Demystifying the Delicious Chicken Flauta

Chicken flautas are a crispy, flavorful treat that have become a staple in Mexican restaurants across the globe But what exactly is a chicken flauta? And what makes it different from its close cousins like taquitos and chimichangas? In this article, I’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about chicken flautas

What is a Chicken Flauta?

A chicken flauta is a rolled and fried tortilla that has chicken that has been spiced and other tasty things inside it. Its name comes from the Spanish word for “flute” or “recorder,” which is a good way to describe the long, cylindrical shape of the dish. Spread chicken that has been seasoned on a tortilla, roll it up into a tight cylinder, and then fry it until the outside is golden brown and crispy.

The end result is a satisfying mix of tastes and textures, with a crunchy outside and a juicy, savory middle. When served with traditional Mexican sides like rice and beans, flautas are a great way to start a meal, a snack, or even a main course. They look a lot like their close relative, the taquito, but their diameter is usually a bit bigger.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Flautas

While variations abound, a classic chicken flauta contains just a few core ingredients

• Tortillas – Usually corn tortillas are preferred, but flour tortillas can also be used, especially in the Americanized versions. The tortilla acts as the wrap that holds everything together.

• Shredded chicken: Thighs or breasts of cooked chicken that have been cut up and seasoned. Chicken provides the base flavor and texture.

• Spices and seasonings – Onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt are commonly used to add lots of Mexican flair.

• Cheese—Oaxaca, queso fresco, or cheddar cheese is often added to the chicken or topped with it to make it creamier and tastier.

• Salsa or chiles – For some heat and an extra kick of flavor, chopped green chiles or salsa are frequently mixed into the filling.

• Toppings – The finishing touches like guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, etc.

How Are Chicken Flautas Made?

Making chicken flautas is a relatively simple process, perfect for whetting your appetite before digging into the finished product. Just follow these basic steps:

1. Prep the fillings – Start by cooking and shredding chicken breasts or thighs. Then mix the shredded chicken in a bowl with desired seasonings, salsa or chiles, cheese, etc.

2. Warm the tortillas – Heat them until soft and pliable so they roll easily without cracking. The microwave works great for this.

3. Roll ’em up – Place some of the filling onto the bottom third of the tortilla, then roll it up nice and tight. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

4. Fry ’em – In medium hot oil (350°F), fry the flautas until golden brown, flipping occasionally. This gives them their signature crunch!

5. Finish with toppings – Top with desired garnishes like guacamole, crema, shredded lettuce. Enjoy your handheld flute of flavor!

Flautas vs. Taquitos – What’s the Difference?

Taquitos and flautas are very similar in concept – both are filled, rolled, and fried tortillas. So what sets them apart? There are a few key differences:

• Tortillas – Flautas use larger, thinner tortillas (usually corn) and wrap more tightly for a long, thin cylinder. Taquitos are generally smaller in diameter and can use corn or flour tortillas.

• Size – Due to the thinner tortilla, flautas tend to be longer and slimmer than taquitos.

• Frying – Flautas are most often deep-fried, while taquitos can also be baked.

• Fillings – Although chicken is common for both, taquitos can have a greater variety of fillings like beef, pork, potatoes, etc.

Regional Variations of Chicken Flautas

One of the great things about flautas is how they take on local flavors and ingredients in different parts of Mexico and the American Southwest. Here are some of the tasty regional varieties:

• Northern Mexico – Flour tortillas and white cheese are common here. They also tend to be larger.

• Central Mexico – Corn tortillas and spicy salsa fillings give these flautas a kick. Oaxaca cheese is popular.

• Southern Mexico – Smaller, thinner flautas with tangy pickled onions and jalapeños mixed into the chicken.

• New Mexico – Green chiles and melted cheese are stuffed into the center for an explosion of Southwest flavor.

• California – Avocado, queso fresco, and crema add a California twist. Cilantro-lime rice on the side!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Flautas

Chicken flautas lend themselves to endless creative presentations. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:

• For appetizers, cut the flautas into bite-sized pieces and serve them with fun dipping sauces.

• Make it a meal by pairing flautas with Mexican rice, beans, salad, and chips and salsa. Great weeknight dinner!

• For parties, use larger tortillas and fillings to make “flauta bites” – bigger appetizer portions perfect for sharing.

• For a fun twist, wrap different fillings (think breakfast! – eggs, potato, bacon) in different colored tortillas like spinach or tomato.

• For kids, flautas go great with taco fixings or nachos. The mini size makes them fun finger food.

The possibilities are endless with these Mexican eats. Now that you’re a chicken flauta expert, get rolling in the kitchen and enjoy this crave-worthy fiesta! ¿Qué aproveche!