Easy Chicken Flautas: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight in Minutes
Craving a satisfying and delicious meal but short on time? Look no further than these easy chicken flautas! These crispy, rolled tacos are packed with flavor and incredibly simple to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a quick lunch, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We’ll walk you through each step, from preparing the flavorful chicken filling to achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, these flautas are perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The chicken filling is seasoned with a blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients and toppings.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love these crispy, cheesy flautas.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Use leftover cooked chicken to make these even faster.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients:
* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Tortillas:** 10-12 corn tortillas (6-inch size recommended)
* **Cheese:** 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Chili Powder:** 1 tablespoon
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon
* **Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Oil:** Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
* **Toppings (Optional):** Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo
## Equipment
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Mixing bowl
* Tongs
* Paper towels
* Baking sheet (optional, for keeping flautas warm)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect chicken flautas:
**1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:**
* If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water until cooked through. You can also bake, grill, or use an Instant Pot for this step. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks.
* In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
* Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the spices.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
**2. Warm the Tortillas:**
* This step is crucial to prevent the tortillas from cracking when you roll them. There are several ways to warm tortillas:
* **Microwave:** Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until pliable.
* **Oven:** Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
* **Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla individually for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until pliable.
**3. Assemble the Flautas:**
* Lay a warmed tortilla on a clean surface.
* Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla.
* Sprinkle about 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese over the chicken filling.
* Tightly roll the tortilla, starting from one edge and rolling it up like a cigar.
* Secure the rolled flauta with a toothpick, if necessary (this helps keep them closed during frying, but isn’t always needed).
* Repeat with the remaining tortillas, chicken filling, and cheese.
**4. Fry the Flautas:**
* Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil or canola oil into a large skillet.
* Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it; if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
* Carefully place a few flautas into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
* Fry the flautas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them as needed.
* Remove the flautas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
* Repeat with the remaining flautas.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the toothpicks (if used) before serving.
* Serve the flautas immediately while they are hot and crispy.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and shredded lettuce.
## Tips for Perfect Flautas
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the tortillas can cause them to tear during rolling and frying. Use just enough filling to make a nice, tight roll.
* **Warm Tortillas are Key:** As mentioned before, warming the tortillas is crucial. Cold tortillas will crack and break, making it difficult to roll the flautas.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, not crispy, flautas. Fry them in batches.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will impact the final flavor of the flautas. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** While this recipe focuses on chicken, feel free to experiment with other fillings, such as beef, pork, beans, or vegetables.
* **Baking Option:** For a healthier option, you can bake the flautas instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Baking will not result in the same level of crispness as frying, but it is a healthier alternative.
## Variations and Additions
* **Spicy Flautas:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling for a spicy kick.
* **Cream Cheese Flautas:** Mix a couple of tablespoons of softened cream cheese into the chicken filling for a creamy texture.
* **Black Bean and Corn Flautas:** Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and a cup of frozen corn to the chicken filling for a heartier and more colorful flauta.
* **Vegetarian Flautas:** Replace the chicken with cooked and seasoned sweet potatoes, black beans, or a combination of vegetables.
* **Cheese Lovers:** Add more cheese! Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack for extra cheesy goodness.
* **Sour Cream Sauce:** Whisk together sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing dipping sauce.
* **Guacamole:** A classic topping that adds creaminess and flavor. Make your own or buy pre-made guacamole.
* **Salsa:** Choose your favorite salsa, from mild to hot, to add a burst of flavor.
* **Pico de Gallo:** A fresh and flavorful salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken flautas are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve them as a party appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve them with a side of rice, beans, and a salad for a complete meal.
* **For Lunch:** Pack them in a lunchbox for a satisfying and easy-to-eat lunch.
* **Game Day Snack:** These are the perfect snack for watching your favorite sports team.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerating:** Leftover flautas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will lose some of their crispness. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
* **Freezing:** To freeze flautas, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen flautas can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.
## Reheating Instructions
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the flautas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
* **Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the flautas in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
* **Microwave:** While not recommended for achieving the best crispness, you can microwave flautas for 1-2 minutes. They will be softer and less crispy.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per Flauta)
* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use flour tortillas?**
A: While traditionally flautas are made with corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. However, flour tortillas tend to absorb more oil during frying and may not get as crispy as corn tortillas.
**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the flautas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry them. However, it’s best to fry them just before serving for the best crispness.
**Q: How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?**
A: Warming the tortillas is key to preventing them from cracking. Be sure to warm them properly before rolling.
**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or cheese blend. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and queso quesadilla are all good options.
**Q: What if I don’t have a deep fryer?**
A: You don’t need a deep fryer to make flautas. Simply use a large skillet with about 1/2 inch of oil.
**Q: Can I grill these instead of frying or baking?**
A: Grilling can be tricky, as the tortillas can easily burn. If you choose to grill them, use a low heat and watch them carefully. You’ll need to brush them with oil and flip them frequently.
**Q: My flautas are soggy, what did I do wrong?**
A: Soggy flautas are usually caused by overcrowding the skillet or frying at too low of a temperature. Make sure to fry them in batches and maintain a consistent oil temperature.
**Q: Can I use an Instant Pot to cook the chicken?**
A: Yes, the Instant Pot is a great way to cook chicken quickly and easily. Simply add the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot with a cup of water or broth, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually. Shred the chicken and use it in the filling.
## Conclusion
These easy chicken flautas are a delicious and versatile meal that you can enjoy any time of day. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a crispy, flavorful delight that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy the best chicken flautas you’ve ever had!