There’s something truly satisfying about biting into a crispy, golden flauta that’s packed with tender, flavorful chicken. I still remember the first time I made these at home—it was a spontaneous decision to turn leftover shredded chicken into something fun and crunchy. As I rolled the tortillas tightly around the seasoned chicken and fried them until they were perfectly crisp, the aroma filled my kitchen and instantly brought back memories of family gatherings. From that moment on, Crispy Chicken Flautas became a staple in my cooking repertoire, perfect for casual dinners, parties, or even a cozy night in.
You will love this recipe because it combines the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The exterior is irresistibly crunchy, while the filling remains juicy and savory. Each bite delivers a burst of seasoning that complements the natural flavor of the chicken, making these flautas not just a meal, but an experience. The recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can serve them as a main dish, pair them with a side salad, or offer them as appetizers at your next gathering.
These flautas are not only versatile but also budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like shredded chicken, tortillas, and a handful of common seasonings keeps the cost low while delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe proves that delicious, crowd-pleasing meals don’t have to break the bank.
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and easy to find:
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken
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8 small flour tortillas
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
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Optional: sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for serving
With these simple ingredients, you can create a dish that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and comes together quickly. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why Crispy Chicken Flautas have become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Preparing Crispy Chicken Flautas is easier than it looks, and the result is always impressive. The key is to assemble them carefully and cook them until golden and crunchy. This recipe is quick, easy, and highly customizable, making it a favorite for many families and gatherings.
How to Prepare This Recipe
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Prepare the Chicken Filling: Start with 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Place the chicken in a mixing bowl and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with flavor. If you like a little extra zest, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cumin.
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Add Cheese: Mix 1 cup of shredded cheese into the seasoned chicken. The cheese will melt during cooking, helping the filling stay moist and flavorful inside the crispy tortilla.
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Warm the Tortillas: Lightly warm 8 small flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
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Assemble the Flautas: Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, folding in the sides slightly to seal the ends. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when you add a flauta.
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Fry the Flautas: Carefully place the rolled flautas seam-side down in the skillet. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to gently flip them to avoid spilling the filling.
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Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, place the flautas on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crisp and light.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm with your choice of sides such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. These flautas are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a main course.
Quick and Easy Tips
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You can use rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
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Assemble the flautas ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry.
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For an even healthier option, bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden, turning halfway.
Customizable Ideas
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Add finely chopped bell peppers or onions to the filling for extra flavor.
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Swap shredded cheese types to suit your taste.
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Top with fresh herbs, such as cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.
These Crispy Chicken Flautas are incredibly popular because they combine convenience, taste, and visual appeal. Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or a family dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. The combination of crunchy tortillas, savory chicken, and melted cheese keeps everyone coming back for more.
PrintCrispy Chicken Flautas Recipe – Cinco De Mayo Recipe
Crispy Chicken Flautas are golden, crunchy, and filled with seasoned shredded chicken and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner, appetizer, or party snack, they are easy to make, budget-friendly, and highly versatile.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Optional: sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Place 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken in a mixing bowl. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until fully combined.
- Warm the Tortillas: Lightly heat 8 small flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Flautas: Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and fold in the sides slightly to seal. Use a toothpick if needed.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Fry the Flautas: Place the flautas seam-side down in the skillet. Fry 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy, turning carefully with tongs.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the flautas to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Notes
You can bake instead of frying for a lighter version (200°C / 400°F for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway).
Add finely chopped bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
Swap cheese types to suit taste preferences.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added zest.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these flautas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the flautas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Place the assembled flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly brush with olive oil, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
Q: What type of tortillas should I use?
A: Small flour tortillas work best for rolling and frying. Corn tortillas can be used, but they are more delicate and may tear easily during assembly.
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Yes, shredded leftover chicken works perfectly. Make sure it is fully cooked and seasoned well for the best flavor.
Q: What can I serve with Crispy Chicken Flautas?
A: Popular options include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
Q: How do I keep the flautas crispy?
A: Serve immediately after frying, and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. If baking, avoid stacking them to ensure all sides remain crisp.