Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to the warm setting or around 200°F (95°C) to keep the flautas warm after frying.
Prepare the Oil:
Fill a large saucepan with about 3/4 inch of vegetable or canola oil. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C).
Make the Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, diced chiles, garlic salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Flautas:
Working with 4 tortillas at a time, place a heaping spoonful of the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and secure them with a toothpick.
Fry the Flautas:
Using tongs, gently hold each flauta in the hot oil until firm, then release it to continue frying. Fry for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fried flautas to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt immediately.
Keep the Flautas Warm:
Transfer the fried flautas to a foil-lined baking sheet and keep them warm in the preheated oven while you cook the remaining tortillas.
Serve:
Serve the crispy flautas warm with your choice of toppings, such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green salsa, guacamole, or Cilantro Ranch dressing. Enjoy!