Crispy Chicken Flautas a Fiesta on a Plate
Recipe Introduction: Crispy Chicken Flautas Are Calling!
Ever find yourself craving something crunchy and cheesy? Oh my gosh, me too! These chicken flautas are like a hug on a plate.
Honestly, they're the perfect blend of crispy and comforting. You know? It is a Mexican dish that's easy to make at home.
What Are Chicken Flautas Anyway?
Chicken flautas are basically rolled-up tacos that are fried or baked until golden brown. They originated in Mexico, and they're basically like a crispy, crunchy, flavour explosion.
They are so good!. This recipe is super easy. It takes about 35- 40 minutes to make. This quick chicken flautas dinner recipe yields 6 servings.
Why You'll Absolutely Love Them
One of the best things about these homemade chicken flautas is that they're packed with protein. Plus, you can totally customize them with your favorite toppings.
They're ideal for a casual weeknight dinner or even a fun weekend get-together. What makes these crispy flautas special? The simple fact is that they are very easy to make.
Ready to get started? Let's dive into the ingredients! Grab your chicken flautas recipe easy and get ready to assemble these fried flautas recipe .
Getting Ready to Make the Best Chicken Flautas Ever!
Alright, before we dive into making these amazing chicken flautas , let's chat about what you'll need. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff.
But having everything prepped makes the whole process smoother than a freshly paved road, innit?
Main Ingredients
For the chicken filling, you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vegetable oil. Any brand works fine.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh is best here.
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of chili powder.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of ground cumin. It gives a lovely warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of smoked paprika. Adds a smoky depth.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) each of salt and pepper. Season to taste!
- 2 cups (300g) of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver.
- ½ cup (50g) of shredded cheddar cheese.
- ¼ cup (5g) of chopped cilantro.
And for the flautas themselves:
- 12 corn tortillas (6 inch).
- Vegetable oil for frying. About 2 cups (500ml).
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
The combo of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika is key. It’s the taste of homemade chicken flautas ! Don't skip the cilantro it adds a fresh, vibrant note.
You could also add a pinch of cayenne for a kick. I love a bit of heat! If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do in a pinch.
It's all about flexibility, you know?
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy kit for crispy flautas . Just the basics:
- A large skillet or frying pan.
- A mixing bowl to combine the filling.
- Tongs for flipping.
- A slotted spoon to remove the flautas from the oil.
- Paper towels to drain the excess oil.
- A baking sheet if you are planning to make oven baked chicken flautas !
If you don’t have a slotted spoon, a regular spoon works, you just have to be careful!. Honestly? This chicken flautas recipe easy is perfect for a quick chicken flautas dinner .
Cooking Method: Achieving Flauta Perfection
Let's talk cooking method ! Honestly, the way you cook your chicken flautas makes all the difference. It's all about getting that perfect, crispy exterior.
I've messed this up more times than I care to admit. Soggy flautas recipe baked anyone? No thanks!
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Success
Essential mise en place: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop your onions, measure your spices, and shred that chicken.
I cannot stress this enough, this is the way. Time saving organization tips: Pre-shred your chicken. I swear by rotisserie chicken for the chicken flautas recipe easy , it's a lifesaver! Get all your toppings ready too.
Safety reminders: Be careful when frying. Hot oil is no joke!
step-by-step: From Filling to Fiesta
- Warm tortillas to prevent cracking. A dry pan works wonders.
- Fill each tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of chicken mixture.
- Roll tightly, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Fry chicken flautas until golden brown, about 2- 3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Flauta Game
Want crispy flautas that rival your favorite restaurant? Try this out.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. It lowers the oil temperature.
- For oven baked chicken flautas , bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 10- 15 minutes , flipping halfway.
- Common mistake to avoid: overfilling the tortillas. They'll burst.
Okay, so that's my spiel about cooking these absolute units of flavor. Honestly, get in the kitchen and create your own homemade chicken flautas .
You won't regret it! And don't forget the best chicken flautas toppings !
Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Flautas
Alright, so you're about to make some seriously tasty chicken flautas ? Ace! Here's a few extra bits to make sure they are spot on! Honestly, these tips are what make the difference between "meh" and "OMG, these are amazing!"
Serving them up right
Plating and presentation ideas: Get a bit fancy! Arrange the crispy flautas on a platter with a dollop of sour cream.
Sprinkle some fresh cilantro, you know?, because looks matter! I reckon a side of chunky guacamole is a must for dipping.
Complementary sides or beverages: Fancy a side? Some Mexican rice and refried beans never go amiss, do they? Or maybe a light salad to balance out the richness.
And for a drink? A refreshing Margarita or even just some Mexican Coke is cracking.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Refrigeration guidelines: If you, by some miracle, have leftovers, bung them in the fridge sharpish. They'll keep for about 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezing options (if applicable): You can freeze these! I always make a big batch and freeze half. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in cling film before popping them into a freezer bag.
They’ll be good for about a month.
Reheating instructions: When reheating from frozen, bung 'em straight into the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15- 20 minutes, until they're heated through and crispy .
Or, if you're in a rush, the microwave works, but they won't be as crispy. Just saying!.
Tweaking the recipe
Dietary adaptations: Want them lighter? Bake them! Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C). Lightly spray the oven baked chicken flautas with cooking spray and bake for around 10- 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
You can also use gluten-free tortillas, because everyone's at it!
Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the summer, you can add some fresh, grilled corn to the filling. It gives a lovely sweet and smoky flavour.
For the winter months, swap the cilantro for parsley for a slightly different taste.
Quick Nutrition Overview
These chicken flautas are fairly balanced. You're getting protein from the chicken, carbs from the tortillas, and some healthy fats from the avocado in the guacamole.
The best chicken flautas toppings are a big part of what makes them taste so good!
Just be mindful of the oil if you're frying. Baking definitely makes them a bit healthier. Keep in mind you may want to consider a flautas recipe baked for a lower fat alternative.
Plus you will get more control while frying with the fried flautas recipe .
Right, that's all folks! Go on, give these homemade chicken flautas a go. You'll smash it, and everyone will think you're a culinary genius.
I tell you what, even making an easy chicken flautas recipe like this on a quick chicken flautas dinner night makes everyone happy.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken flautas ahead of time?
You bet! You can prepare the filling and roll the flautas ahead of time. Store them, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, just fry or bake them until golden brown and crispy. Perfect for when you're expecting company or just fancy a quick bite after a long day!
What's the best way to get my chicken flautas extra crispy?
Crispiness is key, innit? When frying, make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the flautas. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature.
For baked flautas, give them a generous spray with cooking oil before baking and flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. You could also use an air fryer for a similar effect!
My tortillas keep cracking when I try to roll the chicken flautas. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, that's a classic! The secret is to warm your tortillas before rolling. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds, or by briefly heating them in a dry skillet. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. Just don't overdo it, or they'll become soggy!
Can I freeze chicken flautas for later?
Absolutely! To freeze them, prepare the flautas as directed, but don't fry or bake them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
When you're ready to eat, you can fry or bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months.
Are chicken flautas healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Chicken flautas can be a part of a balanced diet, but keep an eye on the frying oil! Baking them instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content. Also, consider using lean chicken, whole wheat tortillas, and lighter toppings like salsa and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Remember, portion control is your friend!
What are some good variations I can try with this chicken flautas recipe?
Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling for a spicy kick. You could also swap the chicken for black beans and corn for a veggie version. Using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack can also add a unique flavour dimension.
Get creative and make it your own!
Crispy Chicken Flautas A Fiesta On A Plate
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 30g |
