Easy Salsa Chicken Flautas Recipe

Indulging in these delicious salsa chicken flautas is like taking a bite out of a fiesta! This easy-to-make dish combines flavorful ingredients and comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is sure to win over your taste buds with every crunchy bite.

Growing up, Sunday dinners were a special affair in our house. Every week, my grandmother would whip up dishes that brought our family together around the table. Her secret weapon was always these chicken flautas. Packed with a robust filling, they’d disappear in seconds! Now, I’ve added my own twist with a zesty salsa that truly amps up the flavor, preserving that beloved tradition while creating new memories with my family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe packs bold flavors yet is surprisingly easy to make. You’ll love the way the crispy, golden shells contrast with the tender, flavorful chicken and tangy salsa. Perfect for when you want an impressive dish without the fuss.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have.
• Versatile: Ideal for an appetizer or a main dish.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist them.

Ingredients Notes

The key to these flautas is fresh, quality ingredients. The chicken should be nicely shredded for optimal texture.

• Chicken: A rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
• Salsa: Choose your spice level to match your personal taste.
• Cheese: Cheddar works great, as does Monterey Jack.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas hold up well in frying.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with salsa and cheese until well combined.

Step 2

Warm the tortillas in a microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable. This helps prevent cracking while rolling.

Step 3

Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly, securing with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 4

Brush each flauta with a little oil before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the flautas are golden and crispy. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Storage Options

Flautas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. For freezing, store uncooked flautas in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations & Substitutions

For a healthier twist, try baking instead of frying. You can also swap chicken for black beans for a vegetarian version. Add jalapeños for an extra kick, or mix in some avocado slices for a creamy touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these flautas with a side of fresh guacamole, sour cream, and an extra helping of salsa. They’re perfect for parties, casual dinners, or even a festive picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these flautas in advance? Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes them a convenient option for entertaining guests.

What can I serve with these flautas? They pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, a crisp salad, or a simple bean dip. For drinks, consider a tangy lime margarita or a chilled glass of water infused with cucumber and mint.

How can I ensure my flautas are crispy if I don’t want to fry them? The secret to crispy oven-baked flautas is using a brush of oil and baking them on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate all around, crisping up each flauta evenly.

Easy Salsa Chicken Flautas Recipe

A simple and delicious Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty snack.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 cups cooked shredded chicken leftover or rotisserie
• ▢ 1 cup salsa choose your preferred level of spiciness
• ▢ 8 small flour tortillas or corn tortillas
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheese Mexican blend or cheddar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt to taste
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon black pepper to taste
• ▢ 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
• Place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Add a tablespoon of shredded cheese on top.
• Roll the tortillas tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
• In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the flautas in batches until golden and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Remove flautas from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

These flautas are perfect served with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa on the side.