Authentic Crispy Chicken Flautas (Flautas de Pollo) with Tangy Jalapeño Sour Cream

Indulge in the irresistible crunch of homemade Flautas de Pollo, a beloved Mexican classic perfect for family meals and a brilliant way to transform leftover chicken. These golden, crispy rolled tacos are delicious on their own, but truly shine when paired with a zesty, creamy jalapeño sour cream that adds a perfect kick.

There’s something uniquely comforting about a plate of perfectly golden, crispy flautas. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, stirring fond memories of my childhood. My mom’s simple yet incredibly flavorful sour cream sauce, which we’d liberally dunk our flautas into, made every meal an event. While I know many ways to prepare these crunchy delights – you can even explore my delicious Pork Flautas recipe for another fantastic variation – chicken flautas remain a family favorite.

The combination of tender, seasoned shredded chicken encased in a perfectly fried, crunchy corn tortilla is simply divine. It’s a dish that appeals to everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most seasoned foodies. Best of all, they’re incredibly straightforward to make, especially if you have some pre-cooked chicken on hand. Let’s dive in and I’ll show you just how easy it is to bring this Mexican staple to your dinner table!

What Exactly Are Flautas?

You might have encountered this incredibly popular Mexican dish under several names: taquitos, rolled tacos, or as we affectionately call them in my family, flautas. While often used interchangeably, flautas generally refer to the longer, more “flute-like” versions, particularly when made with corn tortillas and fried until crisp. The name “flautas” itself is Spanish for “flutes,” aptly describing their slender, tubular shape, reminiscent of the musical instrument.

At their core, flautas are tightly rolled corn tortillas filled with a savory mixture, then deep-fried, pan-fried, baked, or air-fried until they achieve that characteristic golden crispness. Traditional fillings vary widely across Mexico and include a rich assortment of ingredients such as shredded chicken, succulent pork, seasoned potatoes, or flavorful beef. Once cooked, they become a perfect vehicle for an array of toppings, from fresh lettuce and diced tomatoes to creamy guacamole and, of course, a generous dollop of our tangy jalapeño sour cream.

Why You’ll Adore These Chicken Flautas

This Chicken Flautas recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to the kitchen and the dining table. Here’s why these crispy rolled tacos will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:

• Deliciously Golden and Perfectly Crispy: Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to a warm, tender, and perfectly seasoned shredded chicken filling. These flautas offer an irresistible texture and flavor combination that’s simply addictive. Each bite promises a satisfying crunch!
• Remarkably Easy to Make: Don’t let their impressive appearance fool you; these rolled tacos are surprisingly quick and simple to assemble and prepare. The process becomes even more effortless if you use pre-cooked or leftover chicken, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option for busy schedules.
• Minimal, Wholesome Ingredients: You won’t need a pantry full of exotic items for this recipe. At their heart, flautas require just corn tortillas, your choice of chicken, and cooking oil. Simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.
• A Guaranteed Kid-Friendly Favorite: My children absolutely adore chicken flautas, and I’m confident yours will too! Their fun, easy-to-hold shape and straightforward flavor profile make them an ideal meal for little ones. They’re perfect for dipping and eating with hands, which kids always love.
• An Excellent Way to Use Up Leftovers: Have some shredded chicken from last night’s dinner? This recipe is your answer! Utilizing leftover chicken not only minimizes food waste but also significantly streamlines the dinner preparation process, making your meal planning much less stressful.
• Versatile Cooking Methods for Every Preference: While I personally favor the unmatched crunch of pan-fried flautas, I understand the desire for healthier alternatives. That’s why I’ve included detailed instructions for both baking and air-frying, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your lifestyle and preferences without sacrificing flavor.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Made exclusively with corn tortillas, this recipe is inherently gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking to incorporate more naturally gluten-free dishes into their diet.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Flautas

Crafting these delectable chicken flautas requires just a few key components, many of which you might already have on hand. Quality ingredients are the foundation of any great dish, and these are no exception:

• Corn Tortillas: The backbone of our flautas! Choose your favorite brand of corn tortillas, but a crucial tip: avoid those labeled “extra soft.” These tend to be too delicate, breaking easily during rolling and frying. Opt for regular, sturdy corn tortillas that can hold up to the process. Warming them properly beforehand is key to making them pliable.
• Shredded Chicken: This is where convenience meets flavor. You can easily prepare fresh shredded chicken (from breasts or thighs), or take advantage of kitchen shortcuts. Leftover shredded chicken from a previous meal works perfectly, or simply shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken for an incredibly fast and flavorful filling. Ensure your chicken is seasoned well for the best taste.
• Oil for Frying: A neutral or mild-flavored oil with a high smoke point is essential for achieving that perfect golden crisp without any burnt flavors. My personal preference is avocado oil due to its high smoke point and numerous health benefits. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil are also great alternatives.
• Toothpicks: While not an ingredient, these small tools are invaluable! They act as tiny pins, securely holding your tightly rolled tortillas together during the initial frying stages, preventing them from unraveling and spilling their delicious chicken filling.
• Jalapeño Sour Cream: This creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy sauce is the perfect accompaniment. It’s made by blending Mexican sour cream with pickled jalapeño peppers and a touch of their brine, creating a vibrant flavor that beautifully cuts through the richness of the fried flautas.
• Optional Garnishes: Elevate your flautas with a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings. Classic choices include crisp shredded lettuce and juicy diced tomatoes. For more ideas, explore the “Serve” section below!

Refer to the recipe card for precise quantities.

Clever Substitutions & Variations

One of the beauties of flautas is their adaptability. Feel free to customize them to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Protein Alternatives: While chicken is classic, you can easily substitute it with other delicious proteins. Consider using savory shredded beef or rich Mexican shredded pork for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Options: Flautas don’t always need meat! They are equally delicious when filled with cheese or a variety of vegetables. For inspiration, check out these creative Poblano, Corn, and Queso Fresco Taquitos from Hola Jalapeño. You could also use seasoned mashed potatoes, black beans, or a mix of roasted veggies.
• Sour Cream Swap: If authentic Mexican sour cream isn’t readily available in your area, don’t worry! You can achieve a similar creamy consistency by using a cup of regular sour cream thinned out with about ¼ cup of milk (or half-and-half) until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.

Making crispy chicken flautas at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to create a batch of these golden delights:

1. Prepare Your Chicken Filling

• If using leftover shredded chicken, ensure it’s warmed slightly if it’s been refrigerated. This makes it easier to work with and ensures even heating. If starting from scratch, you can quickly cook chicken breasts or thighs by boiling or simmering them until tender, then shredding. Season your chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of cumin for authentic flavor.

2. Soften the Tortillas for Rolling

• Heat a comal (a flat griddle or a heavy-bottomed pan) over medium heat. Once hot, individually warm each corn tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side until it becomes soft, pliable, and flexible. This crucial step prevents the tortillas from cracking or breaking when you roll them. Be careful not to let them get crispy at this stage.
• Alternatively, you can heat a stack of tortillas wrapped in a clean, damp kitchen towel or a tortilla warmer in the microwave for about 1 minute. This ensures they stay warm and soft while you work.

3. Fill and Roll Tightly

• Lay a warm, pliable tortilla flat. Place about a tablespoon of shredded chicken filling along one edge of the tortilla. Don’t overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and cause the flautas to burst.
• Starting from the filled edge, roll the tortilla up as tightly as possible. A tight roll is essential for a crispy flauta that holds its shape.
• Secure the rolled tortilla with a toothpick. To prevent unrolling, I like to weave the toothpick in and out, similar to a basic sewing stitch, ensuring both sides of the tortilla are firmly held.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection

• In a heavy-bottomed medium-sized pan or a cast-iron skillet, heat about a half-inch of your chosen oil over medium heat. The ideal oil temperature for frying flautas is around 350°F (175°C). You can use an oil thermometer or test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of tortilla into it; if it immediately sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready. Do not let the oil start smoking.
• Using tongs, carefully place a few flautas into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they achieve a beautiful, even golden-brown color and are wonderfully crispy. Flip them once to ensure even cooking.

5. Drain Excess Oil

• Once your flautas are a light golden color and perfectly crispy, carefully remove them from the oil using tongs. Transfer them to a bowl or round pan lined with several layers of paper towels. Stand them upright if possible; this helps to drain any excess oil more effectively, ensuring maximum crispness.

6. Serve & Garnish

• These flautas are best enjoyed immediately after frying for optimal crunch and flavor. Drizzle them generously with the tangy jalapeño sour cream, or serve the cream on the side for dipping.
• Enhance your flautas with a variety of fresh garnishes. Classic choices include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado. For added flavor and texture, consider crumbled queso fresco, a dollop of extra sour cream, or a sprinkle of bright, tangy Mexican pickled red onions. A vibrant jalapeño salsa also makes a fantastic topping.

Mastering Your Flautas: Expert Cooking Tips

• While I advocate for the superior crispness of pan-frying, there are fantastic alternatives for those seeking a healthier approach.
• To Bake for Crispness: For baked flautas, generously brush each rolled taco with cooking oil or spray thoroughly with cooking spray. Arrange them on a baking sheet, seam-side down, to help them maintain their shape. Bake in a preheated 425ºF (220°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden and crispy.
• To Air-Fry for Convenience: Air-frying is a quick and efficient method. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the taquitos seam-side down in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded (you may need to work in batches). Spray or brush them generously with oil. Air-fry at 400ºF (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are perfectly crispy and golden.
• Keep Warm During Frying: If you’re frying multiple batches, you can keep the cooked flautas warm and crispy by placing them on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. Transfer the entire setup to a preheated 200ºF (95°C) oven until all batches are ready to serve.
• Mind the Moisture: Ensure your shredded chicken filling is moist but not overly wet. Excess moisture can make the tortillas soggy and more prone to falling apart during frying. If your chicken is too wet, briefly sauté it to evaporate some liquid before filling the tortillas.
• Season Your Filling: Don’t forget to season your shredded chicken well! A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cumin or chili powder can elevate the flavor significantly.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Flautas

These crunchy rolled tacos are incredibly satisfying on their own, but pairing them with one or two complementary side dishes can create a truly complete and memorable Mexican meal:

• Guacamole with Roasted Vegetables: A creamy, rich, and flavorful guacamole is a must-have for dipping. The roasted vegetables add an extra layer of depth and texture.
• Arroz Rojo (Authentic Mexican Red Rice): The classic side dish, fluffy and flavorful Mexican red rice provides a wonderful balance to the crispy flautas.
• Instant Pot White Rice: A simple, perfectly cooked white rice can be a lighter alternative to red rice, allowing the flauta flavors to shine.
• Instant Pot Pinto Beans: Hearty, creamy pinto beans, cooked to perfection, are a comforting and traditional accompaniment.
• Refried Beans: Smooth, savory refried beans are another beloved staple that pairs beautifully with any Mexican dish, including flautas.
• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich fried flautas.

Storage and Reheating for Later Enjoyment

For the ultimate crispy texture and fresh flavor, it’s always best to serve flautas immediately after they’ve been cooked. However, if you happen to have any delicious leftovers, they can be stored and reheated for another meal.

• Storage: Allow any leftover flautas to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their quality and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Reheating Methods (for best results): While quick, microwaving is generally not recommended as it tends to make the tortillas soft and a bit chewy. For retaining that beloved crispness, try one of these methods:
• On the Stove (Recommended): Place the flautas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Turn them frequently, gently rotating them until they are heated through and regain their crisp texture, usually about 5-7 minutes.
• In the Oven: Arrange the flautas in a single layer on a baking rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 425ºF (220°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated and crispy once more.
• In an Air-Fryer (Excellent Option): Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the flautas in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and heat them at 350ºF (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.
• In the Microwave (Least Recommended): While the fastest option, microwaving will result in a softer, less crispy flauta. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

More Tips for Flauta Success & Creative Variations

• Achieving Consistent Crispness: When frying, maintain a consistent oil temperature. If the oil is too cold, the flautas will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn before the inside is fully heated. Aim for that sweet spot of around 350°F (175°C).
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry flautas in batches, allowing enough space between each one. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy rather than crispy results.
• Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding some finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers directly into your shredded chicken filling. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can also add a delightful kick.
• Add Cheese: A thin layer of shredded Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese can be added to the tortilla before the chicken for an extra creamy, cheesy interior that melts beautifully as it fries.
• Make Ahead Prep: You can prepare the shredded chicken filling and the jalapeño sour cream a day or two in advance. This will significantly reduce your active cooking time on the day you plan to serve the flautas.
• Homemade Tortillas: If you’re feeling adventurous, using freshly made corn tortillas will take your flautas to an entirely new level of authentic flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flautas

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful Chicken Flautas! If you give this recipe a try, please take a moment to leave me a comment with a star rating below. Your feedback means the world to me. To stay connected and discover more delicious Latin-inspired recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and updates directly to your inbox!

Recipe

Originally published February 23, 2019. Updated post and photos April 2023.