Chicken Flautas
Crispy corn tortillas filled with juicy, seasoned shredded chicken and melted cheese, fried to a perfect golden brown. A Tex-Mex favorite that's great for a fun dinner or as a party appetizer, ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Poach and Shred the Chicken
- b.In a medium pot, combine the chicken breasts, chopped onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- c.Add enough water to cover the chicken by at least one inch.
- d.Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- e.Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- f.Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- g.Once cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into fine pieces. Discard the poaching liquid, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Filling
- b.In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, drained green chiles, ground cumin, onion powder, the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- c.Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is your flauta filling.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Flautas
- b.Wrap the stack of 12 corn tortillas in a damp paper towel.
- c.Microwave for 45-60 seconds, or until they are warm and pliable. This prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
- d.Working one at a time, lay a warm tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling in a line down the center.
- e.Roll the tortilla up as tightly as you can. Secure the seam with a wooden toothpick to prevent it from unrolling during frying.
- f.Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Flautas
- b.Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, a small piece of tortilla should sizzle immediately.
- c.Carefully place 3-4 flautas in the hot oil, seam-side down. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
- e.Remove the flautas from the skillet and transfer them to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- f.Repeat the frying process with the remaining flautas.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve and Garnish
- b.Once all flautas are fried, carefully remove the toothpicks.
- c.Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- d.Garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, crumbled cotija cheese, sour cream or Mexican crema, guacamole, and your favorite salsa.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a faster version, use 2.5 to 3 cups of pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken.
- 2Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature. If it's too cool, the flautas will be greasy; if it's too hot, they will burn before the inside is heated through.
- 3Don't overfill the tortillas, as this can cause them to burst open while frying.
- 4To keep batches warm while you finish frying, place the cooked flautas on a baking sheet in an oven set to 200°F (95°C).
- 5You can assemble the flautas ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Option
For a less oily version, bake or air fry the flautas. Lightly spray them with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Spicy FillingSpicy Filling
Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chipotle powder to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
Different FillingDifferent Filling
Swap the chicken for shredded beef (barbacoa), pork (carnitas), or a vegetarian filling of seasoned black beans and potatoes.
Creamy FillingCreamy Filling
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese into the chicken filling to make it extra creamy and rich.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken breast in this recipe provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Provides Calcium
Monterey Jack cheese is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Traditionally, chicken flautas are shallow-fried, which adds a significant amount of fat and calories. However, the filling itself is a good source of protein. For a healthier alternative, you can bake or air fry them instead of frying.