There’s something about the crackle of golden, crispy chicken flautas hitting the plate that instantly sparks anticipation. Last weekend, I decided to whip up these crunchy delights for a casual dinner, and the experience was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of flavors and textures that brought everyone to the table with smiles.

The kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scent of cumin and chili powder mingling with the fresh burst of cilantro. As I carefully rolled the seasoned shredded chicken inside soft corn tortillas, the promise of that satisfying crunch was already making my mouth water. When the first batch hit the hot oil, the sizzling sound was like music, a signal that something special was on its way. Sitting down, the first bite was a perfect blend of crispy shell, tender chicken, and melted cheese, with a cool touch of guacamole and a tangy dip of salsa adding layers of flavor. It wasn’t just food; it was a moment of comfort, connection, and pure enjoyment shared across the table.

Why You’ll Love It:

Crispy exterior with tender, flavorful chicken inside.
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings.
Versatile as an appetizer or a satisfying main dish.
Pairs beautifully with classic dips like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
Brings vibrant, authentic Mexican flavors to your home kitchen.

Even if frying feels a bit intimidating, these flautas are worth it. The key is in the temperature of the oil and a watchful eye—once you get the hang of it, the results are deeply rewarding. Plus, leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven, keeping that crisp edge intact.

Chicken Flautas

Print Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken flautas filled with seasoned shredded chicken, rolled in corn tortillas and fried to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish served with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 corn tortillas
Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
Sour cream, for serving
Guacamole, for serving
Salsa, for serving

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Warm the corn tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet for about 20 seconds each to make them pliable and easier to roll.
Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if needed.
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of tortilla sizzles immediately when placed in the oil.
Carefully place the rolled flautas seam side down into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch.
Using tongs, transfer the cooked flautas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Serve the chicken flautas hot with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.

FAQ

Can I bake the flautas instead of frying? Yes, baking is a lighter alternative. Brush them with a little oil and bake at a high temperature until crispy.

How do I keep the tortillas from cracking when rolling? Warm them briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable.

What dips go best with chicken flautas? Traditional choices like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa complement the flavors perfectly.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time? Absolutely! The seasoned chicken mixture can be made a day in advance for effortless assembly later.

Give these chicken flautas a try and watch how they transform a simple dinner into a shared celebration of flavors. You’ll find yourself wanting to make them again and again.