Crispy rolled corn tortillas filled with chicken, topped with cream and salsa.
About this recipe
Flautas are corn tortillas tightly rolled around a filling of shredded chicken, then fried until golden and crunchy — their shape resembling a flute, which is how they get their name. They're served smothered in cream and salsa verde, with shredded lettuce and crumbled fresh cheese on top. One of Mexico's most beloved street food snacks.
History & Origin
Flautas are a popular street food whose name refers to the flute, owing to their long, slender shape. Although they are prepared throughout Mexico, Sinaloa claims their invention, where they are known as 'tacos dorados'. During the era of street fondas in the 19th century, flautas became the favourite fast food of workers. It is said that the difference between a flauta and a taco dorado lies in the tortilla: flautas use wheat flour tortillas whilst tacos dorados use sweetcorn ones, although this distinction varies by region.
Estimated cost
£17.46
Total cost
£4.37
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
445
Calories
21g
Protein
38g
Carbohydrates
18g
Fat
5g
Fibre
778mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Poach the chicken breast in salted water with half an onion and a garlic clove for 25 minutes. Once cooked, shred finely.
💡 Save the poaching liquid — it makes a lovely base for soups.
- 2
Warm the tortillas on a dry griddle or frying pan to make them pliable and prevent them from cracking when you roll them.
- 3
Place a spoonful of shredded chicken along the centre of each tortilla and roll up tightly. Secure with a wooden cocktail stick.
💡 If the tortillas are still cracking, wrap them briefly in a damp tea towel to soften further.
- 4
Heat plenty of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to about 180°C. Fry the flautas in batches, seam-side down, until golden and crisp all over. Drain on kitchen paper.
💡 Don't overcrowd the pan — fry 3-4 at a time so the oil stays hot.
- 5
Arrange the flautas on a serving plate and top generously with soured cream, salsa verde, shredded lettuce, crumbled fresh cheese and sliced onion. Serve immediately.
- 6
Sirve the flautas en un dish, baña with soured cream y salsa verde, y cubre with lettuce chopped y cheese desmoronado.
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