Chicken Flautas

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love, these Chicken Flautas are just the thing! They’re a perfect blend of crispy tortillas and savory chicken filling, making them an ideal dinner for busy weeknights or a fun appetizer for family gatherings. The best part? They can be made ahead of time and frozen, so you’ll always have something tasty on hand!

This recipe is close to my heart because it’s not only easy to make, but it also brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just whipping up a simple weeknight dinner, these flautas are sure to impress. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can prepare a delicious meal in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful flautas, making them great for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these flautas in advance and freeze them for later—perfect for busy nights!
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and cheeses creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chicken Flautas use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup salsa (medium or hot for more of a kick)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 oz. can mild chopped green chiles
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon EACH ground cumin, garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (I like to use rotisserie chicken)
• 1 cup freshly shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste

For Assembly

• 12-14 medium (7-8-inch) flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil (optional for frying)

Variations

The beauty of Chicken Flautas is their flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use beef barbacoa or shredded turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or onions to the filling for extra texture and taste.
• Make it spicy: Incorporate diced jalapeños or use spicier salsa to kick up the heat!
• Go baked: Skip the frying! Brush the rolled flautas with olive oil and bake until crispy for a healthier version.

How to Make Chicken Flautas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by adding the salsa, sour cream, green chilies, and all the seasonings (except cayenne) into a large bowl. Stir everything together until well combined. Then, mix in your shredded chicken followed by both cheeses. Don’t forget to taste! Adjust with cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. This step is crucial as it ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Soften the Tortillas

If you’re using lower quality tortillas that tend to crack when rolled, stack six together and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 60 seconds. This will make them pliable and much easier to work with when rolling.

Step 3: Assemble the Flautas

Now comes the fun part! Lay out 12-14 tortillas on a flat surface. Take about 3 tablespoons of your filling and place it in the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place seam side down on a plate or baking sheet. This helps keep everything secure while cooking.

And there you have it! Your Chicken Flautas are ready to be cooked up crispy golden perfection! Enjoy every bite with your favorite toppings like guacamole or fresh lettuce!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Flautas

These chicken flautas are incredibly easy to make, but a few pro tips can take them from delicious to unforgettable!

• Choose the right tortillas: Using high-quality flour tortillas prevents tearing during rolling and frying. If you have lower quality tortillas, warming them in the microwave makes them more pliable.
• Customize your filling: Feel free to mix up the spices or add in other ingredients like black beans or corn to suit your family’s taste. This way, you can create variations that everyone will love!
• Ensure proper sealing: Tightly roll each tortilla and place seam side down to keep it closed during cooking. This helps maintain the shape and keeps the filling inside while they fry or bake.
• Fry for extra crispiness: If you’re craving that authentic crunch, opt for frying instead of baking. Just be sure to monitor the temperature of the oil to achieve that perfect golden color without burning.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare your flautas in advance and freeze them before cooking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply cook from frozen—no need to thaw!

How to Serve Chicken Flautas

Serving chicken flautas is all about creating a vibrant presentation that complements their delicious flavors. Here are some ideas on how to elevate your meal!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens up each bite.
• Sliced radishes: Thinly sliced radishes provide a crunchy texture and peppery taste that contrasts beautifully with the creamy fillings.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances all the flavors and gives your flautas an extra zing!

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This dish combines fresh corn, lime juice, cilantro, and cheese for a refreshing side that pairs perfectly with the flautas.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty complement to the crispy flautas and can be seasoned to add depth.
• Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices balances out the meal nicely while adding some color to your plate.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip brings richness and flavor that pairs wonderfully with every bite of your flautas.

Enjoy these tasty chicken flautas with your chosen garnishes and sides for a delightful feast that everyone will rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chicken Flautas are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store and freeze them for later enjoyment:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the flautas to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange cooked flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for optimal quality.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes on high, but this may result in softer tortillas.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Chicken Flautas that might help you out!

Can I use different proteins in Chicken Flautas?

Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can easily swap it out for beef barbacoa, shredded turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option.

How do I make Chicken Flautas crispy?

To achieve that perfect crunch, fry the flautas in vegetable oil over medium heat until golden brown. If you prefer a healthier option, bake them at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.

Can I prepare Chicken Flautas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the flautas in advance, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them before cooking. Just follow the storage tips above!

What should I serve with Chicken Flautas?

These delicious flautas pair wonderfully with shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, and even some fresh pico de gallo to add extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Chicken Flautas as much as my family does! They’re not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together with friends, these flautas are sure to impress. Happy cooking!