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Flautas

Crispy, golden tortillas wrapped around seasoned chicken or beef, creating the perfect handheld meal for family dinners or game day gatherings. These rolled beauties pack serious flavor with minimal effort, making them a weeknight hero.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (12 flautas)
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
  • 12 corn or flour tortillas 6-inch size
  • Vegetable oil for frying about 2 cups
For Serving
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Cotija cheese crumbled

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Baking sheet
  • Toothpicks
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer

Method
 

  1. Combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa verde, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with seasonings and the cheese is distributed throughout.
  2. Heat your tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds, or warm them individually in a dry skillet for about 10 seconds per side. They should be pliable and warm to the touch.
  3. Place about 3 tablespoons of filling in a line down the center of each tortilla, leaving about an inch at each end. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then secure the seam with a toothpick.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into your skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and turn golden within 30 seconds.
  5. Carefully place 3 to 4 flautas seam-side down in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until deep golden brown, then flip and fry another 2 to 3 minutes on the second side.
  6. Use tongs to remove the fried flautas and transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Let them drain for at least 1 minute before removing the toothpicks.
  7. Place the drained flautas on a clean baking sheet in a 200-degree oven to keep warm while you fry the remaining batches.
  8. Arrange the flautas on a serving platter and surround them with bowls of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Roll flautas as tightly as possible without tearing. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead or frozen uncooked for up to 2 months. For a lighter option, brush with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes.