Have you ever craved something crispy, flavorful, and comforting all at once? That’s exactly what I felt the day I made my first batch of Chicken Flautas. I still remember how golden and crunchy they turned out, with that deliciously seasoned chicken tucked inside—pure heaven!
These Mexican chicken flautas are a dream come true if you love easy, homemade meals that taste like restaurant favorites.
This recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or fun weekends. I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to perfection—so you can trust it completely! Before you dive in, save this pin for later, because once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
What are Chicken Flautas?
So, what exactly are Chicken Flautas? They’re rolled tortillas filled with seasoned, shredded chicken and fried (or air-fried!) until crispy and golden brown. Some people call them taquitos, but there’s a small difference—flautas are usually made with flour tortillas and are slightly larger.
The Origin
The origin of Mexican chicken flautas goes back to the heart of Mexican street food, where vendors would serve these crunchy delights with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. They were a quick, satisfying meal loved by everyone—from busy workers to families celebrating special days.
The Chicken Flautas of Your Dreams
Description
The BEST flautas
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s easy, flexible, and comforting. You can prepare it with leftover chicken, adjust the spice level, and even bake or air-fry for a lighter version.
These flautas are not just tasty—they’re fun to make! They bring that authentic Mexican flavor straight to your table. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or dinner, they’ll be a hit every single time. Get ready to fall in love with every crispy bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, and all the spices. Stir until everything is well combined and coated.
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Warm the tortillas
Heat each tortilla for a few seconds on a pan or microwave so they’re soft and easy to roll. -
Fill and roll
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into each tortilla. Roll them tightly like small logs. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
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Fry the flautas
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet. Once hot, place flautas seam-side down. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Tip: You can also bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for a lighter version.
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Drain and serve
Remove flautas from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dips!
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Sodium 410mg18%
- Potassium 320mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 24g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 22g44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or air fryer
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Toothpicks (optional, to hold the flautas together)
Tips for Making Easy Chicken Flautas
Keep things simple! Use leftover chicken, like rotisserie or grilled chicken. It saves time and adds rich flavor. Always warm your tortillas before rolling—they won’t tear or crack. Don’t overfill them; a little goes a long way to keep them neat and crispy.
If you’re new to frying, test with one flauta first to make sure the oil is hot enough—it should sizzle instantly.
How to Store It
You can easily store leftover flautas in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to keep them crisp.
To reheat, use an air fryer or oven instead of the microwave—that helps keep their crunch! If you want to freeze them, wrap each flauta in foil and store them in a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Ways to Make It More Flavorful
Want more flavor? Add a spoon of cream cheese or chipotle sauce to the filling—it gives a creamy, smoky kick. You can also mix in sautéed onions, corn, or black beans for extra texture.
For bold, authentic taste, use fresh lime juice and cilantro as a garnish. A little sprinkle of cotija cheese or queso fresco on top makes it irresistible!
Tips to Make the Recipe Healthier
If you’re trying to keep things light, bake or air fry instead of deep frying. You’ll still get that crispy texture without excess oil.
You can also use whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt—it’s creamy and adds protein. For even more nutrition, serve these flautas with a side of fresh salad or grilled veggies.
Variations
Once you master this recipe, get creative!
- Try beef flautas using cooked ground beef or shredded steak.
- Make veggie flautas with sautéed peppers, corn, and beans.
- Add spicy jalapeños for heat or avocado for a creamy twist.
- Turn it into a fun party platter by cutting them in half and serving with multiple dips like salsa verde, queso, and guacamole.
Serve With
These easy chicken flautas taste best with classic Mexican sides—think Spanish rice, refried beans, or Mexican street corn. For a lighter option, pair them with a crisp green salad or even a bowl of tortilla soup.
Don’t forget the dips! A drizzle of sour cream, a scoop of fresh guacamole, and a spoonful of pico de gallo make every bite pop with flavor.
Serve them fresh and hot, with a squeeze of lime for that final zesty touch. Trust me—you’ll want to make double!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the Chicken Flautas of Your Dreams! Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these Mexican chicken flautas never fail to impress.
They’re simple, satisfying, and super adaptable—perfect for any occasion. I hope you give this recipe a try soon because once you do, you’ll never go back to store-bought snacks again.
So grab your tortillas, roll them up, and enjoy this easy chicken flautas recipe tonight! Don’t forget to save and share this recipe with your foodie friends.
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