Name: Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 white onion, quartered; 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast; 2 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce; 2 tablespoons adobo sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime); ½ cup sour cream; 3 cups shredded pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese; 12 (6 to 8-inch) flour tortillas; Vegetable oil, for frying

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

There is something irresistibly delightful about these crispy, spicy rolls of flavor that make the Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe a genuine crowd-pleaser. Imagine tender shredded chicken infused with smoky chipotle pepper and warming spices, all wrapped in golden, crunchy tortillas that crackle with every bite. This dish brings together vibrant textures and a smoky-sweet heat that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner or impressing guests with a flavorful appetizer, these flautas shine with their simple ingredients and big taste punch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds eight rolled, golden-brown taquitos arranged in a slightly messy stack. Each taquito has a crispy texture with some darker, fried spots and is sprinkled lightly with chopped green herbs. One taquito is open at one end, showing a white cheesy filling inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with small dips of light green guacamole and white sour cream nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and crunch. Combining fresh, pantry, and spice staples ensures the dish bursts with layers of flavor and appealing textures.

White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the cooking broth for the chicken.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The tender, lean protein base that soaks up all the smoky chipotle goodness.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor through seasoning both during cooking and in the filling.
Ground cumin: Gives an earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with the chilies.
Chili powder: Adds bright heat and a classic Mexican spice profile.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes without overpowering the other spices.
Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: Provides smoky heat and a rich, smoky complexity.
Adobo sauce: Adds moisture and intensifies the chipotle’s smoky flavor.
Fresh lime juice: Offers acidity that brightens the entire filling and balances richness.
Sour cream: Infuses creamy tang that tames the spices and adds luscious texture.
Shredded pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese: Delivers melty, slightly spicy creaminess inside every flauta.
Flour tortillas: The crisp canvas that holds all the filling; soft enough to roll, sturdy enough to fry.
Vegetable oil: Essential for frying to a golden, crunchy perfection.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by boiling a pot of water and adding the quartered onion, chicken breasts, and most of the kosher salt. This method poaches the chicken gently, locking in moisture while the onion layers in a subtle sweetness. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F, which is usually around 20 minutes, ensuring juicy, tender meat perfect for shredding.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken has cooled slightly, shred it using two forks on a plate. This shredded chicken will be the hearty base of the flauta filling, ready to soak up all the smoky, creamy flavors coming next.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the remaining salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, sour cream, and shredded cheese. This combination creates a luscious, smoky, tangy mixture that beams with flavor and creaminess — everything you want to find inside the crispy tortilla shell.

Step 4: Assemble the Flautas

Lay out your flour tortillas one by one, spoon about ⅓ cup of the filling onto the center, and spread it out slightly. Then, roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down on a plate or tray to keep them secure for frying. This step takes a little patience but guarantees every flauta will hold its shape beautifully when cooked.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add your flautas seam-side down. Fry them until they’re a gorgeous golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. The result is a crisp tortilla shell that crackles delightfully with every bite, contrasting the creamy filling inside. Let them rest briefly on a rack to drain excess oil before serving.

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe

The image shows a white round plate filled with seven golden brown crispy rolled tacos stacked in layers. The tacos have a textured, slightly uneven surface with some darker toasted spots, and are sprinkled with small green herb flakes. One taco in the center is broken open, revealing melted, stringy white cheese inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of sour cream on the upper left and another small white bowl of guacamole at the bottom left, partially visible. A woman's hand is holding the broken taco slightly lifted above the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise — a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, or diced avocado are perfect companions. For an extra creamy kick, dollop sour cream or a drizzle of spicy crema on top. These little touches add fresh brightness and balance the smoky richness of the flautas.

Side Dishes

Complement your Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe with light, refreshing sides to round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, Mexican street corn salad, or a scoop of cooling guacamole create a delicious contrast. Simple seasoned black beans or Spanish rice also work wonderfully to soak up any leftover sauce or juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your flauta presentation extra special? Arrange them standing upright for a fun finger food display or stack them pyramid-style on a vibrant platter lined with lettuce and lime wedges. For gatherings, set up a dipping station with salsas, queso, and fresh pico de gallo so everyone can customize their experience. Presentation turns this laid-back dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crunch, avoid covering them tightly when still warm. Instead, let them cool completely before storing to keep the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the flautas before frying to save time on busy days. Arrange the rolled flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container and keep frozen for up to 1 month. When ready, fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to cooking time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your flautas is in the oven or an air fryer to revive their crispy exterior. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot and crunchy. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the tortillas soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

While corn tortillas can be used, flour tortillas are preferred for this Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe because they are more pliable and less likely to break during rolling and frying. If you use corn tortillas, warm them well to increase flexibility and prevent cracking.

Is there a way to make these healthier?

Absolutely! Try baking the assembled flautas on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway to get a crispy surface with less oil. Also, using light sour cream or reducing cheese can soften the calorie load while keeping the flavors intact.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, preparing the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even more. Store the filling in the refrigerator and assemble the flautas just before frying for the freshest results.

What dips pair well with these flautas?

Salsa verde, guacamole, chipotle mayo, or even a cooling cilantro-lime crema are fantastic accompaniments. Their bright, complementary flavors balance the smoky richness of the flautas perfectly.

How spicy is the chipotle pepper in adobo sauce?

Chipotle peppers bring a moderate smoky heat, but the level can be adjusted by using less pepper or adobo sauce. For those sensitive to heat, removing the seeds or reducing quantity will keep the dish flavorful without overwhelming spice.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into these golden, crispy Chipotle Chicken Flautas Recipe rolls that combine smoky spices, creamy cheese, and tender shredded chicken all in one hand-held package. They are surprisingly simple to make but deliver restaurant-quality flair and flavor right at home. So next time you want a dish that excites taste buds and warms the soul, give this recipe a spin and enjoy every crunchy, smoky bite!