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Crispy Chicken Flautas: Easy Perfect Recipe in 30 Minutes

crispy chicken flautas - featured image

These crispy chicken flautas are quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. With a crunchy golden shell and creamy seasoned chicken filling, they’re a crowd-pleaser ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • For serving: sour cream or crema, guacamole or sliced avocado, salsa verde or pico de gallo, shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro (if using). Mix until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Warm the tortillas: Stack tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm and pliable. Alternatively, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
  3. Assemble the flautas: Working with one tortilla at a time, place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling in a line down the center. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed. Place seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  4. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until about 1/4 inch deep. Test with a tiny piece of tortilla—it should sizzle immediately.
  5. Fry the flautas: Carefully place 3-4 flautas in the hot oil, seam-side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until golden brown and crispy all over. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Drain and rest: Transfer fried flautas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for a minute before serving.
  7. Serve immediately: Arrange on a platter with desired toppings. Best eaten hot and crunchy.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a creamier filling. For a lighter version, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and fry just before serving. Freeze uncooked flautas for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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