Jalapeño Popper Chicken Flautas Recipe

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Flautas are a mouthwatering twist on the traditional Mexican flauta, incorporating the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeno poppers into a crispy tortilla roll. This recipe merges the crunchiness of flautas with the rich, cheesy, and spicy flavor profile of jalapeno poppers, making it an irresistible dish that’s perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a fun meal.

Ingredients Needed for Jalapeno Popper Chicken Flautas

Main Ingredients

• Shredded Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or poached chicken breast. The chicken should be finely shredded to blend seamlessly with the filling.
• Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the flautas a creamy texture that mimics the filling of classic jalapeno poppers.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both works best for melting and flavor.
• Jalapenos: Fresh or pickled jalapenos can be used depending on your heat preference. Be sure to dice them finely to distribute the heat evenly.
• Flour Tortillas: Use medium-sized tortillas for easier rolling. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if preferred.
• Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best for frying the flautas to a golden crisp.

Optional Ingredients

• Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and additional crunch to the filling.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh and vibrant flavor to complement the richness of the cheese.
• Dipping Sauces: Creamy avocado sauce, salsa, or sour cream are perfect for dipping and balancing the spiciness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Jalapeno Popper Chicken Flautas

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices. Cook it thoroughly in a skillet or oven, then shred it into small pieces. This ensures the chicken mixes well with the creamy filling.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and finely chopped jalapenos. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Adjust the amount of jalapenos based on your heat preference.

Step 2: Rolling the Flautas

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas slightly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable. This prevents them from cracking while rolling.
2. Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly, making sure the filling is secured inside. Place the rolled flautas seam-side down to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.

Step 3: Frying or Baking the Flautas

1. Frying: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (350°F or 175°C), carefully add the flautas seam-side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush lightly with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Tips for Making the Best Flautas

Using Fresh vs. Pickled Jalapenos

• Fresh Jalapenos: Offer a more intense heat and crunch. Slice them thinly and consider removing the seeds if you want to control the heat level.
• Pickled Jalapenos: Provide a milder, tangy flavor. They’re a great choice if you prefer less heat but still want that distinctive jalapeno flavor.

Getting the Perfect Crispy Texture

• Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. If the oil is too cold, the tortillas will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.

Variations of Jalapeno Popper Chicken Flautas

Adding Bacon for Extra Flavor

Incorporating crumbled bacon into the filling enhances the overall taste with a smoky and salty punch. Simply cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and mix it into the chicken filling before rolling the flautas.

Spicy vs. Mild Version

Adjust the heat of your flautas by varying the amount of jalapenos. For a milder dish, use fewer jalapenos or opt for pickled jalapenos. For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.

The Best Dipping Sauces for Flautas

Creamy Avocado Sauce

A creamy avocado dip is a perfect complement to the rich and spicy flautas. To make it, mash ripe avocados and mix them with sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. It adds a smooth, tangy contrast to the crunchy flautas.

Spicy Salsa or Sour Cream

• Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa or a spicy salsa verde pairs well with the flautas, adding freshness and additional flavor layers.
• Sour Cream: Plain sour cream or a flavored variation (like lime or garlic) can help balance the heat and richness of the flautas.

What to Serve with Jalapeno Popper Chicken Flautas

• Mexican Rice: A simple side of seasoned Mexican rice complements the flavors of the flautas.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side that pairs perfectly with crispy flautas.
• Corn Salad: A bright, refreshing corn salad with lime, cilantro, and a hint of chili powder adds a vibrant side dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great option. Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.

How do I prevent the flautas from bursting?

Make sure to roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the flautas to avoid them unrolling during frying.

What’s the best type of cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are ideal for melting and flavor. You can use a single type or a blend for the best results.

Yield: 4

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Flautas Recipe

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Jalapeno Popper Chicken Flautas are a mouthwatering twist on the traditional Mexican flauta, incorporating the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeno poppers into a crispy tortilla roll. This recipe merges the crunchiness of flautas with the rich, cheesy, and spicy flavor profile of jalapeno poppers, making it an irresistible dish that's perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a fun meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2-3 fresh jalapeños (seeded and finely diced)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Sour cream or ranch dressing (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
2. Assemble the Flautas: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of a tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing the seam with a toothpick if needed. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
4. Fry the Flautas: Carefully place the flautas seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve: Serve the crispy flautas warm with sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

Oven-baked option: For a lighter version, you can bake the flautas at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Customize heat: Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice preference, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the flautas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.