What is a Chicken Flauta? A Crispy Mexican Delight You Need to Try

Have you ever wondered what those delicious, crispy rolled tacos are called at your favorite Mexican restaurant? Well my friends those are chicken flautas – one of Mexico’s most beloved street foods that have captured hearts (and taste buds) worldwide!

As someone who’s spent years perfecting my flauta technique, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this incredible dish. From its origins to how to make them perfectly crispy at home, this guide will make you a flauta expert in no time.

What Exactly is a Chicken Flauta?

A chicken flauta is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla tightly rolled around a flavorful chicken filling and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The name “flauta” translates to “flute” in Spanish, describing their long, cylindrical shape that resembles the musical instrument.

These crispy delights are typically served topped with a variety of garnishes like

• Shredded lettuce
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Guacamole or sliced avocados
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
• Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese

While they might look simple, flautas offer an incredible explosion of flavors and textures in every bite – from the shatteringly crisp exterior to the savory, seasoned chicken filling

Flautas vs. Taquitos: What’s the Difference?

I often get asked this question! While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:

That said, in many regions of Mexico and the US, the distinction isn’t always strict. In some places, flautas are made with corn tortillas and taquitos with flour – it can depend on regional preferences!

The Origin of Chicken Flautas

While the exact origin of flautas is debated, they’re undoubtedly a fixture in Mexican cuisine, particularly in the central and northern regions of Mexico. The state of Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico claims flautas as their specialty, which helps explain their popularity in the United States due to geographic proximity.

Flautas are considered “antojitos Mexicanos” – Mexican street food or snacks – and have become a staple in Mexican restaurants worldwide. They’re versatile enough to be served as appetizers, snacks, or a main course.

The Essential Components of Perfect Chicken Flautas

1. The Tortilla: Your Foundation

While both corn and flour tortillas can be used, your choice affects the final result:

• Flour tortillas: Create what are traditionally called flautas. They’re more pliable, less likely to crack, and offer a softer texture.

• Corn tortillas: Technically make the dish a taquito, but deliver that authentic corn flavor many prefer. If using corn tortillas, here’s a pro tip: use day-old corn tortillas or warm fresh ones slightly to make them more pliable and less likely to tear.

2. The Chicken Filling: The Heart of the Dish

The filling is where you can really make your flautas shine! The base is shredded chicken that’s been seasoned with a blend of spices like:

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Smoked paprika

For the best results, I’ve found these approaches to the chicken work wonderfully:

• Rotisserie chicken: A fantastic shortcut that gives you tender, flavorful meat
• Slow-cooked chicken: Creates incredibly juicy, flavorful results
• Homemade shredded chicken: Allows complete control over the seasonings

The chicken is often mixed with other ingredients like:

• Sour cream for creaminess
• Salsa for moisture and flavor
• Diced green chilies for a mild kick
• A blend of cheeses (Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar are perfect!)

The key is making sure your filling isn’t too wet, which can make the tortillas soggy and prone to breaking during frying.

3. The Cooking Method: Getting That Perfect Crisp

There are several ways to cook flautas:

1. Traditional Pan Frying (Recommended)

• Heat oil to around 325-350°F
• Fry until golden brown on all sides (3-4 minutes)
• This creates the most authentic, shatteringly crisp texture

2. Skillet Toasting

• Use minimal oil in a skillet
• Rotate until golden on all sides
• A healthier option that still provides good crispiness

3. Baking

• Brush with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes
• Great for making a larger batch at once

4. Air Frying

• Brush with oil and air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes
• Creates an excellent crispy texture with minimal oil

How to Make Amazing Chicken Flautas at Home

Here’s my go-to recipe that always gets rave reviews at our family gatherings:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa (medium or hot based on preference)
• 1 can (4 oz) mild chopped green chilies
• 1 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp each: ground cumin, garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp each: onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt
• 12-14 medium (7-8 inch) flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the filling: Combine salsa, sour cream, green chilies and seasonings in a large bowl. Stir in the shredded chicken, followed by both cheeses. Taste and adjust with cayenne or hot sauce if desired.

2. Warm tortillas: If needed, warm tortillas for about 10 seconds in the microwave to make them more pliable.

3. Assemble flautas: Place about 3 tablespoons of filling on the bottom third of each tortilla, then roll tightly to enclose the filling. Place seam-side down.

4. Cook the flautas: Using your preferred method (I recommend shallow pan frying for the best results), cook until golden and crispy on all sides.

5. Drain & serve: Let flautas drain briefly on paper towels, then serve with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Perfect Flautas Every Time

After making countless batches of flautas over the years, I’ve learned these tricks that make a huge difference:

• Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting

• Roll tortillas tightly – This prevents oil from seeping into the filling and helps them fry more evenly

• Use toothpicks if needed – If your tortillas keep unrolling, secure them with toothpicks during frying (just remember to remove before serving!)

• Test your oil temperature – Too cool and they’ll be greasy; too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through

• Don’t stack hot flautas – This traps steam and makes them soggy. Arrange in a single layer until serving.

Serving Suggestions

Turn your flautas into a complete meal with these accompaniments:

• Rice: Cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice make perfect sides
• Beans: Refried beans or black beans
• Salad: A simple Mexican salad with avocado
• Elote: Mexican street corn complements flautas perfectly

For toppings, set up a “build-your-own” bar with:

• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Guacamole or avocado slices
• Salsa (pico de gallo, salsa verde, or salsa roja)
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crumbled cotija or queso fresco

Storing and Reheating Leftover Flautas

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them tasting great:

Storage:

• Refrigerate in a single layer (don’t stack them!) for up to 5 days
• If you must stack, place parchment paper between layers

Reheating:

• Air fryer (best method): 400°F for 6-8 minutes
• Oven: 400°F for 10-12 minutes on a baking rack
• Skillet: Low heat until warmed through, then increase to medium-high to recrisp
• Microwave: Only if desperate! They’ll lose their crispiness

Can I Freeze Chicken Flautas?

Absolutely! Flautas freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep:

1. Let cooked flautas cool completely
2. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours
3. Transfer to freezer bags and store up to 3 months

To reheat frozen flautas:

• Air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes
• Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes
• Microwave for 2 minutes (but they won’t be crispy)

Flauta Variations to Try

While chicken flautas are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment! Try these variations:

Different proteins:

• Beef barbacoa
• Carnitas (slow-cooked pork)
• Shredded beef
• Ground turkey or beef

Vegetarian options:

• Black beans and cheese
• Roasted sweet potato and black bean
• Sautéed mushrooms and spinach

Cheese options:

• Pepper jack for extra heat
• Oaxaca cheese for amazing meltiness
• Asadero for authentic Mexican flavor

Final Thoughts

Chicken flautas are more than just a meal – they’re a celebration of Mexican culinary tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these crispy, flavorful rolls are sure to be a hit.

The best part? Once you master the basic technique, you can customize them endlessly to suit your tastes and what’s available in your kitchen.

So grab your tortillas, fire up the stove (or oven, or air fryer), and get ready to enjoy one of Mexico’s most beloved culinary treasures. ¡Buen provecho!

Flautas are typically larger, longer rolls made from large flour or corn tortillas, while taquitos are smaller, shorter rolls made from corn tortillas. Flautas are named for their flute-like shape and are a more substantial meal, whereas taquitos, meaning “little tacos,” are bite-sized snacks.

A chicken flauta contains a corn or flour tortilla wrapped tightly around a filling of seasoned, shredded chicken, and sometimes cheese or other vegetables. After being rolled, flautas are then fried until golden and crispy.