INTRODUCTION
This chicken flautas recipe is more than a meal it’s a memory.
Chef Lisa’s love for cooking began on a wooden stool in her grandmother Maria’s tiny Italian kitchen. No gadgets. No recipes. Just fresh ingredients and tradition.
Years later, Lisa launched Cook Today Lisa, inspired by those roots. Her chicken flautas recipe carries that same warmth crispy, flavorful, and easy to make at home.
Check out this chicken biryani recipe for another comforting favorite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Are Chicken Flautas?
A Quick Look at Chicken Flautas
A chicken flautas recipe starts with a simple idea: seasoned, shredded chicken rolled in a tortilla and fried until perfectly crispy. Flautas Spanish for “flutes” are long, thin, rolled tacos that resemble their musical namesake in shape.
Traditionally made with either flour or corn tortillas, chicken flautas have become a beloved staple in both Mexican households and Tex-Mex restaurants. They’re flavorful, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying.
Why Chicken Flautas Are So Popular
People love flautas because they strike the perfect balance: soft and juicy inside, golden and crispy outside. They’re easy to eat with your hands, simple to customize with sauces, and great for feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re making them as a weeknight dinner or adding them to a party spread, flautas always deliver big on flavor without a lot of fuss.
Looking for inspiration? Try Lisa’s comforting chicken and orzo another simple, satisfying meal perfect for busy nights.
Chicken Flautas vs. Taquitos
What’s the Difference Between Taquitos and Flautas?
Many people confuse taquitos and flautas, but a closer look reveals key differences especially for anyone making a chicken flautas recipe at home.
The primary difference is the tortilla. Flautas are usually made with flour tortillas, giving them a softer, chewier texture, while taquitos are traditionally rolled with corn tortillas, making them smaller and crispier. Flautas also tend to be longer, hence the name, which translates to “flute” in Spanish.
So while they look alike, flautas are typically a bit bigger and slightly more flexible when filled and rolled.
Regional Styles and Naming
Depending on where you’re from, you might call them differently. In northern Mexico and many U.S. homes, the terms are used interchangeably. But technically:
- Flautas = flour tortilla, long, entrée-style
- Taquitos = corn tortilla, small, snack-style
Still, both dishes can be filled with the same savory shredded chicken, spices, and cheese.
Trying both is the best way to decide what works best for your taste and texture preference. Either way, if you’re cooking a chicken flautas recipe, you’re already on the right track.
Check out this chicken nuggets recipe for another crispy chicken favorite.
Chicken Flautas Ingredients Breakdown
What Are the Ingredients in Flautas?
If you’re planning to make a flavorful chicken flautas recipe, starting with the right ingredients is essential. While variations exist, the base elements remain simple and accessible.
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- Shredded chicken (rotisserie or freshly cooked)
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack
- Onions and garlic for flavor
- Spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Oil for frying (or spray for baking/air frying)
Optional add-ins include refried beans, jalapeños, or chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick. The beauty of this chicken flautas recipe is how easy it is to personalize based on what you have on hand.
Fresh vs. Store-Bought Options
While fresh ingredients elevate flavor, this recipe still works great with shortcuts. Pre-cooked chicken saves time, and pre-shredded cheese melts quickly. If you’re short on time, use ready-made salsa or guacamole for serving.
For the crispiest flautas, avoid overfilling and make sure the tortillas are soft enough to roll without cracking. You can warm them slightly before assembly to make the process easier.
Looking for inspiration? Try Lisa’s chicken mac and cheese for another comforting meal made with simple pantry staples.
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Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 flautas 1x
Description
Easy chicken flautas recipe with crispy golden tortillas, juicy seasoned chicken, and bold Tex-Mex flavor. Perfect for dinner, parties, or family meals.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
10 flour tortillas (6–8 inch)
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
½ small onion, diced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp cooking oil (plus more for frying or brushing)
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in a bit of oil until soft.
Add shredded chicken, spices, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of water or broth. Stir to combine and heat through.
Warm tortillas slightly in a pan or microwave to soften.
Place 2 tablespoons of filling in each tortilla with some shredded cheese. Roll tightly and secure seam-side down.
For frying: Heat oil in a pan and fry flautas seam-side down for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
For baking: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
For air frying: Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
Notes
You can use corn tortillas for a crunchier texture. Prep filling ahead of time to save effort during busy weekdays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: chicken
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keywords: Skinless chicken breasts, corn tortillas, avocado, tomato, garlic
Choosing Between Corn and Flour Tortillas
Are Flautas Better with Corn or Flour Tortillas?
When making a chicken flautas recipe, one of the most important choices you’ll make is the type of tortilla. Both flour and corn tortillas can be used, but they create slightly different textures and flavors.
Flour tortillas are the most common choice for flautas. They’re soft, easy to roll, and create a crisp yet tender bite after frying. These tortillas also tend to hold their shape better when filled generously with seasoned chicken and cheese.
On the other hand, corn tortillas bring a more traditional Mexican flavor and a firmer crunch. However, they can be harder to roll and more prone to cracking unless they’re softened first usually by warming or lightly frying them before filling.
For a classic Tex-Mex style chicken flautas recipe, flour tortillas are the go-to. But if you’re after a more rustic taste with added texture, corn works beautifully too.
How to Decide What’s Best for You
Choosing between the two often comes down to preference. If you’re new to cooking flautas, flour tortillas make rolling easier and produce more consistent results.
Trying both versions is a great way to discover which style you prefer.
Don’t miss our garlic parmesan chicken for another flavor-packed recipe using everyday ingredients.
How to Season Chicken for Flautas
What to Season Chicken With for Flautas?
A flavorful chicken flautas recipe begins with perfectly seasoned chicken. The goal is to create a juicy, savory filling that holds its own inside the crispy tortilla.
Start with shredded chicken either rotisserie, boiled, or baked. Then, season it with a combination of these key spices:
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Salt and black pepper
To enhance the flavor even more, sauté the shredded chicken with finely chopped onions, garlic, and a touch of lime juice or chicken broth. This keeps the chicken moist and layered with bold taste.
Some cooks add a bit of chipotle in adobo, which brings a smoky heat that’s perfect for a Tex-Mex inspired flauta.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this chicken flautas recipe is that it’s flexible. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Prefer a mild taste? Stick to the basics and let the toppings do the talking.
Always taste as you go. The seasoning is the heart of the filling, and a well-balanced mix will elevate the entire dish.
Don’t miss our chicken pot pie for another comfort food favorite with tender chicken and rich flavors.
Step-by-Step Chicken Flautas Recipe
Prep: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Every great chicken flautas recipe starts with tender, juicy chicken. You can use boneless chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Boil or bake until fully cooked, then shred it using two forks.
Once shredded, sauté the chicken with onions, garlic, and your preferred spices (cumin, chili powder, and paprika work well). This step boosts flavor and ensures the filling isn’t dry.
To keep it moist, add a splash of chicken broth or a squeeze of lime during the cooking process.
Assemble and Roll the Flautas
Warm your tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Place a spoonful of seasoned chicken onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly. The seam should be placed down to keep them from unrolling while cooking.
Use toothpicks if needed to secure them before cooking.
Frying vs. Baking vs. Air Frying
There are three simple ways to cook your flautas:
- Frying: Heat oil in a skillet and fry each flauta until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Baking: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air frying: Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
No matter the method, you’ll end up with a crunchy exterior and a flavorful center hallmarks of a well-made chicken flautas recipe.
Check out Lisa’s chicken and orzo for another quick, comforting weeknight recipe.
Best Sides and Dips for Flautas
Top Dips to Pair with Flautas
The best part of a great chicken flautas recipe? The dips that go with it. Flautas are made for dipping, and the right sauce can take your meal to the next level.
Here are classic dip options:
- Guacamole – Creamy, fresh, and slightly tangy
- Sour cream – Cool and smooth with a little lime juice
- Pico de gallo – Fresh tomato salsa with onions and cilantro
- Queso dip – Melted cheese with mild heat
- Salsa verde – A tomatillo-based salsa with a sharp citrus kick
Mix and match for color, flavor, and texture. Dips not only enhance flavor but also balance the crispy texture of the flautas.
Side Dishes That Complete the Meal
To turn your chicken flautas recipe into a full meal, consider pairing with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Elote (Mexican street corn) or simple corn salad
- Mixed green salad with avocado or citrus vinaigrette
These sides offer contrast and help round out the plate. Plus, they bring added nutrition and flavor variety to the table.
Looking for inspiration? Try Lisa’s chicken mac and cheese another comforting classic that’s rich and family-friendly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Chicken Flautas
After preparing a fresh chicken flautas recipe, you may find yourself with leftovers and that’s a good thing. Flautas store surprisingly well when done right.
To store:
- Let them cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
- Place in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
Refrigerated flautas stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. It’s best to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Crisp
The biggest challenge with reheating flautas is maintaining their crispy texture. Here are your best options:
- Air fryer: 375°F for 5–7 minutes. This brings back the crunch.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Skillet: Lightly re-fry for 2–3 minutes per side on medium heat.
Avoid microwaving if possible it softens the tortilla and leaves your chicken flautas recipe less satisfying. If you must, use a paper towel underneath and microwave in short bursts.
Proper reheating keeps the flavor and texture intact, so your leftovers are just as enjoyable as day one.
Common Mistakes and Expert Tips
Why Your Flautas Might Fall Apart or Get Soggy
Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong when making a chicken flautas recipe. One of the most common issues? Flautas that fall apart or turn soggy after cooking.
This usually happens when:
- The tortillas aren’t warm enough and crack while rolling.
- The filling is too wet, soaking through the tortilla.
- The oil temperature is too low, causing them to absorb excess grease.
Avoid these issues by warming your tortillas first, draining excess moisture from your chicken, and making sure your oil is heated to about 350–375°F before frying.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Flautas Every Time
Want to master your chicken flautas recipe? Follow these expert tips:
- Don’t overfill: Use about 2 tablespoons of chicken per tortilla.
- Roll tightly: Keep the shape firm and use toothpicks if needed.
- Seal the edge: Lightly press the seam or place it down to keep flautas closed.
- Drain excess oil: After frying, place them on a paper towel-lined tray.
These small details make a big difference, turning an average flauta into something crispy, flavorful, and irresistible.
Conclusion: Bring Comfort to the Table with This Chicken Flautas Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm, crispy flauta served fresh from the skillet. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, this chicken flautas recipe brings tradition, comfort, and bold flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort.
With just a few simple ingredients and the right seasoning, you can create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or weekend gatherings. From Lisa’s early days cooking beside her grandmother to your table today, flautas remind us that food made with love always tastes better.
Don’t miss our chicken and orzo for another easy-to-make, hearty meal that hits all the right notes.
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FAQs
What to season chicken with for flautas?
For a flavorful chicken flautas recipe, season your chicken with a mix of cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also add lime juice or chicken broth while cooking to keep it moist and layered with flavor.
What’s the difference between taquitos and flautas?
Taquitos are usually made with small corn tortillas and are shorter, while flautas are typically rolled with flour tortillas and are longer hence the name “flautas” meaning “flutes.” Both can be filled with chicken, but they differ in texture and presentation.
What are the ingredients in flautas?
A basic chicken flautas recipe includes shredded chicken, tortillas (corn or flour), Mexican cheese blend, onions, and spices like cumin and garlic powder. Optional additions include beans, jalapeños, or chipotle for extra heat.
Are flautas better with corn or flour tortillas?
It depends on your texture preference. Flour tortillas roll easier and produce a softer, crisp shell, while corn tortillas add traditional flavor and a firmer crunch. For most home cooks, flour tortillas work best in a classic chicken flautas recipe.
