Chicken flautas are a delicious Mexican dish that many people enjoy. These crispy, rolled tortillas filled with savory chicken can be a tasty meal or appetizer. For those who have leftover flautas or want to prepare them in advance, knowing how long they last is essential.

Properly stored chicken flautas can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This timeframe applies to both homemade and store-bought flautas. It’s important to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil to maintain their quality and prevent them from drying out.

For longer storage, freezing is an option. Chicken flautas can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, they can be reheated in the oven, toaster oven, or stovetop to regain their crispy texture. Proper storage and reheating techniques help preserve the flavor and texture of these tasty Mexican treats.

What Are Chicken Flautas?

Chicken flautas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken and fried until crispy. They can be enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or main courses.

Defining the Dish

Chicken flautas are made by rolling seasoned, shredded chicken inside corn or flour tortillas. The rolled tortillas are then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The name “flauta” means “flute” in Spanish, referring to the dish’s long, thin shape.

Flautas are typically served hot and can be accompanied by various toppings and sides. Common additions include guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and shredded lettuce. Some variations may include cheese in the filling or sprinkled on top.

These crispy rolled tacos are often seen on Mexican restaurant menus but can also be easily prepared at home. Homemade versions may be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.

Flautas vs. Taquitos

While flautas and taquitos are similar, there are subtle differences between the two dishes:

• Size: Flautas are generally longer than taquitos.
• Tortilla type: Flautas traditionally use flour tortillas, while taquitos use corn tortillas.
• Filling: Flautas often contain chicken, but taquitos can have various fillings like beef or cheese.

Despite these distinctions, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in different regions. Both dishes share the same basic concept of a filled, rolled, and fried tortilla.

Flautas and taquitos are both popular choices for parties and gatherings due to their portability and finger-food nature. They can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them convenient for entertaining.

Choosing Your Ingredients

The quality and freshness of ingredients are crucial for delicious chicken flautas. Proper selection impacts both flavor and shelf life.

Types of Chicken

Shredded chicken is ideal for flautas. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for easy shredding. Cook the chicken by boiling, baking, or grilling until tender.

Rotisserie chicken offers a convenient pre-cooked option. Remove the skin and shred the meat. This saves time while providing flavorful results.

For best texture, avoid canned chicken. It can be too wet and mushy for crisp flautas.

Selecting Tortillas

Corn tortillas are traditional for flautas. Choose fresh, pliable tortillas without tears or dry edges. Flour tortillas can substitute but may not crisp as well.

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Briefly heat them on a skillet or in the microwave between damp paper towels.

Smaller 6-inch tortillas work best for appetizer-sized flautas. Use 8-inch tortillas for larger portions.

Cheese Varieties

Melty cheeses enhance flavor and help bind ingredients. Monterey Jack cheese offers a mild taste and excellent meltability.

Cheddar cheese adds a sharper flavor. Mix it with Monterey Jack for balanced taste and texture.

Queso fresco provides a crumbly, salty element. Sprinkle it on top of flautas after cooking.

Pepper Jack cheese introduces a spicy kick. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering other flavors.

Seasoning for Flavor

Proper seasoning elevates chicken flautas from bland to delicious. Chili powder adds depth and mild heat. Start with 1 teaspoon per pound of chicken.

Cumin brings earthy, warm notes. Use 1/2 teaspoon per pound of chicken. Adjust to taste.

Garlic powder provides savory flavor. Add 1/4 teaspoon per pound of chicken.

Fresh lime juice brightens the filling. Squeeze 1-2 tablespoons over shredded chicken before assembling flautas.

Salt and black pepper are essential. Season chicken to taste before and after cooking.

Preparation and Cooking Techniques

Mastering the art of chicken flautas involves key steps in filling preparation, wrapping technique, and cooking methods. Proper execution of each stage ensures delicious results.

Creating the Filling

Shred cooked chicken finely for an even texture. Mix with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic for flavor. Add cheese, if desired, for richness.

Sauté onions and peppers before combining with chicken. This enhances taste and reduces moisture. Let the filling cool slightly before assembly.

For food safety, ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature during initial cooking. Keep filling refrigerated if not using immediately.

Wrapping Flautas

Choose small corn tortillas, about 6 inches in diameter. Warm them briefly to increase flexibility and prevent cracking.

Place a small amount of filling on one side of each tortilla. Roll tightly, securing with toothpicks if needed.

Arrange flautas seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet. This prevents unraveling during cooking.

Baking or Frying Methods

Baking offers a healthier option. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place flautas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with oil or use cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

For frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry flautas in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Air fryers provide a compromise. Spray flautas with cooking oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. This method reduces oil while maintaining crispiness.

Regardless of method, ensure flautas reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Serving and Accompaniments

Chicken flautas pair wonderfully with a variety of traditional Mexican side dishes and toppings. These accompaniments enhance the flavors and textures of the crispy rolled tacos.

Side Dishes

Refried beans and Mexican rice are classic side dishes that complement chicken flautas perfectly. The creamy texture of refried beans balances the crunch of the flautas, while Mexican rice adds a flavorful and satisfying element to the meal.

For a lighter option, consider serving a Mexican street corn salad. This zesty side dish combines grilled corn kernels, lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled queso fresco.

Another excellent choice is a simple green salad with a cilantro-lime dressing. This refreshing side adds a crisp contrast to the warm flautas.

Toppings and Dips

Toppings and dips elevate chicken flautas from good to great. Guacamole is a must-have, offering a creamy, rich contrast to the crispy exterior of the flautas.

Salsa options are plentiful. Choose from classic tomato-based salsa, tangy salsa verde, or fresh pico de gallo for a burst of flavor.

Sour cream or Mexican crema provide a cool, tangy element that pairs well with the spices in the flautas. For added kick, offer hot sauce on the side.

Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the flautas for a salty, fresh cheese flavor. Alternatively, drizzle warm queso over the top for an indulgent cheese sauce.

Storing and Reheating Flautas

Proper storage and reheating techniques are crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of chicken flautas. These methods help preserve flavor, texture, and freshness while ensuring food safety.

Airtight Storage

Store leftover flautas in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Place the container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Properly stored flautas can last 3-4 days in the fridge.

For longer storage, freeze flautas. Wrap each flauta individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen flautas can last 2-3 months.

Label containers with the date of storage to track freshness. Discard any flautas that show signs of spoilage or have been stored beyond the recommended time frame.

Reheating for Best Results

To reheat flautas while maintaining their crispy texture:

1. Oven method:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C)
   • Place flautas on a baking sheet
   • Cover loosely with foil
   • Heat for 10-15 minutes
   • Remove foil for the last 5 minutes

2. Air fryer method:

   • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C)
   • Place flautas in basket, not overlapping
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes

Avoid microwaving, as it can make flautas soggy. For frozen flautas, increase reheating time by 5-10 minutes in the oven or air fryer. Always ensure flautas are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Making Ahead and Freezing

Chicken flautas can be prepared in advance and frozen for future enjoyment. Proper storage techniques ensure the best quality and flavor when reheating.

Preparing Flautas for Freezing

To freeze chicken flautas, allow them to cool completely after cooking. Wrap each flauta individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped flautas in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen flautas can last up to 3 months when stored properly at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

For best results, freeze flautas before frying. Assemble the flautas with the filling, then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for long-term storage.

Defrosting and Reheating From Frozen

To reheat frozen flautas, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This slow defrosting method helps maintain texture and prevent sogginess.

For crispy results, bake thawed flautas in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Turn them halfway through cooking for even browning.

Alternatively, reheat frozen flautas directly in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method yields a crispy exterior without the need for additional oil.

Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving to guarantee food safety.

Health and Nutrition Information

Chicken flautas offer a mix of nutrients and calories. Their nutritional profile varies based on preparation methods and ingredients used.

Caloric Content

A typical chicken flauta contains around 320-340 calories. This calorie count can increase significantly when multiple flautas are consumed. The macronutrient breakdown of chicken flautas is approximately 48% fat, 32% carbohydrates, and 20% protein.

Flautas provide about 73% of the daily value for protein, making them a good protein source. They also offer about 32% of the daily fiber requirement.

The high fat content in flautas comes mainly from the frying process. Baked versions typically have a lower calorie and fat content.

Gluten-Free and Dietary Options

Traditional chicken flautas are not gluten-free due to the wheat tortillas used. However, gluten-free versions can be made using corn tortillas or alternative flours.

For those watching their sodium intake, it’s important to note that flautas can be high in salt. Homemade versions allow for better control of sodium levels.

Vegetarian alternatives to chicken flautas exist, using beans or vegetables as fillings. These options can provide different nutritional profiles, often with lower fat content.

Low-carb dieters can modify flautas by using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. This significantly reduces the carbohydrate content while maintaining the flavors.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Flautas

Mastering the art of flauta-making involves achieving the ideal crispy texture and exploring delicious variations. Proper technique and ingredient selection are key to creating irresistible flautas.

Achieving Crispiness

To create crispy flautas, start by tightly rolling the filled tortillas. Secure them with toothpicks if needed. For traditional deep-frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry in small batches until golden brown.

Air fryers offer a healthier alternative. Preheat to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.

For oven-baked flautas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with a thin layer of oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.

Regardless of method, let flautas cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Experiment with different fillings to create unique flautas. Try shredded carnitas with green chilies for a flavorful twist. Mix taco-seasoned ground beef with cheese for a hearty option.

For vegetarian flautas, combine black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick.

Enhance chicken flautas by mixing shredded chicken with cream cheese and fresh cilantro. For seafood lovers, try a filling of flaked white fish and chopped shrimp.

Serve with an array of toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Garnish with queso fresco and lime wedges for added flavor.