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Shredded Chicken Flautas

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Master the art of creating authentic Mexican flautas with this comprehensive chicken flautas recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results at home. These crispy, golden cylinders filled with perfectly seasoned shredded chicken represent one of Mexico’s most beloved comfort foods, offering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that make them irresistible.

How to Cook Shredded Chicken Flautas

Ingredients

Ingredients Shredded Chicken Flautas

For the Flautas Chicken Filling:

  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 large white onion, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano

For Assembly:

  • 20-24 corn tortillas (6-inch diameter)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • Toothpicks for securing

For Serving:

  • Mexican crema or sour cream
  • Salsa verde or red salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Crumbled queso fresco

Step-by-Step Instructions Shredded Chicken Flautas

How To Make Shredded Chicken Flautas

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Place chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches.
  2. Add quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon salt to the pot.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Remove chicken from the pot and let cool slightly, reserving the cooking liquid for later use.
  5. Shred the chicken using two forks, creating fine, uniform strands that will fill the tortillas easily.

Season the Filling:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the shredded chicken along with ½ cup of the reserved cooking liquid.
  2. Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and oregano, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
  3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the chicken is well-seasoned.
  4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt if necessary.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before assembling the flautas.

Prepare the Tortillas:

  1. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side to make them pliable.
  2. Alternatively, wrap tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds to soften.
  3. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Work with one tortilla at a time to prevent them from becoming brittle.

Assemble the Mexican Flautas:

  1. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoned chicken along one edge of each tortilla.
  2. Sprinkle a small amount of cheese and chopped cilantro over the chicken filling.
  3. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, starting from the edge with the chicken.
  4. Secure the seam with a toothpick to prevent the flauta from unrolling during frying.
  5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, placing completed flautas on a plate seam-side down.

Fry the Flautas:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully place 4-5 flautas in the oil, seam-side down first to seal properly.
  3. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then turn carefully with tongs.
  4. Continue frying for another 2-3 minutes until all sides are crispy and golden.
  5. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  6. Remove toothpicks immediately while flautas are still hot.

Serve Immediately:

  1. Arrange flautas on a serving platter while still warm and crispy.
  2. Serve with small bowls of Mexican crema, salsa, and guacamole for dipping.
  3. Garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco.
  4. Provide lime wedges for squeezing over the flautas before eating.

What Are Flautas

What Are Flautas

Understanding what are flautas helps appreciate this beloved flauta Mexican dish that has become a staple in Mexican cuisine. The word “flauta” means “flute” in Spanish, referring to the cylindrical shape these rolled tortillas create when properly assembled. This flautas Mexican dish consists of tortillas filled with various ingredients, rolled tightly, and fried until crispy and golden.

Traditional Mexican flautas differ from similar dishes like taquitos primarily in their size and preparation method. While taquitos are typically smaller and made with flour tortillas, authentic flautas use corn tortillas and are generally longer, creating a more substantial meal. The frying process creates a distinctive crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful filling inside.

Nutritional Considerations and Modifications

Nutritions Shredded Chicken Flautas

Healthier Alternatives: While traditional frying creates the most authentic flavor, baking offers a lighter alternative that still produces satisfying results. Brush assembled flautas with oil before baking to promote browning and crispiness.

Protein Variations: Substitute the chicken with shredded beef, pork carnitas, or seasoned beans for variety. Each protein requires slightly different seasoning approaches but follows the same basic preparation method.

Dietary Accommodations: For gluten-free diets, ensure corn tortillas are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat flour. Dairy-free versions can omit cheese or substitute with plant-based alternatives that melt well.

This authentic chicken flautas recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your kitchen, creating a dish that’s both comforting and impressive enough for special occasions.

Jennifer Glover
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