| Origin | Mexico | Tex-Mex (Likely San Francisco) |
Both flautas and taquitos are tasty Mexican snacks. They have unique qualities that make them appealing. Whether you like the crispy flautas or the soft taquitos, they offer authentic Mexican flavors.
Crispy Flautas Filled with Shredded Chicken
The secret to irresistible Crispy Flautas is the perfect mix of a tasty shredded chicken filling and a crispy shell. These Mexican-inspired snacks start with soft flour tortillas. They are filled with juicy shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and spices.
The frying process is key to their crunch. As they fry, the tortillas become crispy on the outside. The inside stays tender and full of Tex-Mex flavor. This makes each bite of these Crispy Flautas so good.
To make sure the shredded chicken is spread out, it’s seasoned with taco seasoning. This gives it a bold, zesty taste. The chicken is also shredded to mix well with the Monterey Jack cheese and green chiles, adding a bit of heat.
The Crispy Flautas are a perfect mix of textures and tastes. They are great as an appetizer, main course, or snack. These tasty treats will surely impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Essential Ingredients
To make the best Chicken Flautas, you need a few key ingredients. The dish starts with shredded rotisserie chicken. This chicken is tender and full of flavor.
Taco seasoning is added to the chicken. It brings a bold Mexican taste. Then, creamy Monterey Jack cheese and diced green chiles are mixed in. They add creaminess and a bit of heat.
Soft flour tortillas are used to wrap everything. When fried in frying oil, they become crispy and delicious.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Flautas
- Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken provides the perfect texture and flavor for the filling.
- Taco Seasoning: This blend of spices and herbs adds a bold Mexican taste to the chicken.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: The creamy, melty cheese complements the chicken and chiles.
- Green Chiles: These diced green chiles provide a subtle heat and flavor to the filling.
- Flour Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are the ideal vehicle for the crispy, fried flautas.
- Frying Oil: A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil is used to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
With these essential ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating authentic, restaurant-quality Chicken Flautas at home. Don’t forget to serve them with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for an extra flavor boost.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Perfect Crispy Chicken Flautas
Making delicious Chicken Flautas at home is easy and fun. It’s all about a few simple steps to get that crispy texture.
Start by tossing shredded rotisserie chicken with taco seasoning. This adds bold flavors. Next, mix in shredded Monterey Jack cheese and diced green chiles for a tasty filling.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 60 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon the seasoned chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla, then tightly roll it up, securing with a toothpick.
- In a skillet, heat a shallow layer of oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the rolled Chicken Flautas and fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the fried flautas on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and keep them warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
Serve the Crispy Chicken Flautas with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal.
| Nutrition Facts (per flauta) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
Chicken Flautas
Chicken Flautas are a favorite Mexican dish. They are flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and spices. Then, they are fried until crispy. The name “flautas” means “flute” in Spanish, because of their long shape.
Flautas have a flaky, crispy texture from the flour tortillas. They are different from taquitos, which use corn tortillas. The filling often includes chicken, cheese, and spices. Served with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, they are perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
- This recipe makes 7-8 flautas, ready in 45 to 60 minutes.
- It needs 2 chicken breasts, a can of tomatoes with green chiles, and 4 adobo chilis for a medium spice level.
- The chicken is cooked in stock for 20 minutes. You’ll need 7-8 flour tortillas for the flautas.
- About 2 cups of cheese are used, and a mix of vegetable and canola oil is best for frying.
- Each flauta is fried for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. You’ll get 16 flautas in total.
“Chicken Flautas are a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that combines the crispy texture of fried tortillas with the savory flavors of shredded chicken and melted cheese.”
Tips for Frying Flautas
To get the perfect crispy texture for Chicken Flautas, follow these tips for frying. First, heat the frying oil to about 375°F. This ensures the tortillas fry quickly and evenly, turning golden without burning.
It’s also key to use toothpicks to hold the rolled flautas together before frying. This keeps them from coming apart in the hot oil. Fry 4-5 flautas at a time to keep the oil temperature steady. Then, place the fried flautas on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to soak up extra oil. This makes them crispy and not too greasy.
By following these easy steps, your homemade Chicken Flautas will have the crispy texture everyone loves.
“The key to perfectly crispy Frying Flautas is all in the details – from the oil temperature to the strategic use of toothpicks.”
| Frying Technique | Recommended Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Frying in Oil | 375°F | 2 minutes per batch |
| Air Frying | 400°F | 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Baking | 425°F | 18-23 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Serving Chicken Flautas are great with many Mexican Accompaniments. A cool Sour Cream topping is a favorite. It balances the flautas’ rich, crispy outside.
Homemade Guacamole is also a hit, with its fresh avocado taste. It’s perfect for dipping or spooning over the flautas. Salsa, whether simple pico de gallo or smoky chipotle, adds a zesty kick.
For a full Tex-Mex meal, pair the Chicken Flautas with Mexican rice and refried beans. They’re also great as a party finger food, perfect for sharing. With so many tasty options, you can enjoy these crispy, flavorful Chicken Flautas in many ways.
“The combination of the crispy flautas, cool sour cream, and fresh guacamole is simply irresistible.”
- Serve Chicken Flautas with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete Tex-Mex meal.
- Top the flautas with diced onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of Salsa for extra flavor.
- Offer Sour Cream and Guacamole as dipping sauces for a fun, interactive dining experience.
- Arrange the Chicken Flautas on a platter for easy sharing at parties and gatherings.
The possibilities for enjoying these crispy, flavorful Chicken Flautas are endless. With a variety of Mexican Accompaniments, you can make a delicious Tex-Mex feast. Your guests will love it.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Options
Chicken Flautas are perfect for making ahead. You can prep the chicken filling days before and store it in the fridge. The flautas can also be rolled and chilled until frying time.
To freeze, place cooked flautas on a baking sheet, then bag them. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy snack.
This makes Preparing Chicken Flautas Ahead great for busy times. Enjoy them anytime, whether Freezing Flautas or Reheating Flautas for a quick meal.
| Preparation Method | Storage Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerating Uncooked Flautas | 2-3 days | Fry the flautas as directed in the recipe |
| Freezing Cooked Flautas | 3-4 months | Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes, until hot and crispy |
With these options, Chicken Flautas are always ready. Enjoy this Mexican dish anytime, hassle-free.
Tex-Mex Cuisine Inspiration
Chicken Flautas show how Mexican cuisine meets Tex-Mex in the United States. They started in Mexico but got American twists, like flour tortillas and cheddar cheese. This mix of flavors and methods has made them a favorite everywhere.
Chicken Flautas are similar to taquitos and enchiladas, but they stand out. Each dish adds something special to Tex-Mex cuisine. Learning about these differences helps us appreciate the rich world of Tex-Mex.
Tex-Mex Cuisine combines Mexico’s spicy tastes with America’s comforting dishes. Chicken Flautas are a perfect example. Their crispy outside and creamy inside show off the best of this unique mix.
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FAQ
What are Chicken Flautas?
Chicken Flautas are a Mexican dish. They are flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and spices. Then, they are fried until they’re crispy. The name “flautas” means “flute” in Spanish, because of their long, thin shape.
What are the differences between Chicken Flautas and Taquitos?
Chicken Flautas and Taquitos differ mainly in their tortillas. Flautas use flour tortillas, while taquitos use corn. Flautas are longer and thinner than taquitos. Both can have chicken as a filling, but they can also have other ingredients.
What are the key ingredients for making Chicken Flautas?
To make Chicken Flautas, you need shredded chicken, taco seasoning, Monterey Jack cheese, and green chiles. You also need soft flour tortillas. For frying, use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
How do you make crispy Chicken Flautas at home?
Start by mixing the chicken with taco seasoning. Then, add cheese and green chiles to make the filling. Place the filling on a tortilla, roll it up, and secure it with a toothpick. Fry the flautas until they’re golden and crispy.
What are some tips for achieving the perfect crispy texture when frying Chicken Flautas?
For crispy flautas, keep the oil at 375°F. Fry in batches and use toothpicks to hold them together. After frying, place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. This makes them crispy without being greasy.
What are some classic Mexican accompaniments to serve with Chicken Flautas?
Serve Chicken Flautas with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. They’re great for parties because they’re easy to dip and share.
Can Chicken Flautas be made ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Flautas are perfect for making ahead. Prepare the chicken filling and store it in the fridge. Roll and secure the flautas, then refrigerate them until frying. You can also freeze them and reheat them in the oven or air fryer.
