Easy Chicken Flautas Recipe for Busy Nights

Chicken flautas, also known as taquitos, are a Mexican favorite that combines delicate shredded chicken, rolled tortillas, and crispy goodness in every bite. These little rolls are deep-fried or air-fried until golden and crunchy, perfect for dinner, parties, or quick snacks. Served with fresh toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, chicken flautas never disappoint.

Here you will learn the best chicken flautas recipe, with authentic flavors, step-by-step instructions, and cooking tips so your flautas come out crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients for Chicken Flautas

To make restaurant-quality chicken flautas, gather these fresh ingredients:

• Shredded chicken – about 3 cups (rotisserie chicken works great)
• Corn tortillas – 12 small (or flour tortillas for variation)
• Onion – ½ cup finely chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves minced
• Cheese – 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or queso fresco
• Cilantro – ¼ cup chopped
• Spices – cumin (1 tsp), chili powder (1 tsp), smoked paprika (½ tsp)
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Oil for frying – vegetable, canola, or avocado oil

Optional Toppings

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Shredded lettuce
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Salsa roja or salsa verde

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir well, let the flavors meld.
5. Add shredded cheese and fresh cilantro, and remove from the heat.

Roll the Flautas

1. Place 2–3 tablespoons of chicken filling in the center of each tortilla.
2. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Fry Until Golden

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry flautas seam-side down until crispy and golden, about 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

Alternative: For a healthier option, brush flautas with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Flautas

Flautas are versatile and shine with fresh toppings and sides. Try with:

• A bed of shredded lettuce topped with crema and salsa.
• Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• Fresh guacamole and queso dip for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Flautas

• Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor, but flour tortillas are softer.
• Seal with cheese – a sprinkle of cheese inside helps hold the filling together.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in small batches for even crispiness.
• Keep warm in the oven at 200°F until ready to serve.

Variations of Flautas

• Beef Flautas – Use seasoned ground beef or shredded steak instead of chicken.
• Vegetarian Flautas – Use beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables.
• Cheese Flautas – Keep it simple with melted cheese and salsa.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 2 Flautas)

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 3g

Why You’ll Love This

• Crispy outside, tender inside.
• Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day parties.
• Endless variations and toppings.

Conclusion

Flautas are a Mexican classic that’s all about balance – crispy, rich, and versatile. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they’re a crowd pleaser for any occasion. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can now make flautas at home like your favorite restaurant.

Easy Chicken Flautas Recipe for Busy Nights

Busy evenings call for something crunchy, cheesy, and downright delicious. Enter: homemade Chicken Flautas! These golden, crispy rolls are stuffed with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and fresh herbs, then fried (or air-fried) to irresistible perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, family gatherings, or even game-day snacking.

Author: Marisa M. Hsu Cooking Method: Air-fried Cuisine: American, Mexican Courses: Dinner, Main Dish Recipe Keys: Dairy G Gluten

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Family-Friendly

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 6 Calories: ~450 kcal Best Season: Winter, Summer, Spring, Fall

🥘 Ingredients for Chicken Flautas

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 12 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas for variation)
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or queso fresco
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)

Optional Toppings:

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Shredded lettuce
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Salsa roja or salsa verde

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir well and let the flavors meld.
5. Add shredded cheese and fresh cilantro, then remove from heat.

2. Roll the Flautas

1. Place 2–3 tablespoons of chicken filling in the center of each tortilla.
2. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.

3. Fry Until Golden

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry flautas seam-side down until crispy and golden, about 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
4. Alternative: For a healthier option, brush flautas lightly with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 23g36%

Sodium 600mg25%

Total Carbohydrate 31g11%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Protein 27g54%

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* 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

• Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Make-Ahead Option: Roll the flautas up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until cooking.
• Freezer Friendly: Freeze uncooked flautas, then fry or air fry them straight from the freezer (add a couple of minutes to the cooking time).
• Party Style: Cut into halves or thirds for bite-sized party appetizers.

Keywords: Chicken Flautas, Flautas Recipe for Busy Nights