Mexican Chicken Flautas

Delight your taste buds with these crispy Mexican Chicken Flautas, a savory dish packed with tender shredded chicken, tangy chopped tomatoes, and aromatic onions and garlic. Encased in a golden, crispy flour tortilla, each flauta is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Topped with shredded lettuce, creamy Cotija or Monterey Jack cheese, and served with salsa and sour cream for dipping, these flautas are a satisfying treat that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico straight to your table.

Mexican Chicken Flautas

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded chicken breast

1/2 cup canned chopped tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped onion white or yellow

1 garlic clove minced

6 flour tortillas

1/2 cup cooking oil I use avocado oil

Shredded lettuce for garnish

Grated Cotija or Monterey Jack cheese for garnish

Sour cream

Instructions:

Saute the onions on medium heat until translucent (around 5 minutes), then add the minced garlic and simmer for 2 more minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes and the shredded chicken.

Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to cook down slightly.

Remove from heat.

Add ⅙ of the filling to each flour tortilla. It’s best to add the filling closer to one side, so they can easily be rolled tightly.

Be sure not to use too much filling in the flauta and to spread it evenly.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add each flauta, seam side down to the pan.

Cook for 3-5 minutes, rolling them occasionally to obtain an even fry.

Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack.

Garnish with shredded lettuce, cheese and pico de gallo.

Serve with salsa and/or sour cream.

Enjoy!!

Notes:

Chicken Preparation: Ensure the chicken breast is thoroughly cooked and shredded before combining with the tomatoes and onions. This ensures even flavor distribution.

Sauteing Onions and Garlic: Sauteing the onions until translucent and then adding garlic enhances the aromatics of the dish, providing a flavorful base for the filling.

Tomato and Chicken Mixture: Cooking the tomatoes with the shredded chicken allows the flavors to meld together. Be mindful not to overcook to maintain a good texture.

Filling Placement: Distribute the filling closer to one side of each tortilla for easy rolling. Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during frying.

Frying Technique: Fry the flautas seam side down first to seal them properly. Rotate them gently to achieve an even golden crispness on all sides.

Oil Choice: Avocado oil is a good choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, ideal for frying without overpowering the dish.

Garnishing: Garnish with shredded lettuce, cheese (like Cotija or Monterey Jack), and pico de gallo for added freshness and texture.

Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with salsa and/or sour cream on the side for dipping. This complements the crispy flautas perfectly.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer.

Corn tortillas will give the flautas a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of shredded chicken breast?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred it and use it in this recipe.

It’s a great way to repurpose leftover chicken.

Can I bake the flautas instead of frying them?

Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the flautas instead of frying them.

Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

What are some other garnish options besides lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo?

You can get creative with the garnishes!

Some other popular options include guacamole, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of shredded chicken breast?

Yes, you can use different meats such as shredded beef, pork, or even shrimp to make delicious flautas.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Can I make the flautas ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can assemble the flautas and freeze them for later use.

Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

When ready to cook, you can fry or bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What other sauces can I serve with flautas besides salsa and sour cream?

There are several options! You can serve flautas with guacamole, chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or a homemade cilantro lime sauce.

Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.

Can I make the flautas crispy without frying them?

Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the flautas instead of frying them.

Brush the assembled flautas with a little oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

How do I prevent the flautas from unrolling while frying?

To prevent the flautas from unrolling, make sure to roll them tightly and place them seam side down in the pan.

You can also secure them with toothpicks if needed, but remember to remove them before serving.