Recipe Notes

Pro Tips For Perfect Flautas

1. You can use Rotisserie Chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts. Make sure you add the same spices however, and proceed to adding the cheese.
2. Make sure to fully coat the tortillas with enough oil and coat it all over. This ensures that it will crips up nicely, in the same way as deep-frying it would (though this method reduces the amount of oil needed).
3. When you are placing your flautas' in the oven, place them with the seam side (or tortilla edge) down. This stops the wraps from unraveling while cooking. Alternatively, you could use toothpicks to secure them whilst cooking.
4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave very slightly before brushing them with oil. Doing this makes them easier to work with, and it will be easier to roll tortilla.
5. Don't overfill your tortillas with the filling; you will find it hard to roll them, and they are more likely to unravel in the cooking process.
6. Pat tortillas dry and warm them to make rolling easier and avoid soggy flautas.
7. Make sure your filling is evenly distributed to prevent bursting during frying.
8. If you're deep frying, oil temperature is key. Too cool will result in greasy and soggy flautas, while too hot will have a burnt outside and raw inside.

Flautas Variations

• Cheesy Chicken Flautas: Add shredded cheese inside before rolling
• Spicy Flautas: Mix in diced jalapeños or chipotle for heat
• Vegetable Flautas: Substitute or add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach

Whats the difference between Flautas and Taquitos?

There isn't a huge difference, really. Flautas use flour torillas while Taqitos use corn tortillas. However, many restaurants use them interchangeably. However, I recommend using flour tortillas for this recipe.

How do you pronounce flautas?

It's not as difficult to pronounce as you might initially think. It's pronounced: Fl -ow-tahs.

How to roll Flautas?

Once you have placed your filling in the middle of the tortilla (not too full), fold the sides in. This makes sure your filling won't leak out. Once the sides have been folded in, roll the tortilla. Immediately place the tortilla seam side down on the baking tray, so it doesn't unravel.

Fried vs. baked flautas, which to do?

Traditionally, flautas' would be deep-fried. They taste absolutely delicious. My recipe, also delicious bakes the flautas'. This recipe still uses oil to get them to crisp up nicely, though just not nearly as much as deep-frying. The air fryer will also give them this great crisp without using as much oil as the deep fryer. Baking or using the air fryer is definitely the healthier option and less messy than deep-frying, in my opinion.

Can I freeze Flautas?

Yes! Chicken Flautas are great to prepare and freeze raw, or even bake and freeze them after they've cooled down from baking. If you're freezing them raw, go ahead and bake them straight from frozen adding 3-4 minutes more on your baking time.

If you're freezing them cooked, then simply heat them back in the oven once they've defrosted for 2 minutes. 

Can I make chicken flautas ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate; fry or bake just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Party platters with guacamole, salsa, Mango Pico De Gallo, Pineapple Salsa or sour cream
• Appetizers for game day or gatherings
• Side dish for Mexican inspired meals
• Pair with Mexican rice, Black beans, or our HIT Mexican street corn salad

Why do my flautas burst during frying?

Overfilling or loose rolling causes bursting. Roll tightly and tuck edges.

Why are my flautas soggy?

Oil too cool or tortillas too wet. Fry immediately and ensure oil is 350°F. Pat dry before rolling. If baking, make sure to brush enough oil.

Why is the chicken filling dry?

Use a little lime juice, sauce, or cheese to add moisture.

Why is the oil splattering?

Wet tortillas or filling. Pat dry and fry at correct temperature.

Why are baked flautas less crispy?

Brush lightly with oil and use a wire rack for airflow to improve crispiness.