READY IN 1 hr

Crispy Flautas

Read Reviews (12)

"I always order flautas at restaurants but have yet to see a recipe anywhere that makes them the way I like them - crispy. Instead of baking them, this recipe uses a deep fryer. It melds the flavors together and makes them extra crunchy. Serve with rice, salad, or whatever side dish you desire. " — KIWICOTTONBALL

Directions

Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the bell pepper and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and stir in the chicken breast. Cook and stir until the chicken breast is no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in the Cheddar cheese, then remove from heat, and set aside.
Lightly brush each corn tortilla will a layer of salsa. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line along the bottom edge of the tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla into a cylinder, and secure the ends with one or two toothpicks. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a large skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Fry the flautas in the preheated oil, no more than 4 at a time, until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Drain the flautas on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard toothpicks and top finished flautas with remaining salsa.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 25 mins
COOK 35 mins
READY IN 1 hr

Footnotes

Editor's Note
We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.
Cook's Note
Occasionally after filling all the tortillas you may find that you have some extra meat mixture left over. If you don't feel like opening another pack of tortillas, you can simply refrigerate the meat mixture. It keeps very well.

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Feb 24, 2012

Traditionally I do believe Flautas are made with flour tortillas and Taquitos with corn tortillas. At least in Southern California these would be considered taquitos. I used cooked left over chicken. Minced very small. Minced the onion and bell pepper small. Cooked the onion, bell pepper - added the chicken and taco seasoning and cooked a bit. Added about 1/4 cup water and cooked it down - add a little more water if it seems to be drying out. Take off the heat and stir in the cheese. For the tortillas - I heated the oil and dipped each tortilla briefly in the hot oil - remove quickly so they don't start to brown. Place a spoonful of chicken on to each tortilla roll up and place seam side down on paper towels. Do NOT overfill. Once all the tortillas are rolled start frying by placing into the oil seam side DOWN - 3 or 4 at a time - this seals the tortilla. Once brown and crispy, flip and fry the other side. Drain on paper towels and serve with salsa on the side.

—Baking Nana

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Jan 14, 2013

All though this looks good it's more like taquitos than flautas. I order flautas at my fave Mexican restaurant which uses flour tortillas instead of corn. And I prefer beef over chicken. However I would love to try it with corn. Thanks for posting the recipe.

—ryansmom

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16 Ratings

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Jul 01, 2010

I just made this recipe because I was tired of the same old chicken recipes. I used flour tortillas though instead of corn because that's all I had in the house and they were wonderful. I had some friends stop in and they also loved them and wanted the recipe.

—kvinso1

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Aug 05, 2010

These are excellent. The meat has just enough flavor and the salsa adds a nice touch. The only problem I had with mine was rolling the corn tortillas because they are so thin. My advice is dont buy the cheap ones because they tear really easily. Other than that I will DEFINATELY be making these again

—Meganlove85

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Apr 12, 2011

This is the way my Mom used to make them when we were little. I know it's not the healthiest, but hey, when do you usually eat flautas? I eat them with some guacamole and cream on the side. So delish!

—YumLover

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Apr 01, 2012

I made these using green Enchillada sauce, and some cumin for seasoning, instead of the Taco seasoning and water and they were delicious.I also used flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas I will definately make this again. They were even better the next day after sitting for a while in the fridge- I just reheated them in the oven to keep them crispy ( don't reheat in the microwave or they will go soggy). Served with lots of guacamole and they were to die for

—Aleblanc

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Nov 19, 2011

Made these and they tasted great. I didn't have boneless chicken breast. I used 2 cans of chunk chicken. It worked fine a little less time cooking chicken. I will be buying better tortillas mine were breaking on the roll. I think if you heat them in microwave for a bit it helps. I'll try the Ortega brand next time. No complaints in this house LOL

—Jreyes360

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Nov 03, 2012

Yes. Baking Nana is correct. Flautas Are flour tortillas not corn. So with that said, I too had leftover chicken. I added a couple teaspoon of dried onion, chicken tacos seasoning and some chipotle powder. I didn't bother with toothpicks, just held them together with tongs till they could hold their own shape. Drained and served with guacamole n sour cream. I made Fideo to go with it. Delish! Thanks KCB

—Patty Cakes

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Nutrition

Calories
321 kcal
16%

Carbohydrates
28.2 g
9%

Cholesterol
49 mg
16%

Fat
14.2 g
22%

Fiber
4 g
16%

Protein
20.5 g
41%

Sodium
717 mg
29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Crispy Flautas

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 321
Calories from Fat: 128

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14.2g 22 %
Saturated Fat 3.7g 18 %
Cholesterol 49mg 16 %
Sodium 717mg 29 %
** Potassium 350mg 10 %
Total Carbohydrates 28.2g 9 %
Dietary Fiber 4g 16 %
Protein 20.5g 41 %
** Sugars 3.2g
** Vitamin A 5 %
** Vitamin C 16 %
** Calcium 16 %
** Iron 13 %
** Thiamin 10 %
** Niacin 68 %
** Vitamin B6 24 %
** Magnesium 20 %
** Folate 6 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.