Flautas have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for generations, but they have become increasingly popular in the US over the past few decades. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they are also relatively easy to make at home.
Flautas are thin, rolled-up, flute-like flour tortillas, typically filled with shredded chicken or beef and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The flauta is then garnished with sauces and other toppings to create an unforgettable meal that many have enjoyed for centuries.In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about flautas: what they are, how to make them, and how they differ from taquitos. So let’s dive into the delicious world of flautas!
What Are Flautas?
The origin of ‘flauta’ dates back to ancient times when people prepared variations using wheat flour dough instead of flour/corn tortillas.
The stuffing inside the flautas has also changed over time, and it often includes:
- Refried beans
- Pork carnitas
- Barbacoa
- Shredded chicken
- Shredded Beef
- Potato filling
The flauta can be served as is or topped with various sauces for added flavor. Toppings may include crema Mexicana (Mexican cream), salsa verde (green sauce), or queso fresco (fresh cheese).
Flautas are a common street food found in Mexico and throughout Latin America. They are a fun and easy way to enjoy Mexican food. Their name literally translates to ‘flute’ in Spanish.
Try them for your next party or a holiday like Cinco de Mayo.
How To Make Flautas
If you’re wondering how to make flautas, the process is surprisingly simple – all it takes are some prepared ingredients and a few minutes of your time.
Here is a step-by-step flauta recipe to help you create Mexican chicken flautas at home.
Ingredients (Yields 14-15 Flautas)
- 15-pack flour tortillas (not larger than 8 cm, or 3.14 in)
- Olive oil or Canola oil for frying
- 3 cups (420 g) of shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie chicken) or ground beef
- 1 cup (83 g) Colby Jack cheese or shredded cheddar or monterey jack
- ½ tsp (2.4 g) onion powder
- ½ tsp (2.4 g) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (2.4 g) kosher salt
- ½ tsp (2.4 g) paprika
- ½ tsp (2.4 g) freshly ground pepper
- 4 oz (113 g) canned green chilies
- Salt to taste
- 2 tsp (10 g) flour and water for paste (optional)
Chicken Flautas Recipe
- Preheat your oven to about 425 °F (218 °C) or a skillet to about 200 °F (93 °C).
- Bake or fry the tortillas using a damp kitchen towel or cooking spray. Frying will give them a crispy outer shell with a soft center; however, it may require more oil than baking.
- Take a large bowl and mix all the ingredients well with the protein (chicken or beef).
- Next, it’s time to fill and roll. Take about 3 to 3-1/2 tablespoons (45-53 g) of the beef or chicken filling, line it up to the third of every flour tortilla, and roll it tightly like a long thin flute. You can paste the corner of each roll with the flour and water paste or secure it with a toothpick.
- Roll up and place all tortillas in a single layer over a plate and ensure they don’t touch each other.
- Freeze the batch for an hour for extra crispy flautas.
- Once they are done, it’s time for deep- or shallow-frying them with oil in a frying pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side (seam side down at first), and use tongs to flip them over. If you’re baking, spray the rolls with oil cooking spray and bake at around 350-400 °F (176-204 °C) for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Shake off the excess hot oil before placing them on a wire rack, and do not fry over 3-4 flautas in a single batch.
- Place the chicken flautas on a baking sheet to keep them warm and crisp.
- Finish cooking the complete batch before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade flautas are perfect for dinner parties, appetizers, or snacks.
To help you make the most of these savory Mexican treats, here are some tips on serving them.
- Top your flautas with salsa for a spicy kick, or add avocado slices for something cool and creamy.
- Sprinkle on some queso fresco or cotija cheese for added flavor.
- Use sour cream, jalapeños, lettuce, and tomatoes for a crunchier variety.
- Offer sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce and salsa on the side or some pico de gallo or chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce.
Whatever you decide to serve with your cooked flautas, make sure you have plenty of it. These simple serving suggestions will take your flauta experience to a new level!
How to Store Flautas
Storing leftover flautas properly is important so they stay fresh and keep their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
In the Refrigerator
If you have leftover flautas, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure you wrap the flautas in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and put them in an airtight container or zip lock bag. This will keep the flautas from drying out.
When ready to reheat them, place them in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes.
In the Freezer
If you would need to store the flautas longer then 3 days, you can always freeze them.
Place the flautas in a single layer on a baking sheet, and put them in the freezer.
When frozen, transfer the flautas to an airtight container where they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours.
Before serving, reheat the flautas in the oven or on a cast iron skillet. It’s important to reheat them gently to avoid overcooking or burning.
What Is the Difference Between Flautas and Taquitos?
Flautas and taquitos are popular Mexican dishes, but there are some key differences between the two.
The primary difference between flautas and taquitos is the type of tortilla used. Flautas typically use flour tortillas, whereas taquitos require corn tortillas. Taquitos are also thicker and shorter than the long, thin flautas.
Final Thoughts
Flautas are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy Mexican cuisine.
They’ll satisfy your cravings for something savory and flavorful.
Nutrition-wise, flautas aren’t bad, either!
Depending on your filling, they can provide ample protein and healthy fats to keep you full for hours.
Sources
- Two Peas and Their Pod: Flautas
- The Kitchn: How To Make Quick & Easy Chicken Flautas
- Lil Luna: FLAUTAS
- YouTube: Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Benitos Mexican: What Are Flautas, And How Are They Made
- MasterClass: Flautas vs. Taquitos: How the Dishes Compare
- Carlsbad Cravings: Chicken Flautas
- YouTube: How to make CHICKEN FLAUTAS IN A DELICIOUS RED SALSA!
- Served From Scratch: Baked Flautas de Pollo
- Wikipedia: Taquito
- YouTube: Roll the perfect taquitos without toothpicks
- The Spruce: Is It a Flauta or a Taquito?
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.