Crispy Flautas

I always order flautas at restaurants but have yet to see a recipe anywhere that makes them the way I like them - crispy. Instead of baking them, this recipe uses a deep fryer. It melds the flavors together and makes them extra crunchy. Serve with rice, salad, or whatever side dish you desire.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 321 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ onion, finely diced
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 24 toothpicks
• 1 (10 ounce) package corn tortillas (such as Ortega®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the bell pepper and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and stir in the chicken breast. Cook and stir until the chicken breast is no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in the Cheddar cheese, then remove from heat, and set aside.

Step 2

Lightly brush each corn tortilla will a layer of salsa. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line along the bottom edge of the tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla into a cylinder, and secure the ends with one or two toothpicks. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 3

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a large skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 4

Fry the flautas in the preheated oil, no more than 4 at a time, until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Drain the flautas on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard toothpicks and top finished flautas with remaining salsa.