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Crispy flour tortillas filled with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese and mild green chiles make these authentic Mexican flautas irresistible. Each golden-brown roll delivers the perfect combination of crunch and flavorful filling. Made with simple ingredients and traditional techniques, these flautas bring restaurant-quality taste straight to your family's table.
This treasured family recipe has been perfected over countless gatherings. The simple but authentic preparation method ensures consistently delicious results that vanish quickly from the serving platter.
Key Ingredients
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Provides rich, pre-cooked meat that stays moist
- Monterey Jack: Creamy melting cheese that binds the filling
- Fresh flour tortillas: Create the signature crispy shell
- Diced green chiles: Add mild heat and authentic flavor
- Mexican seasonings: Blend of traditional spices
- Frying oil: For achieving golden-brown perfection
Preparation Method
- Season the Chicken:
- Mix shredded chicken thoroughly with Mexican spices until evenly coated. The seasoning should enhance the natural chicken flavor.
- Combine Filling:
- Fold in room temperature cheese and drained green chiles. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed throughout.
- Fill Tortillas:
- Place filling slightly off-center on each tortilla. The proper amount and placement ensures easy rolling.
- Rolling Method:
- Roll tortillas tightly around filling, maintaining even pressure. Secure with toothpicks to prevent unraveling.
- Frying Technique:
- Heat oil to 375°F. Fry in small batches until golden brown, turning for even cooking. Listen for a gentle sizzle throughout frying.
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This recipe carries forward traditional Mexican cooking methods passed down through generations. The familiar scent of frying flautas brings back cherished memories of family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy flautas with classic accompaniments like fresh guacamole, Mexican crema, and homemade pico de gallo. Add pickled vegetables or Mexican rice to create a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with traditional Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca or Chihuahua. Add sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition, or substitute shredded beef or pork for the chicken.
Storage Instructions
Store cooled flautas in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
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Success with flautas comes from attention to technique: proper oil temperature, tight rolling, and careful timing. When prepared with care, these crispy rolls consistently deliver authentic Mexican flavors that bring people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How far in advance can I make these flautas?
- You can get the filling ready and assemble the flautas a day ahead, but wait to fry them until you’re ready to serve so they stay crispy.
- → How do I keep fried flautas crunchy?
- While frying the rest, pop the cooked flautas onto a baking sheet in a 250°F oven to keep them warm and crispy.
- → Can I swap flour tortillas for corn ones?
- Yes! Just warm the corn tortillas a bit so they don’t crack when rolling. They’ll give the flautas a more traditional flavor.
- → What’s a good rotisserie chicken substitute?
- Any cooked and shredded chicken works! Try using poached chicken breasts or leftover grilled chicken for a similar effect.
- → Can I bake these instead of frying?
- Absolutely! Brush them with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While not as crisp as frying, they’ll still taste great.