Flautas de Pollo (Crispy Rolled Chicken Tacos)
Local name: Flautas de pollo
In short: Shredded chicken rolled in corn tortillas, fried until crackling and served with lettuce, avocado and salsa. A crisp, make-ahead favorite. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 520 kcal
Flautas, also called tacos dorados, are tortillas rolled tightly around shredded chicken and fried until shatteringly crisp. The long, thin shape resembles a flute, which gives them their name. They are a staple of fondas and home kitchens, and the filling can be made ahead, which suits entertaining. Pile shredded lettuce, avocado and salsa on top. Use warm tortillas, since cold ones crack when rolled.
Instructions
- Heat the 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in the chicken, salsa verde and salt and cook for 3 minutes. Let the filling cool slightly. It should be moist but not wet.
- Warm the tortillas, wrapped in a damp towel, in the microwave for 30 seconds, or heat them one at a time in a dry skillet, until soft and pliable.
- Put about 2 tbsp of filling in a line along one edge of a tortilla. Roll up tightly and secure the end with a toothpick. Repeat with the rest.
- Heat 2 cm (3/4 in) of oil in a wide skillet to 180°C (350°F). Fry 3 or 4 flautas at a time, seam side down first, for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and remove the toothpicks. Serve hot on a bed of lettuce with avocado, salsa verde, radishes and lime.
Tips
- Warm the tortillas until they bend without cracking. Cold tortillas split as you roll them and leak filling into the oil.
- To freeze, roll the flautas without frying and freeze them on a tray, then bag them. Fry straight from frozen at 170°C (340°F) for 5 to 6 minutes.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between flautas and taquitos?
Flautas are rolled from larger tortillas and are longer and thinner. Taquitos are smaller. In Mexico the two names are often used interchangeably.
Can I bake flautas instead of frying them?
Yes. Brush them with oil and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once. They will be less crisp than fried ones but still good.
What other fillings can I use?
Seasoned mashed potato, refried beans, shredded beef or pork and melting cheese are all common. Keep the filling fairly dry so the tortillas stay crisp.
How long does it take to make Flautas de Pollo (Crispy Rolled Chicken Tacos)?
About 55 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Flautas de Pollo (Crispy Rolled Chicken Tacos)?
About 520 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 36 g of carbohydrates and 28 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 520 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
