Few things hit the spot like a crispy, golden chicken flauta straight from the pan.
These Crispy Chicken Flautas are the perfect bite: tender shredded chicken wrapped in a warm tortilla, fried to perfection, and topped with your favorite salsas, lettuce, and guac.
Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or feeding a party crowd, this homemade flautas recipe is guaranteed to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy outside, cheesy inside – The perfect balance of crunch and melt
Quick to make – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients
Customizable – Works with chicken, beef, or even veggies
Great for crowds – Serve a tray of flautas and watch them disappear
Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and reheat when needed
Tons of topping options – Salsa, guac, ranch, lettuce—go wild
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Shredded chicken or beef – Use leftover chicken, rotisserie, or cooked and shredded beef
Mexican blend cheese – Melty and flavorful, perfect for stuffing
Salsa and green chiles – Add moisture and a little kick
Garlic salt & pepper – Simple seasonings that go a long way
Flour or corn tortillas – 6-inch size works best for rolling
Vegetable oil – For frying until golden and crisp
Toppings – Lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, salsa, or Cilantro Ranch
Pro Tips Before You Start
Warm the tortillas – Microwave or steam to prevent cracking when rolling
Don’t overfill – Too much filling makes rolling and frying tricky
Secure with toothpicks – Helps flautas hold their shape in the oil
Use a thermometer – Keep oil at 375°F for even frying
Drain on paper towels – Keeps them crispy, not greasy
How to Make Chicken Flautas
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Oil
Preheat your oven to 200°F (warm setting).
Fill a large saucepan with ¾ inch of vegetable oil and heat to 375°F over medium heat.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together 3 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, ½ cup salsa, 1 (4 oz) can diced chiles, garlic salt with parsley flakes, and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Roll the Flautas
Working with 4 tortillas at a time, place a heaping spoonful of the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla.
Roll tightly and secure each with a toothpick to hold its shape while frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Using tongs, carefully lower each flauta into the hot oil.
Hold it briefly to seal the edge, then let it cook for about 2 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and sprinkle immediately with salt.
Step 5: Keep Warm & Serve
Place fried flautas on a foil-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the rest.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, or Cilantro Ranch dressing.
What to Serve Them With
Mexican rice and refried beans – A full plate of comfort
Street corn (elote) – Creamy, spicy, and fresh
Pico de gallo or chunky salsa – Adds brightness
Spicy mayo or chipotle cream – Great for dipping
Margaritas or agua fresca – For a fiesta feel
Variations / Substitutions
Make it vegetarian – Use beans, cheese, and roasted peppers as filling
Use beef or pork – Works great with shredded chuck roast or carnitas
Swap cheeses – Try Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or pepper jack
Oven-baked version – Brush with oil and bake at 425°F until crispy
Air fryer friendly – Cook at 375°F for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway
Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge – Store cooled flautas in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat – In the oven or air fryer at 375°F to restore crispness
Freeze before frying – Roll and freeze raw flautas; fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes
Meal prep – Make filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to assemble
Reheat tip – Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispiness
FAQs
What’s the difference between flautas and taquitos?
Flautas are usually made with flour tortillas, while taquitos use corn tortillas—but the fillings are often similar.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Brush with oil and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping once, until crisp.
Are flautas spicy?
Not inherently. You control the spice depending on your salsa and chile choice.
How do I keep them from unrolling while frying?
Use toothpicks to secure them tightly before frying.
Don’t skip this step.
Can I make these with leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to repurpose cooked chicken quickly.
How many flautas does this recipe make?
About 12, using 6-inch tortillas.
You can scale up easily for parties.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes. Roll them and freeze raw.
Fry or bake directly from frozen for an easy meal later.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Flautas are the kind of finger food that never lasts long.
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they’re everything you want in a quick Mexican-style meal.
Serve them with your favorite toppings or dips, and you’ve got a dish that’s equal parts fun and satisfying—perfect for dinner, game night, or any time the craving hits.
