Flautas de Pollo: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Mexican Delight
If you’ve ever craved that crispy, savory taste of authentic Mexican street food, then flautas de pollo might just be your new favorite dish. These delicious chicken-filled tortillas, fried to golden perfection, offer a perfect crunchy texture . And the best part? You can easily make them at home.
In this post, we’re going to walk you through the steps of making flautas de pollo, share some tips for getting that perfect crunch, and explore different ways you can serve them for a meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive in!
What are Flautas de Pollo?
In case you’re new to flautas, they’re essentially rolled-up tortillas filled with seasoned chicken and then fried until crispy. The word “flauta” means “flute” in Spanish, which perfectly describes the long, narrow shape of these tasty treats. Traditionally, flautas de pollo are made with corn tortillas, but flour tortillas work slightly different texture.
While this dish is simple in concept, there’s so much you can do to customize it to your liking. Want to mix in some cheese with your chicken? Go for it. Prefer a little heat? Add some jalapeños. Whether you’re a fan of mild or spicy, you can revise this recipe to fit your taste buds perfectly.
How to Make Flautas de Pollo at Home
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making flautas de pollo. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried making them before. This recipe is easy, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these all the time.
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if you prefer)
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup of grated cheese (optional)
- ½ cup salsa or tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by shredding your cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken for convenience. Season the chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat all the pieces.
Fill the Tortillas: Lay out the tortillas and place a small amount of the chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla. Add some cheese if you like that gooey, melty goodness in your flautas. Roll each tortilla tightly to form a flute shape.
Fry the Flautas: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the rolled tortillas in the pan seam-side down to prevent them from unrolling. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re crispy and have that perfect crunch when you bite into them.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the flautas on paper towels to drain. This step helps keep them crispy without being greasy.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your flautas de pollo with your favorite toppings. We recommend a dollop of sour cream, some guacamole, or even a sprinkle of cilantro to brighten up the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Flautas de Pollo
While flautas de pollo are simple to make, a few tips can really elevate your dish and make it unforgettable.
Use Tortillas
Tortillas are easier to roll. If your tortillas feel stiff, you can warm them in a dry skillet or microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up before rolling.
Don’t Overfill
It’s tempting to stuff your flautas with as much chicken and cheese as possible, but overfilling can make it harder to keep them rolled up. Stick to a moderate amount of filling so the tortillas don’t burst open while frying.
Try Baking for a Healthier Option
If want a lighter version, you can bake your flautas instead of frying them. Simply brush the rolled tortillas with a little oil and bake them in a oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Why Flautas de Pollo Are Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about flautas is their versatility. They’re perfect for:
- Family dinners: Serve with rice, beans, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Game day snacks: Flautas make excellent finger food for parties or game days. Just serve them with a selection of dips like guacamole, salsa, and queso.
- Meal prep: You can make flautas and freeze them for later. Just reheat in air fryer or the oven when you’re ready for a quick and satisfying meal.
And don’t forget to make enough for leftovers—they reheat beautifully!
Flautas and Other Mexican Favorites
If you’re a fan of Mexican street food, then flautas de pollo should definitely be on your list. But if you want to explore more flavors, you can also try making Tequeños, a Venezuelan cheese-filled treat that’s just as crispy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Flautas de pollo bring together all the best flavors of Mexican cuisine in one crunchy, delicious bite. Whether you’re enjoying them for a casual weeknight meal or serving them at a party, they’re always a hit. The combination of seasoned chicken, crispy tortillas, and rich toppings is simply irresistible.
Plus, once you master this recipe, you’ll have endless opportunities to experiment. Maybe next time, try mixing things up with a different filling, or pair them with a bold side dish like a fresh Tequeños. Whatever you choose, you really can’t go wrong with these tasty flutes of flavor.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some tortillas and get cooking!
