In a large skillet, heat approximately 1 ½ cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Gently place the rolled flautas seam-side down in the hot oil, frying them in batches. Fry each flauta for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crisp and golden brown on all sides. Once done, transfer the fried flautas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Assembling and Serving the Flautas
Arrange with Salsa and Toppings
For serving, spoon a portion of the salsa verde into individual cups or directly onto serving plates. Arrange 3–4 flautas on each plate, either nestled in the salsa or alongside it for dipping. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped onions, a drizzle of Mexican crema, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco.
Add More Salsa and Enjoy
Drizzle additional salsa verde over the flautas for an extra burst of flavor if desired. Serve the flautas immediately while they are hot and crispy.
Tips for the Best Chicken Flautas
Corn vs. Flour Tortillas: Traditional flautas are made with corn tortillas, which fry up crispier than flour tortillas. However, if using flour tortillas, be cautious as they cook faster and can burn if the oil is too hot. Corn tortillas are more resilient to frying and achieve a deliciously crunchy texture.
Filling Tips: Avoid overfilling the flautas, as too much filling can cause the tortillas to break open during frying. A small amount of filling is sufficient for a delicious balance of flavors.
Preventing Cracks: Warming the tortillas before rolling is essential. If tortillas are breaking, wrap them in a damp cloth and microwave for 15–20 seconds to make them softer and easier to roll.
Oil Temperature: Maintain a medium-high oil temperature to ensure even frying. Frying at too low a temperature can make the flautas greasy, while too high a temperature can burn the tortillas.
FAQs About Chicken Flautas
Can I use store-bought salsa verde?
Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought salsa verde can be used as a substitute. However, homemade salsa offers a fresher and more authentic taste.
What’s the best way to reheat flautas?
Reheat flautas in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Can I bake the flautas instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier version. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through until they’re crispy.
Can I make these flautas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling and salsa in advance and store them in the fridge. For optimal freshness, fry the flautas just before serving. Alternatively, fry them, then reheat in the oven as mentioned above.
These crispy chicken flautas with salsa verde are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. Perfect as a main dish or appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!
