Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this flavorful Taco Oven Fried Chicken recipe! Featuring crispy, golden-brown drumsticks infused with the bold spices of taco seasoning, this dish combines the irresistible crunch of panko breadcrumbs with a tender, juicy interiorβall without the excess oil of traditional frying. A perfect blend of buttermilk, garlic powder, and paprika enhances the savory, smoky flavors, while a simple oven-baking technique keeps the preparation fuss-free. Ideal for a family-friendly meal, this easy-to-make recipe is ready in just an hour and pairs beautifully with fresh salads or zesty Mexican-style rice. Perfect for taco lovers craving a healthier twist, this oven-fried chicken is sure to become a household favorite!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and set aside.
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, taco seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.
In a second shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs together until fully combined.
In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken drumstick in the flour mixture, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured drumstick into the buttermilk-egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
Roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the entire surface.
Place the breaded chicken drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
Lightly spray the top of the coated chicken with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the coating is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C). Rotate the pan halfway through cooking for even crisping.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the Taco Oven Fried Chicken with your favorite sides, such as a fresh green salad or Mexican-style rice. Enjoy!
Calories |
2524 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.1 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.8 g | 144% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1143 mg | 381% | |
| Sodium | 5333 mg | 232% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 187.4 g | 68% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.2 g | ||
| Protein | 224.6 g | 449% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 533 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 21.3 mg | 118% | |
| Potassium | 2572 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.