Chicken Flautas Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than this Chicken Flautas Recipe! These crispy, rolled-up tortillas filled with savory chicken and cheese are not only a hit at parties but also make for an easy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy flauta filled with tender, flavorful chicken and gooey cheese. The blend of spices gives these flautas a delightful kick, and you can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste. Plus, using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe a breeze, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Your Shopping Guide

Ready to hit the grocery store? Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this Chicken Flautas Recipe:

• 1/2 cup salsa (medium or hot for more of a kick)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (4 oz.) can mild chopped green chiles
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each of 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
• 12-14 medium (7-8 inch) flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil (optional for frying)

Cook’s Kit

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Mixing bowl: For combining your filling ingredients.
• Frying pan: If you’re frying your flautas, a good non-stick frying pan is essential.
• Spatula: For flipping the flautas while frying.
• Baking sheet: If you prefer to bake your flautas, this will be your go-to.
• Oven mitts: Always handy when dealing with hot items!

How to Prepare Chicken Flautas Recipe

Now that you’re all set with your ingredients and tools, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven or Heat Your Oil

If you’re baking your flautas, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re frying them, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterrey Jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, chopped green chiles, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined. If you like it spicy, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Flautas

Take a flour tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto one end. Roll it tightly, making sure the filling is secure inside. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Cook the Flautas

If baking, place the flautas seam-side down on a baking sheet and lightly spray or brush them with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. If frying, carefully place the rolled flautas seam-side down in the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels if frying.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your flautas are cooked, serve them warm with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Seasonal Spins

Feel free to mix things up with these seasonal variations:

• Fall: Add roasted butternut squash for a sweet twist.
• Summer: Incorporate fresh corn and diced bell peppers for a burst of color and crunch.
• Winter: Use shredded leftover turkey and cranberry sauce for a holiday-inspired flauta.
• Spring: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a fresh flavor boost.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

• Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds great flavor to your flautas.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese; pepper jack offers a great kick!
• If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider baking instead of frying.
• These flautas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick reheat later.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To ensure your Chicken Flautas stay fresh:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the cooked flautas in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months.
• To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until heated through.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, but they may be more fragile, so be gentle when rolling them up.

How can I make these flautas vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken with black beans or a mixture of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a delicious vegetarian option.

What dipping sauces pair well with flautas?

Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa are classic choices, but you can also try a creamy chipotle sauce or a zesty cilantro lime dressing.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative. Just brush the flautas with a bit of oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

If you’re looking for more healthy-ish recipes, check these out:

The Takeaway

This Chicken Flautas Recipe is a delightful blend of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness. Perfect for any occasion, it allows for plenty of customization to suit everyone’s taste. With easy preparation and ingredients that pack a punch, you’ll find yourself making these flautas time and time again. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dish. Happy cooking!