If you’re craving something that’s crispy, savory, and comforting, look no further than Chicken Flautas and Fideo. This delightful combination of golden, crunchy flautas filled with flavorful shredded chicken, paired with a warm and satisfying bowl of fideo (Mexican noodle soup), is a match made in comfort food heaven. The flautas are perfectly crispy on the outside, while the chicken inside is tender and seasoned to perfection. Meanwhile, the fideo is a flavorful, slightly spicy soup that complements the flautas beautifully, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This dish brings all the warmth and coziness of Mexican home cooking into your kitchen, and I promise, it’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Flautas and Fideo
Crispy & Flavorful
The chicken flautas are crispy, golden, and packed with juicy, seasoned chicken, creating the perfect contrast to the smooth, comforting fideo. It’s a texture party in every bite!
Hearty & Satisfying
With a combination of crispy flautas and a savory noodle soup, this dish is both filling and soul-soothing. It’s ideal for when you need something hearty, but not too heavy.
Quick & Easy
Though it may look like a lot of work, making flautas and fideo is surprisingly easy! You’ll be done in no time, and the result is so delicious that you’ll forget how little effort it took to make.
A Complete Meal in One
This dish is a complete meal with protein, carbs, and tons of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Flautas:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender, juicy chicken that gets shredded and seasoned perfectly for the filling.
- Corn Tortillas: For that classic crispy exterior. You’ll need to warm them up first to keep them from cracking when you roll them.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack adds a cheesy richness inside the flautas.
- Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: For seasoning the chicken to bring out those delicious Mexican flavors.
- Oil: For frying the flautas and getting them crispy.
- Lime: For squeezing over the flautas for a touch of citrusy brightness.
For the Fideo:
- Fideo Noodles: These thin noodles are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth and flavors. You can find them at most Mexican grocery stores.
- Tomato Sauce: To give the soup its rich base and vibrant red color.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Garlic & Onion: For that aromatic foundation that gives the soup its flavor base.
- Chili Powder & Paprika: To add a little heat and smokiness to the soup. Feel free to adjust for your desired spice level.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and noodles to get that nice, toasty flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro (Optional): For garnish, adding a fresh and herbaceous note to the soup.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Flautas:
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can cook the chicken by boiling it, baking it, or pan-frying it until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Assemble the Flautas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet to make them more pliable. Place a spoonful of the shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese in the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly into a cylinder shape, making sure the ends are tucked in to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Fry the Flautas: Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the flautas until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Prepare the Fideo:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Toast the Noodles: Add the fideo noodles to the pot and sauté them in the oil for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. This step gives the noodles a nice toasty flavor.
- Add the Tomato Sauce and Broth: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the soup thickens slightly.
- Finish the Soup: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Serve:
- Plate the Flautas and Fideo: Serve the crispy chicken flautas alongside a bowl of warm, comforting fideo soup. Garnish the flautas with a squeeze of fresh lime and cilantro, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Fat per serving: 24g
Carbs per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 35g
Sugar per serving: 6g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Flautas and Fideo
As a Hearty Dinner:
This dish makes a perfect dinner. The flautas are filling, and the fideo is light yet comforting, making for a well-rounded meal that’s great for family dinners.
With a Side of Rice:
If you’re looking for a more filling meal, serve the chicken flautas and fideo alongside some Mexican rice for even more deliciousness.
With a Simple Salad:
Pair this dish with a fresh, crunchy side salad to balance out the richness of the flautas and the savory broth of the fideo.
Additional Tips
Make the Flautas Ahead of Time:
You can prepare the flautas ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them. Just roll them up and refrigerate, and they’ll be ready to go when you need them.
Customize the Fideo:
Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to the fideo to increase the nutrients and flavor.
Use Leftover Chicken:
This is a great way to use up leftover chicken, whether it’s from a rotisserie chicken or chicken you’ve cooked earlier in the week.
Gluten-Free Option:
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas for the flautas and ensure your fideo noodles are gluten-free (or substitute with another gluten-free pasta).
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake the flautas instead of frying them?
A1: Yes! To make them a bit healthier, you can bake the flautas. Just place them on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q2: Can I use store-bought fideo noodles?
A2: Absolutely! Fideo noodles can be found at most Mexican grocery stores, but if you can’t find them, you can use any thin pasta, such as angel hair or vermicelli.
Q3: Can I make the chicken flautas ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the flautas ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry or bake them.
Q4: Can I add cheese to the fideo soup?
A4: Yes! You can add a little shredded cheese to the fideo once it’s done cooking for a creamy touch, or serve it with cheese on top as a garnish.
Q5: Can I use ground beef instead of chicken for the flautas?
A5: Yes, you can use ground beef or even ground turkey in place of the chicken. Just season the meat as you would the chicken and cook it until fully browned.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The fideo can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q7: Can I make the fideo soup spicy?
A7: Yes! To add more heat to the soup, increase the chili powder, or add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Q8: How do I make the flautas more flavorful?
A8: You can marinate the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and spices for extra flavor before cooking and shredding it.
Q9: Can I freeze the fideo soup?
A9: Yes, you can freeze the fideo soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Q10: Can I add vegetables to the flautas?
A10: Yes, you can add veggies like sautéed onions, peppers, or even spinach to the chicken filling before rolling the flautas.
Conclusion
Chicken Flautas and Fideo is the kind of dish that brings the cozy comfort of Mexican flavors into your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Crispy, cheesy flautas paired with a savory, hearty noodle soup—it’s the perfect combination for a satisfying meal that’ll leave everyone wanting seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this dish is sure to please!
Print
Chicken Flautas and Fideo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Flautas and Fideo is a traditional Mexican meal that combines crispy, flavorful chicken flautas with a savory, comforting Mexican noodle dish called fideo. The flautas are filled with seasoned shredded chicken, rolled up, and fried until golden and crunchy, while the fideo is a quick, spiced noodle side dish that perfectly complements the crispy flautas. This meal is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or taco nights!
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Fideo:
- 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
- For the Chicken Flautas:
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, chopped onion, cilantro, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Flautas:
- Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave to make them more pliable.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly into a cylinder shape.
- Fry the Flautas:
- Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully add the rolled flautas to the hot oil, seam side down, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the flautas from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the Flautas:
- Serve the crispy chicken flautas with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or shredded lettuce if desired.
For the Fideo:
- Toast the Noodles:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the fideo noodles (or broken spaghetti) and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are lightly golden and toasted.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the diced tomato, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the noodles. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the broth is mostly absorbed. If needed, add a bit more broth or water during cooking.
- Serve the Fideo:
- Once the noodles are cooked, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Serve alongside the chicken flautas.
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add diced jalapeños to the chicken filling or the fideo.
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with seasoned black beans or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Fried, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg