Amazing Chicken Flautas Mexicanas: 1 Incredible Bite

Name: Amazing Chicken Flautas Mexicanas: 1 Incredible Bite
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup salsa verde; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 corn tortillas; Vegetable oil for frying; Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, queso fresco, avocado slices

by Manar Jota

October 12, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken Flautas Mexicanas has been a cherished comfort food in my family for as long as I can remember. I still vividly recall my abuela’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of simmering salsa verde and the sizzle of tortillas frying to a perfect golden crisp. It was always a celebration when she made her famous Mexican chicken flautas recipe, and I’ve carried that tradition into my own home. There’s something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken flauta, hearing that delightful crunch, and tasting the savory chicken filling. These aren’t just a meal; they’re a memory, a warm hug from my heritage. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Flautas Mexicanas

I know you’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons! These flautas are more than just a meal; they’re an experience:

Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of tender chicken and vibrant salsa verde creates a taste explosion in every bite.
Quick & Easy: This is a truly easy chicken flautas recipe, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, these are kind to your wallet.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will beg for more of these crispy, satisfying rolled tacos.
Versatile & Customizable: Use any leftover cooked poultry for the shredded chicken flautas, or add your favorite veggies.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these flautas always impress.

Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Flautas Mexicanas

To make these irresistible homemade chicken flautas, you’ll need a few key ingredients. I always make sure to have these on hand for when the craving strikes!

2 cups cooked shredded chicken – I often use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease, but any cooked chicken works beautifully.
1/2 cup salsa verde – This adds a bright, tangy flavor that’s essential for authentic Mexican taste.
1/4 cup chopped onion – Finely diced to blend seamlessly into the filling.
1 clove garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes all the difference in the depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon cumin – A classic Mexican spice that complements the chicken and salsa verde.
1/4 teaspoon chili powder – Just a touch for a warm, subtle heat.
Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning is crucial for bringing out all the delicious flavors.
12 corn tortillas – The foundation of our crispy flautas; warm them slightly before rolling.
Vegetable oil for frying – You’ll need about 1 inch in your pan for that perfect golden crisp.
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, queso fresco, avocado slices – These elevate your flautas to a full meal experience!

How to Make Chicken Flautas Mexicanas

Making these delicious Chicken Flautas Mexicanas is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a batch of perfectly crispy, flavorful flautas ready to enjoy. I always find the process incredibly rewarding, especially when that amazing aroma fills my kitchen.

Step 1: First, you’ll want to prepare your flavorful filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, the vibrant salsa verde, finely chopped onion, and that aromatic minced garlic. Stir in the cumin and chili powder, then season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated; this ensures every bite of your chicken flauta is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Next, it’s time to get your tortillas ready. Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable. You can do this quickly in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or heat them in a dry skillet for approximately 15 seconds per side. This crucial step prevents the tortillas from breaking when you roll them, which is key to learning how to make chicken flautas successfully.
Step 3: Now, let’s assemble! Place a small amount of the chicken mixture, roughly 2 tablespoons, onto one edge of a warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, creating that classic flauta shape. If you’re new to this, don’t hesitate to secure it with a toothpick for extra stability. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and chicken filling until all your delicious Chicken Flautas Mexicanas are formed.
Step 4: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle but not smoke. Carefully place a few of your rolled chicken flautas into the hot oil, making sure the seam side is down first. I usually fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps them cook evenly and get super crispy.
Step 5: Fry your flautas for about 2-4 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are wonderfully crispy. This is where the magic happens, turning them into perfect fried chicken flautas. Once cooked, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Remember to remove any toothpicks you used before serving.
Step 6: Serve your homemade Chicken Flautas Mexicanas immediately with your favorite toppings. I love to pile on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, some crumbled queso fresco, and fresh avocado slices. Enjoy these warm, crispy, and incredibly satisfying chicken flautas!

Amazing Chicken Flautas Mexicanas: 1 Incredible Bite - Crispy golden Chicken Flautas Mexicanas with fresh toppings

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Flautas Mexicanas

I’ve made my fair share of flautas over the years, and I’ve picked up some fantastic tricks to ensure yours turn out perfectly every time. These expert tips will elevate your homemade flautas from good to absolutely amazing!

Always warm your corn tortillas before rolling; this is critical for preventing tears and making them pliable.
Don’t overfill your tortillas. A modest amount of filling ensures they roll tightly and cook evenly.
Fry in batches! Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy flautas instead of crispy ones.
Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable or canola for frying to achieve that ideal golden crisp.
Drain your fried flautas on a wire rack over paper towels to keep them from steaming and losing their crispness.

What’s the secret to perfectly crispy Chicken Flautas?

The real secret to achieving truly crispy chicken flautas lies in the oil temperature and not overcrowding the pan. Maintain a steady medium-high heat (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) and fry in small batches. This allows each flauta to cook quickly and evenly, creating that irresistible golden-brown crunch you’re after.

Can I make Chicken Flautas Mexicanas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the assembled flautas, roll them up to a few hours before frying and keep them covered in the fridge. This makes weeknight cooking of these delicious Chicken Flautas Mexicanas much easier.

How do I avoid common mistakes when making Chicken Flautas?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your tortillas are warm and flexible before rolling; cold tortillas will crack. Don’t overfill, as this makes them hard to roll and prone to bursting. Lastly, don’t skimp on the oil temperature or overcrowd the pan, as both will result in greasy, less-than-crispy flautas.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Flautas Mexicanas

Once you’ve got a plate full of those delicious, crispy flautas, it’s time to think about how to serve them! I love turning these into a full, vibrant meal. My go-to is always a fresh garnish of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, which adds a lovely coolness and crunch to balance the rich fried goodness. A generous dollop of sour cream or crema and some crumbled queso fresco truly elevate the flavors and textures.

For a heartier spread, consider pairing your Chicken Flautas Mexicanas with a side of fluffy Mexican rice and a simple bowl of black beans. These complementary sides turn your “Mexican rolled tacos chicken” into a complete and satisfying feast. Don’t forget a vibrant salsa, whether it’s a spicy salsa roja or a fresh pico de gallo, to add that extra kick. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over everything brightens the whole dish beautifully.

Amazing Chicken Flautas Mexicanas: 1 Incredible Bite - Close-up of crispy Chicken Flautas Mexicanas with fresh toppings

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Flautas Mexicanas

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for these delicious Chicken Flautas Mexicanas (recipe yields 12 flautas, serving size is 3 flautas):

Calories: 350
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 45mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. These details provide a general idea of what you’re enjoying with your homemade Chicken Flautas Mexicanas.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Flautas Mexicanas

I know it’s hard to imagine having leftovers of these delicious Chicken Flautas Mexicanas, but if you do, proper storage is key to enjoying them later! First, allow your flautas to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation which can make them soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container.

You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these shredded chicken flautas freeze beautifully. Wrap individual flautas tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, I always recommend using an oven or air fryer to bring back that fantastic crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. An air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes also works wonders, giving you perfectly reheated, crispy chicken flautas every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Flautas Mexicanas

What are chicken flautas?

Chicken Flautas Mexicanas are a delicious traditional Mexican dish consisting of corn tortillas tightly rolled around a savory chicken filling, then fried until golden brown and crispy. I think of them as rolled tacos, often served with fresh toppings like lettuce, sour cream, and salsa. They’re a fantastic, flavorful meal or appetizer that I absolutely adore making at home.

What’s the difference between chicken taquitos vs flautas?

This is a common question! The main difference between chicken taquitos vs flautas often comes down to the tortilla used. Taquitos are typically made with smaller corn tortillas, resulting in a shorter, thicker roll. Flautas, on the other hand, traditionally use larger corn or sometimes flour tortillas, making them longer and thinner, resembling a “flute” (which is what “flauta” means in Spanish). Functionally, they’re very similar—both are crispy, rolled, and filled with deliciousness!

Can I use flour tortillas for chicken flautas?

While traditional Chicken Flautas Mexicanas typically use corn tortillas, you can certainly use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be aware that flour tortillas tend to get a slightly different texture when fried—a bit chewier rather than the distinct crispness of corn. If you do use flour, make sure they are warmed to be pliable, just like corn tortillas, to prevent cracking during rolling.

What kind of chicken is best for the filling?

For the most flavorful and easy Chicken Flautas Mexicanas, I always recommend using cooked, shredded chicken. Leftover rotisserie chicken is my absolute favorite because it’s already seasoned and super tender. You can also boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs and then shred them. The key is to have finely shredded chicken that mixes well with the salsa verde and spices, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Variations of Chicken Flautas Mexicanas You Can Try

While I absolutely adore the classic fried version of Chicken Flautas Mexicanas, sometimes it’s fun to experiment with different preparations or dietary needs. These variations let you enjoy the delicious flavors of chicken flautas in new ways:

Baked Chicken Flautas: For a lighter option, try making baked chicken flautas. After rolling your flautas, instead of frying, arrange them on a baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. They get wonderfully crispy without the extra oil.
Air Fryer Flautas: My air fryer is a game-changer for quick, crispy results! Place your rolled flautas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crunchy.
Spicy Chicken Flautas: If you love a kick, add a finely minced serrano or jalapeño pepper to the chicken filling, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This instantly transforms your chicken flautas into a fiery delight.
Cheese-Filled Flautas: For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle a little shredded Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese over the chicken filling before rolling. It melts beautifully, adding a gooey texture to your delicious Chicken Flautas Mexicanas.