Okay, get ready to treat yourself to a flavor-packed fiesta with these Chicken Flautas and Fideo! This meal is the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and comforting, all wrapped up in one bite. The flautas are golden and crispy on the outside, filled with tender, seasoned chicken on the inside, while the fideo (a kind of Mexican pasta) is savory and comforting, bringing everything together. Imagine the crunch of the flautas, the deliciously seasoned chicken, and the cozy, flavorful pasta that goes perfectly with it. Trust me—you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Flautas and Fideo
This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors. Whether you’re craving something comforting for a weeknight dinner, or looking for a dish to impress at your next family gathering, this recipe is your ticket. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:
- Versatile: This dish works for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. You’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen, but without the stress.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients you likely already have at home, this meal won’t empty your wallet but will fill your stomach with joy.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under an hour, this recipe is perfect when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and flavorful.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat or toppings based on your preferences. Throw in some extra spice, add avocado, or top with your favorite cheese—there’s so much room to make this your own!
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone—from picky eaters to those who love bold flavors. Flautas are always a crowd favorite, and the fideo is a fun twist on traditional pasta.
Ingredients
Let’s break down what makes this dish so flavorful and comforting:
Chicken Breasts
The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seasoned, cooked, and shredded to perfection. They soak up all the delicious flavors, making each bite tender and juicy.
Flour Tortillas
The foundation for your flautas. These tortillas crisp up beautifully in the pan and hold all the delicious chicken inside. It’s like a crunchy taco with a twist!
Mexican Cheese Blend
A blend of cheeses that melts perfectly inside your flautas. The cheese adds that creamy, savory richness that makes each bite so irresistible.
Olive Oil
A bit of olive oil is all you need to fry up your flautas to golden perfection. It gives them that crispy texture we all crave.
Fideo Noodles
A type of thin pasta often used in Mexican cuisine, fideo gives the dish a comforting, slightly chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispy flautas.
Chicken Broth
This adds flavor to the fideo, making the pasta rich and savory. It infuses each noodle with the perfect amount of seasoning.
Tomatoes
Fresh or canned, tomatoes bring a burst of juicy, tangy flavor to the fideo. It’s the perfect complement to the richness of the chicken flautas.
Onion
Sweet, aromatic, and flavorful, onion adds a base of flavor to both the chicken and fideo, bringing everything together.
Garlic
A little garlic goes a long way. It’s a must-have in both the chicken and the fideo to add that savory depth of flavor.
Spices
Cumin, chili powder, and paprika season the chicken and fideo with warmth and depth. They’re subtle but necessary for that authentic, bold flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s walk through how to make this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either sauté them in a pan with olive oil, bake them, or even cook them in a slow cooker. Once cooked through, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with your spices—cumin, chili powder, and paprika—along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix so all that flavor gets soaked into the chicken.
Prepare the Fideo
In a large pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the fideo noodles to the pan and cook them for a few minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Add in the chicken broth, tomatoes, and a bit more seasoning, then let it simmer until the pasta is tender and flavorful.
Make the Flautas
Heat the flour tortillas in a dry pan for a few seconds on each side to soften them. Spoon some of the seasoned chicken onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and then roll them up tightly into flautas. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the flautas until they’re golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the flautas are crispy and the fideo is ready, plate everything together. Serve the flautas on top of the fideo or alongside it—either way, you’re in for a treat. Top with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for some extra flair!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Flautas and Fideo
Here are some ideas to make your meal even more fabulous:
- Fresh Guacamole: Pair these flautas with fresh guacamole or a simple salsa to complement the crispiness and spice.
- Mexican Street Corn: If you’re in the mood for more flavor, Mexican street corn (elote) is an excellent side to serve alongside your flautas and fideo.
- Refried Beans: A side of creamy refried beans goes wonderfully with this meal and helps round out the dish.
- Sour Cream or Cheese: Top your flautas with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese for extra richness.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the flautas for a zesty kick.
Presentation Tip: Arrange the flautas in a circle around the fideo, and drizzle some extra sauce or sour cream on top for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of this recipe:
- Prep the Chicken in Advance: If you’re short on time, cook the chicken and shred it the day before. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the flautas.
- Use Leftover Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here—just shred it and toss it in the spices for a quick and easy filling.
- Make It Spicy: If you love heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the chicken or sprinkle chili flakes on top of the fideo.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat the flautas in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the flautas before frying. Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, fry them directly from the freezer.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
A1: Absolutely! Corn tortillas are a great choice if you prefer a gluten-free option or just love the flavor of corn. Just make sure to soften them slightly before rolling.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the fideo in advance. Assemble and fry the flautas when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the flautas and fideo separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the flautas in the oven to keep them crispy, and heat the fideo in a pan.
Q4: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with beans, sautéed veggies, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Q5: How do I reheat the flautas?
A5: Reheat the flautas in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and you’ll have plenty to serve a larger crowd or have leftovers for later.
Q7: Can I use store-bought salsa instead of making fresh salsa?
A7: Definitely! Store-bought salsa works perfectly fine and saves you some time. You can use your favorite kind for this recipe.
Q8: What if I don’t have chicken broth for the fideo?
A8: You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch, though the broth does add extra flavor.
Q9: Can I add cheese to the fideo?
A9: Yes! Adding some grated cheese to the fideo just before serving makes it even more delicious. Try some queso fresco or cotija for extra flavor.
Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Absolutely! Add extra chili powder, cayenne, or even some hot sauce to the chicken or fideo for an added kick.
Conclusion
Chicken Flautas and Fideo is the kind of meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of fun all in one bite. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The crispy flautas and the savory fideo come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. You won’t regret making this one—trust me!
PrintChicken Flautas and Fideo
Crispy, flavorful chicken flautas paired with a zesty homemade salsa, perfect for a satisfying meal. Serve with fideo for a delicious, comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling, Pan-Frying, Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
For the Chicken Flautas:
- 2 pounds chicken
- Uncle Chris seasoning (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Shredded cheese (of your choice)
- Corn tortillas
- Oil (for pan-frying)
For the Salsa:
- 2 serrano peppers (roasted)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (roasted)
- 1 onion (roasted)
- Chopped cilantro (to taste)
- 4–6 tomatillos (boiled until soft)
- 2 calabaza (boiled until soft)
- Chicken bouillon (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken with Uncle Chris seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add minced garlic, and boil the chicken until fully cooked.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken and mix with shredded cheese of your choice.
- Assemble the Flautas:
- Roll the chicken and cheese mixture into corn tortillas.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Pan-fry the flautas until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- Prepare the Salsa:
- Roast the serrano, jalapeño, and onion.
- Boil the tomatillos and calabaza until soft.
- In a blender, combine the roasted ingredients, cilantro, and boiled vegetables.
- Season with chicken bouillon to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy flautas with the homemade salsa on top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy with a side of fideo!
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level of the salsa by adding or reducing the amount of serrano or jalapeño peppers.
- For extra flavor, you can add a little lime juice to the salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flauta with salsa
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg