Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas

There’s something extraordinary about the joy of making Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas in the cozy warmth of your kitchen. I still remember the first time I attempted to make these delightful rolls; the smell of seasoned chicken sizzling filled my home, evoking memories of family gatherings and hearty laughter. Flautas have a special place in my heart, as they remind me of weekends spent sharing meals with loved ones. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is—perfect for a casual dinner, a festive celebration, or even a game day snack. You can dress them up with your favorite toppings or keep them simple, and they still shine. If you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful dish that brings everyone together, look no further than these Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas

Creating Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas is all about combining fresh, vibrant ingredients that work harmoniously. The key players, like chicken, cheese, and tortillas, come together to create a satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor. The spices bring warmth, while the toppings add freshness and creaminess, making every bite a delightful adventure.

• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs: Tender and juicy, the chicken serves as the heart of the flautas, soaking up all the wonderful spices.
• 1 cup water: This helps in cooking the chicken and creating a delicious broth that infuses flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin: A warm spice that adds depth and richness to the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
• 1 teaspoon chile powder: Brings a delightful heat and color to the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes: For those who enjoy a bit more spice, these flakes elevate the flautas.
• 1 (4 1/2-ounce) can chopped green chiles: Adds a mild heat and a lovely texture to the filling.
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Sweet and crunchy, the corn balances the savory flavors in the filling.
• 1/2 small red onion, diced: Provides a sharp, fresh taste that enhances the overall filling.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 2 cups shredded cheese (such as gouda or monterey jack): Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to each flauta.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A finishing touch that rounds out the flavor.
• 12 medium sized flour tortillas: The base for our flautas, holding all the delicious filling inside.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Used for frying, ensuring a crispy outer layer.
• Sour cream and guacamole, for serving: These creamy toppings add freshness and enhance the overall flavor experience.

Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas Instructions

Preparing Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas is an enjoyable process that culminates in a beautiful dish. Each step is straightforward, and soon you’ll have a plate full of crispy, golden goodness. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This temperature will be perfect for cooking the chicken, allowing it to become tender.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken right from the start.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s beautifully browned on all sides, about three minutes per side. You want that lovely golden color!
4. Add 1 cup of water and the spices: cumin, garlic powder, chile powder, and red chile flakes. Cover the pot and bake until the chicken is cooked through, roughly twenty to twenty-five minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot, reserving the juices. Set it aside to cool until you can handle it. Take this time to enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
6. Once cool, shred the chicken finely, removing any bones or skin if necessary. This shredded chicken will be the star filling of your flautas.
7. Return the pot to the burner over medium-high heat. Cook the reserved juices until they have reduced by half. You want to intensify the flavor, which will be added to the filling later.
8. Transfer the reduced juices to a heat-proof dish or measuring cup and set aside to cool. Skim off any excess fat, if you can. This will give you a cleaner taste in the filling.
9. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green chiles, corn, red onion, garlic, cheese, and the spices. Add about half to two-thirds of the thickened pan sauce to taste and toss everything together until well combined.
10. In a large pan over moderate heat, warm 1/4 cup of vegetable oil until it shimmers. Meanwhile, take one of the tortillas and place about two tablespoons of the filling onto it. Roll it up tightly and secure with a toothpick. Repeat this for all the filling.
11. Working in batches, pan-fry the rolled flautas until they’re golden brown and the filling is warm, about three minutes on each side. Make sure to wipe the pan clean and add more oil as needed between batches.
12. Drain the cooked flautas on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Arrange them on a platter, or serve two per plate. Finally, enjoy with dollops of sour cream and guacamole on the side!

Helpful Notes about Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas

When it comes to preparing Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas, having a few handy tips can make all the difference. From storage to variations, here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Storage: Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: Flautas can be frozen before frying. Just thaw and fry straight from the freezer for a quick meal.
• Pairing: Serve your flautas with a side of Spanish rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Variations: Feel free to switch up the filling with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
• Leftover Chicken: Use leftover roast chicken for an even quicker filling option.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses for various flavor profiles – pepper jack for heat or cheddar for a classic taste.

Serving This Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas

Serving Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas can be as creative as making them! Here are some ideas to make your meal truly special:

• Garnish with Fresh: Top your flautas with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve with Dips: Pair with sour cream and guacamole for a creamy contrast to the crunchy textures.
• Accompany with Sides: Consider serving alongside a zesty garden salad or some Mexican-style rice to round out the meal.
• Occasional Treat: These flautas are perfect for casual get-togethers or family movie nights, making them versatile for any occasion.
• Kids Friendly: Serve them at children’s parties; they’re a hit with kids, and you can include a variety of dips for them to enjoy.
• Seasonal Flair: In the summer, pair with a refreshing corn salad to complement the flautas beautifully.

FAQ

Conclusion

Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas are a delightful addition to any meal, bursting with flavor and texture. Their golden, crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the savory filling, creating an irresistible dish that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try making these at home; they’re easier than you think! Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family over, and enjoy this delicious treat together. You’ll find that they quickly become a favorite in your household!

Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas

The ultimate comfort food, Crispy Pan Fried Chicken Flautas are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Packed with seasoned chicken and cheese, these flautas make for a fantastic weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. Try them tonight and taste the difference!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chile powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes
• 1 can chopped green chiles 4 1/2 ounces
• 1 cup frozen corn thawed
• 1/2 small red onion diced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2 cups shredded cheese gouda or monterey jack
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 12 medium sized flour tortillas
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• to taste sour cream for serving
• to taste guacamole for serving

Equipment

• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until brown on all sides (about 3 minutes per side).
4. Add 1 cup of water and spices. Cover and bake until chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Remove chicken from pot (reserving juices) and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove bones and skin (if there are any), and finely shred.
6. Return pot to burner over medium-high heat. Cook until juices have reduced by half. Transfer to a heat-proof dish or measuring cup, and set aside to cool.
7. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, green chiles, corn, red onion, garlic, cheese, and spices. Add 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup of thickened pan sauce (to taste). Toss until well combined.
8. In a large pan over moderate heat, warm 1/4 cup of vegetable oil until it shimmers. Meanwhile, put 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling into each tortilla, roll, and secure with a toothpick.
9. Working in batches (wipe the pan clean and add 1/4 cup fresh oil between batches), pan-fry until the tortillas are golden brown and the mixture is warm, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel.
10. Transfer to a platter (or serve 2 per plate), and serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Tip 2: Flautas can be frozen before frying. Just thaw and fry straight from the freezer for a quick meal.
• Tip 3: Serve your flautas with a side of Spanish rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to switch up the filling with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
• Tip 5: Use leftover roast chicken for an even quicker filling option.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.