Chicken flautas recipe

Flautas are a delicious Mexican dish that features rolled tortillas filled with savory ingredients. Traditionally, they are made with corn tortillas, which are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and then fried until crispy. The name “flauta” means “flute” in Spanish, which describes the shape of these tasty treats. Flautas are often served with various toppings and sauces, making them a versatile and enjoyable meal or snack.

Why You Should Try This Chicken Flautas Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this chicken flautas recipe is perfect for you! Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also combines the rich flavors of shredded chicken and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Flautas are great for family dinners, parties, or even a cozy night in. Plus, they can be customized to suit your taste. You can add spices, vegetables, or even different types of cheese to make them your own.

Moreover, this chicken flautas recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. It’s a fun dish that everyone can enjoy, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a delightful meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients for Chicken Flautas Recipe

To create the perfect chicken flautas, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering that delicious flavor and satisfying crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: This is the star of the dish! You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have.
• 8 corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are essential for authentic flautas. They provide the right texture and flavor.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: Choose cheddar or a Mexican blend for a melty, cheesy filling.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder gives a savory kick to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key! Adjust according to your preference.
• Oil for frying: Use vegetable or canola oil for frying the flautas until they are crispy.
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of cilantro adds a fresh touch to your dish.

With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to making a delightful chicken flautas recipe that everyone will love. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite spices or vegetables to the filling!

Preparation of Chicken Flautas Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Filling

To kick off your chicken flautas recipe, start by preparing the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the shredded cheese. Next, add the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This step is crucial as it ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. You can also taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want to spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños or bell peppers for an extra kick!

Step 2: Assembling the Flautas

Now that your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the flautas. Begin by warming the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable. This will help prevent the tortillas from cracking when you roll them. Once warmed, take a tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling along one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a cylinder. Make sure to tuck in the ends as you roll to keep the filling secure. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until you have a delicious batch of flautas ready to fry!

Step 3: Frying the Flautas

Next, it’s time to fry those flautas to golden perfection! In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the rolled flautas seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry them in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them for even cooking. This step is where the magic happens, transforming your rolled tortillas into crispy delights!

Step 4: Serving the Chicken Flautas

Once your flautas are perfectly fried, it’s time to serve them up! Carefully remove the flautas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy. Arrange the crispy flautas on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Your chicken flautas recipe is now complete, and they are sure to be a hit at your table!

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Flautas Recipe

Choosing the Right Tortillas

When it comes to making chicken flautas, the type of tortilla you choose is crucial. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice, as they provide the authentic flavor and texture that make flautas so delightful. Look for fresh, pliable tortillas at your local grocery store or market. If you can, opt for tortillas made from masa harina, which is a special corn flour. These tortillas are softer and less likely to crack when rolled.

Before using, always warm the tortillas in a skillet. This step makes them more flexible and easier to work with. If you find that your tortillas are too thick, consider using thinner ones. Thinner tortillas will crisp up nicely and give you that perfect crunch. Remember, the right tortilla can make all the difference in your chicken flautas recipe!

Ensuring Crispy Flautas

To achieve perfectly crispy flautas, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil isn’t hot, the flautas will absorb too much oil and become soggy. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!

Fry the flautas in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to less crispy results. Additionally, be sure to flip the flautas carefully using tongs. This ensures even cooking on both sides. Once they are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This final step is essential for keeping your chicken flautas crispy and delicious!

Variation of Chicken Flautas Recipe

Vegetarian Flautas Option

If you’re looking for a meatless alternative, vegetarian flautas are a fantastic option! You can easily swap out the chicken for a variety of delicious vegetables and beans. Start by using a mix of black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers. You can also add some diced zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. Season the filling with cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder just like in the original recipe. This will ensure that your vegetarian flautas are packed with flavor.

To assemble, follow the same steps as the chicken flautas recipe. Fill the warmed corn tortillas with your vegetable mixture, roll them up tightly, and fry until crispy. These vegetarian flautas are not only tasty but also a great way to enjoy a healthy meal. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or a refreshing avocado crema for a delightful twist!

Spicy Chicken Flautas Recipe

If you love a little heat, try making spicy chicken flautas! To add some kick to your filling, mix in diced jalapeños or serrano peppers with the shredded chicken and cheese. You can also use spicy cheese blends or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. This will give your flautas a zesty flavor that spice lovers will adore.

When assembling the flautas, be sure to adjust the amount of filling based on your heat preference. If you want to tone down the spice, you can always serve the flautas with cooling dips like sour cream or yogurt. These spicy chicken flautas are perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and will surely be a hit at any gathering!

FAQs

Can I make chicken flautas in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare chicken flautas in advance, making them a great option for busy days. After assembling the flautas, you can freeze them before frying. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and fry as directed. This way, you can have delicious chicken flautas ready to go whenever you want!

What can I serve with chicken flautas?

Chicken flautas are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips. You can serve them with classic accompaniments like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. For a refreshing touch, consider a side of pico de gallo or a simple salad. You can also add some Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative with your serving ideas!

How do I store leftover chicken flautas?

If you have leftover chicken flautas, storing them properly is key to keeping them tasty. Allow the flautas to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Can I bake chicken flautas instead of frying them?

Yes, you can definitely bake chicken flautas for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the assembled flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush them with oil to help them crisp up. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Baking is a great way to enjoy chicken flautas with less oil while still achieving a delicious crunch!

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