Description
Mexican chicken flautas roll crispy tortillas around tender, spiced chicken for a delightful appetizer or main course. Savory seasonings and golden-brown edges make these irresistible bites perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Cheese:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Seasonings and Sauces:
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 (4 ounces) can diced chiles
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Wrapping and Cooking Ingredients:
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Green salsa
- Guacamole
- Cilantro Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Establish a cozy warming zone in the oven at 200°F (95°C) to maintain the flautas’ crisp texture after cooking.
- Select a large, deep saucepan and generously fill with vegetable or canola oil, positioning it over medium heat until the temperature reaches a precise 375°F (190°C).
- Create a vibrant filling by combining shredded chicken with melted cheese, zesty salsa, roasted green chiles, aromatic garlic salt, and a whisper of black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Lay out soft tortillas and distribute the chicken mixture strategically along the center, ensuring an even spread across each wrapper.
- Skillfully roll each tortilla into a tight cylinder, securing the edges with a carefully placed toothpick to prevent unraveling during frying.
- Immerse the rolled flautas into the sizzling oil, using tongs to gently stabilize each one until the exterior becomes firm and golden brown.
- Transfer the crispy flautas onto a paper towel-lined surface, immediately seasoning with a light sprinkle of salt to enhance their flavor profile.
- Arrange the freshly fried flautas on a foil-lined baking sheet, maintaining their warmth and crispness in the preheated oven.
- Present the flautas with an array of vibrant accompaniments like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy green salsa, creamy guacamole, or a refreshing cilantro ranch dressing.
Notes
- Prep Efficiency: Shred chicken and cheese ahead of time to streamline the flauta-making process and reduce cooking stress.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil hits exactly 375°F for perfectly crispy, non-greasy flautas.
- Toothpick Trick: Secure rolled tortillas with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during frying and maintain a neat, compact shape.
- Frying Pro Tip: Work in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which leads to soggy flautas.
- Texture Magic: Pat chicken mixture dry before filling to prevent soggy tortillas and ensure a crisp, golden exterior.
- Serving Suggestion: Prepare toppings in advance and arrange on a platter for a fun, interactive meal that lets everyone customize their plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg