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| Mexican Chicken Flautas |
Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor — Mexican Chicken Flautas, also known as taquitos dorados, are one of Mexico’s most loved comfort foods. These tightly rolled tortillas are filled with tender shredded chicken, fried until crunchy, and then topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce, queso fresco, radishes, pickled onions, and a drizzle of tangy salsa. The dish in the image captures their vibrant beauty and irresistible homemade charm: crunchy flautas arranged on a wooden board, bright pink onions, creamy cheese, and fresh lime wedges ready to squeeze.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a festive gathering, or simply craving authentic Mexican food, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flautas straight to your table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
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¼ cup chicken broth
For the Flautas:
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12 corn tortillas
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Toppings:
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Shredded lettuce
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Queso fresco or crumbled feta
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Thinly sliced radishes
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Pickled onions
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Lime wedges
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Chopped cilantro
For the Salsa:
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3 tomatoes
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1 small onion
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1–2 chilies (jalapeño or serrano)
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1 garlic clove
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Salt to taste
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1 tbsp oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add shredded chicken, cumin, paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix well. Pour in the chicken broth to moisten the mixture and keep it juicy. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Warm the Tortillas
Corn tortillas can crack when rolled, so warming them is essential.
Wrap the tortillas in a damp towel and microwave for 30–40 seconds, or heat them briefly on a dry skillet. They should be soft and flexible.
3. Roll the Flautas
Place 1–2 tablespoons of chicken filling on one side of each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
Try to roll them uniformly so they fry evenly.
4. Fry Until Golden & Crispy
Heat oil in a deep pan — enough to cover at least half of each flauta. Once the oil is hot, add the flautas seam-side down.
Fry for 3–4 minutes, rotating gently until all sides are golden and crispy.
Transfer the flautas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Prepare the Salsa
Roast the tomatoes, onion, and chilies in a pan until slightly charred. Transfer them to a blender along with garlic and salt. Blend until smooth.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a saucepan and pour in the blended salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Assemble the Dish
Place the crispy flautas on a large board or plate. Top generously with:
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Shredded lettuce
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Queso fresco
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Radish slices
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Pickled onions
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Cilantro
Add lime wedges on the side and serve with a bowl of warm salsa for dipping — just like in the photo.
Serving Suggestions
These flautas pair beautifully with:
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Mexican rice
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Guacamole
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Refried beans
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Sour cream or crema fresca
They are perfect as an appetizer, party platter, or even a full meal when served with sides.
Tips for Perfect Flautas
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Keep tortillas warm while rolling to avoid cracks.
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Don’t overfill or they will burst while frying.
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Fry in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
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Use toothpicks only if necessary; remove them before serving.
Final Thought
Mexican Chicken Flautas are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a dish full of texture, freshness, and bold flavor. From the crunchy shell to the juicy chicken filling and the vibrant toppings, every bite brings a beautiful mix of authenticity and comfort. Whether you're serving them for a celebration or a cozy meal at home, these flautas will always impress and satisfy.
Bon Appétit! 🌮✨