A perfect combination of crispy rolled tortillas, salsa and fresh garnish, these chicken flautas never fail to impress. Erick Ruvalcaba / Daily Nexus

In the heart of my childhood home, the kitchen was always alive with the sounds of sizzling and laughter. On Sundays, the delightful aroma of frying tortillas would beckon us, drawing my family to the kitchen to get a taste. It was during these cherished gatherings that flautas became more than just a dish—they were a symbol of love and tradition. Their crispy, golden shells held the promise of flavor, whether enjoyed on their own, garnished with vibrant vegetables, or paired with a comforting bowl of soup.

While both flautas and tacos hold a special place in my culinary heart, flautas reign supreme for their crispy allure and versatility. I still find myself dreaming of those perfectly rolled tortillas, topped generously with sour cream and fresh cheese. Recently, inspired by those Sunday afternoons, I decided to whip up a batch of this  nostalgic dish. Today, I’m excited to share the cherished recipe my mother lovingly passed down to me, a simple yet heartwarming dish that brings the spirit of family right to my table.

Chicken Flautas

Yield: 2-3 servings

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Ingredients:

– Vegetable oil

– Corn tortillas

– 1-2 chicken breasts

– ¼ onion

– 3-4 cloves of garlic

– Salt and pepper

– Fresh cheese (queso fresco) 

– Sour cream

– Lettuce

– Green salsa  

Instructions:

To cook the chicken:

  1. In a large pot, add the two chicken breasts and fill the pot with enough water to cover them.
  2. Add salt and pepper to taste, ¼ onion, 3-4 cloves of garlic and bay leaves.
  3. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the water and let cool before shredding.

*To save time, you can buy a rotisserie chicken, shred it and skip cooking the chicken yourself.*

To prepare the flautas:

  1. Warm the tortillas so they can be rolled easily, then place a portion of shredded chicken in the center of each tortilla.
  2. Roll the tortilla tightly, making sure the chicken stays inside and repeat with the desired number of tortillas.
  3. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil just enough to cover the flautas over medium-high heat.
  4. Carefully place the rolled chicken flautas in the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  5. Fry the flautas for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove the flautas from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

And that’s it! Now you can enjoy crispy flautas topped with finely chopped lettuce, green salsa, fresh cheese, sour cream and pickled jalapenos for an extra kick. While making this dish does require some time and patience, the process is truly rewarding. Each step allows you to connect with the ingredients, bringing out their flavors and creating something delicious. Whether you share them with friends or savor them on your own, these flautas embody the joy of cooking and the comfort of home-cooked meals. Enjoy every crispy bite! 

A version of this article appeared on p.14 of the Oct. 31, 2024 edition of The Daily Nexus.

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