Chicken Flautas Recipe

Shredded cooked chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded chicken, which can be from a rotisserie chicken or homemade. Shredded cheese: Any melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Small corn tortillas: Essential for the authentic taste and texture of flautas. Vegetable oil: Used for frying the flautas to achieve a crispy exterior.

When heating the tortillas to make them pliable, consider using a damp paper towel to cover them in the microwave. This will help retain moisture and prevent them from cracking when you roll them with the shredded chicken and cheese.

• shredded cooked chicken - Substitute with shredded cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it a suitable replacement.

• shredded cooked chicken - Substitute with shredded cooked jackfruit: Jackfruit has a meaty texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a great plant-based alternative.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan shredded cheese: Vegan cheese can mimic the texture and melting properties of regular cheese, suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with queso fresco: Queso fresco is a mild, crumbly cheese that can add a different texture and flavor to the flautas.

• small corn tortillas - Substitute with small flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll and fry.

• small corn tortillas - Substitute with whole wheat tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas offer a healthier alternative with added fiber.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a healthier option with a high smoke point, ideal for frying.

• Allow the chicken flautas to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing.
• For storing in the refrigerator:
  • Place the cooled flautas in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the flautas on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
• For freezing:
  • Arrange the cooled flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the flautas are frozen solid.
  • Transfer the frozen flautas to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Label the bag or container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the flautas on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
• For an extra crispy texture, you can also reheat the flautas in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.

• For a quicker method, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken flautas in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the chicken flautas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking to see if they are heated through.

• To reheat on the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan. Place the chicken flautas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken flautas on the rack or a baking sheet. Toast for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they heat evenly and regain their crispiness.

• Microwave: Used to heat the tortillas until they are pliable, making them easier to roll.

• Skillet: An alternative to the microwave for heating the tortillas, ensuring they are soft and pliable.

• Frying pan: Used to heat the oil and fry the flautas until they are golden brown and crispy.

• Toothpicks: Useful for securing the rolled tortillas to prevent them from unrolling during frying.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the flautas in the hot oil to ensure even cooking on all sides.

• Paper towels: Placed on a plate to drain excess oil from the fried flautas, keeping them crispy.

• Plate: Used to serve the hot flautas once they are done frying.

• Measuring cups: Essential for measuring out the shredded chicken and cheese accurately.

• Knife: Useful for shredding cooked chicken if it hasn’t been pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding the chicken.

Prepare the filling: Cook and shred the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble the flautas when you're ready to cook.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese from the store instead of shredding it yourself.

Microwave tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable, saving time compared to using a skillet.

Batch frying: Fry multiple flautas at once in a large pan to reduce cooking time.