Crispy Chicken Flautas with Cheese and Green Chilies
Indulge in the delight of Crispy Chicken Flautas, a traditional Mexican rolled tortilla filled with savory seasoned chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and zesty green chilies. Perfectly fried until golden brown and crispy, these flautas offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve them with your favorite toppings such as fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and tangy sour cream for an irresistible appetizer or main dish that the whole family will love. Gather your ingredients and enjoy a fun and delicious cooking experience that's perfect for sharing!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken breasts
2 medium (cooked and shredded)
water
1 cup (used for boiling chicken)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (for filling)
diced green chili peppers
1 (4 ounce) can (drained for filling)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (for added flavor)
flour tortillas
8-10 (10-inch) (for wrapping the fillings)
vegetable oil
for frying (about 1/4 cup, plus as needed)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, place the skinless chicken breasts and add 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Reduce the heat to low and allow the chicken to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the saucepan and set aside to cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the chicken into long, thin strips.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, drained diced green chili peppers, and ground cumin. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
5
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly warm the flour tortillas, one at a time, for about 30 seconds on each side to make them more pliable.
6
For each tortilla, spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and secure it with a toothpick.
7
In the same skillet, heat about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add 3-4 rolled flautas at a time, frying them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides. Turn them occasionally for even cooking.
8
Once cooked, remove the flautas from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9
Repeat the frying process with the remaining flautas. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Chicken Flautas?
Crispy Chicken Flautas are traditional Mexican rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, cheese, and green chilies, then fried until golden and crunchy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings, making it ideal for family meals or parties.
What type of chicken should I use for flautas?
This recipe calls for 2 medium skinless chicken breasts which are boiled and then shredded.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time, bypassing the boiling step.
What kind of tortillas are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 8-10 flour tortillas (10-inch size) for a soft interior and crispy exterior.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used, though they may result in a different texture and are often referred to as taquitos when made with corn.
Why should I warm the tortillas before rolling?
Warming the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking or tearing while being rolled.
How do I keep the flautas from opening during frying?
The recipe recommends rolling the tortillas tightly and securing them with a toothpick before placing them in the hot oil.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should start with about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in the skillet and add more as needed during the frying process.
What is the filling for these chicken flautas?
The filling consists of shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chili peppers, and ground cumin.
Are these flautas spicy?
They have a mild zesty flavor from the diced green chilies and cumin, but they are generally not considered very spicy.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy, though frying provides the most traditional crunch.
Can these flautas be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown.
How long does it take to fry the flautas?
Each batch takes about 3-4 minutes to fry until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides.
What should I serve with chicken flautas?
Common toppings include fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
How do I shred the chicken?
After boiling the chicken and letting it cool slightly, use two forks to pull the meat apart into long, thin strips.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the shredded chicken mixture can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembly.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Place the cooked flautas on a plate lined with paper towels immediately after removing them from the skillet to drain the oil.
Can I freeze leftover chicken flautas?
Yes, you can freeze them. For best results, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
How do I reheat leftover flautas?
To maintain crispiness, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is recommended, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend also work well.
Are these flautas gluten-free?
As written with flour tortillas, they are not gluten-free. Use gluten-free corn tortillas to make them gluten-free.
How long should I boil the chicken?
Simmer the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and fully cooked.
What size can of green chilies do I need?
The recipe calls for one 4-ounce can of diced green chili peppers, drained.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin for a subtle, earthy flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, these are excellent finger foods for children and the spice level can be adjusted to their preference.
Can I add beans to the filling?
Yes, black beans or refried beans can be added to the mixture for extra protein and texture.
Should the green chilies be drained?
Yes, ensure you drain the canned green chilies to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shredded beef or ground beef seasoned with cumin and salt.