If you’re craving a meal that combines crispy, savory textures with bold, comforting flavors, then this Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. The crunchy golden rolls filled with seasoned shredded chicken paired with silky, spicy fideo noodles make for a satisfying dish that feels both indulgent and homey. Every bite bursts with warmth and zest, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe brings a beautiful fusion of textures and vibrant tastes to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe is straightforward, and each item plays an important role in building layers of flavor. From the fragrant spices that season the chicken to the fresh cilantro that adds brightness, every ingredient is essential to achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that keeps this recipe quick without sacrificing flavor.
- 1/2 cup Onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the chicken filling and the noodles.
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped): Brings a fresh, herbal note that livens up the dish.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory base flavor of the chicken filling.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: Adds a warm earthiness that is classic in Mexican cooking.
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder: Gives a gentle smoky heat that ties the dish together.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Balances and elevates all the ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Gives a slight kick and warmth to the filling.
- 8-10 Small Flour or Corn Tortillas: Key to rolling up the filling into perfect flautas that crisp nicely.
- Vegetable Oil (for frying): Ensures a delicious, golden crunch on the flautas.
- Optional toppings – Sour Cream, Salsa, Guacamole, Shredded Lettuce: For personalized finishing touches that add creaminess, tang, and freshness.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Used to toast the fideo noodles for a nutty flavor.
- 1 cup Fideo Noodles (or broken spaghetti): The heart of the spicy noodle side, crisped and simmered to tender perfection.
- 1 small Tomato (diced): Adds juiciness and a hint of acidity.
- 1/2 small Onion (finely chopped): Builds foundational flavor in the noodle base.
- 1 clove Garlic (minced): Gives warmth and aromatic depth to the noodles.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid that cooks the fideo noodles until tender.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: Echoes the spice notes from the chicken filling in the noodles.
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder: Adds just enough heat to complement the fideo without overpowering.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): To season the noodles perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by mixing the shredded cooked chicken with finely chopped onion, cilantro, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend transforms simple chicken into a flavorful filling that packs a punch with every bite. The fresh cilantro adds a vibrant pop that balances the warm spices beautifully.
Step 2: Assemble the Flautas
Warm the tortillas briefly to make them pliable, which helps prevent cracking. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll tightly to enclose the filling. Secure them if needed with a toothpick. This preparation is crucial to get those perfectly compact flautas that crisp up nicely during frying.
Step 3: Fry the Flautas
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the rolled flautas seam side down. Fry them until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place the cooked flautas on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is what gives you that irresistible crunch that contrasts so well with the tender filling inside.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Fideo Noodles
In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and toast the fideo noodles until they turn golden and slightly nutty, about 2-3 minutes. Add diced tomato, chopped onion, and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, then sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer everything until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavorful broth, about 8-10 minutes. These spicy noodles are the perfect, comforting accompaniment to the crunchy flautas.
How to Serve Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes bring the whole dish to life and add layers of texture and flavor. Dollops of sour cream provide creamy coolness that complements the spiciness, while tangy salsa adds brightness. Guacamole introduces a buttery richness, and shredded lettuce adds fresh crunch for a delightful contrast against the fried exterior of the flautas.
Side Dishes
Though the spicy fideo noodles already act as a hearty side, you can round out the meal with a simple Mexican street corn salad or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. These refreshing sides lighten the meal and bring crisp, contrasting elements to the table, creating a well-balanced dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the flautas into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve as a festive appetizer platter alongside small bowls of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Alternatively, stack the whole flautas on a colorful platter with a generous mound of spicy fideo noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs for an inviting presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover chicken flautas and spicy fideo noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the flautas are drained well from oil before storing to prevent sogginess. Refrigerated leftovers reheat better when crisped back up slightly in a skillet or oven.
Freezing
To freeze, place uncooked rolled flautas on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They can be fried straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time. The fideo noodles are best made fresh but can be frozen in airtight containers for up to a month, reheating with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Reheating
Reheat flautas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to regain crispiness. For the noodles, gently warm them in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a little broth if needed to loosen up the dish.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work wonderfully and lend a more traditional flavor, but be sure to warm them well before rolling to avoid cracking during frying.
Is it possible to bake the flautas instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Place the rolled flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment, brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until crisp and golden.
What can I substitute for fideo noodles?
If you can’t find fideo noodles, broken spaghetti or thin vermicelli work perfectly as substitutes. Just break them into short pieces before using.
Can I make the filling spicier?
Definitely! Add some cayenne pepper or chopped fresh jalapeños to the filling for more heat. Adjust the chili powder accordingly in both the chicken and noodles to balance the spiciness.
What are some good beverage pairings for this dish?
Refreshing drinks like a cold cerveza, sparkling agua fresca, or a tangy margarita pair beautifully with the bold flavors and crispy texture of Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for sharing, bursting with flavor, and truly comforting in every sense of the word. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite—easy to make yet impressive enough to crave again and again. So roll up those tortillas, fry up those flautas, and don’t forget to dig into those delicious spicy fideo noodles alongside for a perfect meal experience!
Print
Chicken Flautas with Spicy Fideo Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This recipe features crispy, flavorful Chicken Flautas paired with a comforting side of traditional Mexican Fideo noodles. The flautas are made by rolling shredded seasoned chicken in small tortillas and frying them until golden and crunchy. Served with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce, they offer a perfect balance of texture and taste. The accompanying fideo is a simple yet delicious noodle dish cooked in a spiced tomato and chicken broth base, making for a satisfying meal with rich Mexican flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Flautas
- 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup Onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 8–10 Small Flour or Corn Tortillas
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Optional Toppings
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Shredded Lettuce
Fideo Noodles
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Fideo Noodles (or broken spaghetti)
- 1 small Tomato (diced)
- 1/2 small Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped onion, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well seasoned.
- Assemble the Flautas: Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll them tightly to form flautas. Secure with a toothpick if needed to prevent unrolling during frying.
- Fry the Flautas: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the flautas in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Fideo Base: In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown, being careful not to burn them.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced tomato, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the toasted noodles. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Cook the Fideo: Pour in the chicken broth, then add ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Serve: Plate the crispy chicken flautas alongside the warm fideo noodles. Top the flautas with optional sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce as desired for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful filling with minimal preparation.
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking during assembly and frying.
- Maintain an oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy flautas without absorbing too much oil.
- Fideo noodles are typically thin vermicelli or broken spaghetti; toasting them adds a nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
