Taco Battered Fried Chicken

Crispy, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful, Taco Battered Fried Chicken takes comfort food up a notch by combining the juicy tenderness of fried chicken with the bold, smoky spices of taco seasoning. These golden-brown chicken drumsticks are coated in a batter infused with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a kick of optional hot sauce, then fried to perfection for a crunchy, satisfying bite. The addition of cornstarch to the dry coating ensures an extra-crispy crust, while buttermilk in the wet batter keeps the meat moist and succulent. Perfect as a game-day snack or a fun twist on dinner, this dish is best served fresh with your favorite dipping sauce or a vibrant slaw. Say goodbye to bland fried chicken—this crowd-pleaser packs a fiesta of flavor in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken legs or drumsticks
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons Taco seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 3 large Eggs
• 1.5 cups Buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Hot sauce (optional)
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce (if using). Set aside to create the wet batter.

Step 2

In another large bowl, combine the flour, taco seasoning mix, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the dry coating.

Step 3

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the batter stick better.

Step 4

Dip each chicken piece first into the wet batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess liquid to drip off.

Step 5

Next, dredge the chicken into the dry coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly to the surface.

Step 6

Let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes to let the coating set while you prepare the oil.

Step 7

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the oil's temperature for even frying.

Step 8

Carefully place 2–3 pieces of chicken into the hot oil at a time, taking care not to crowd the pan.

Step 9

Fry the chicken for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 10

Remove the fried chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 11

Serve the taco battered fried chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh slaw for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2589.6 grams (2589.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	11005

Total Fat 1052.40g	1349%
Saturated Fat 168.00g	840%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 1342mg	447%
Sodium 8496mg	369%
Total Carbohydrate 244.70g	89%
Dietary Fiber 15.80g	56%
Total Sugars 19.20g
Protein 237.80g	476%

Vitamin D 353IU	1767%
Calcium 721mg	55%
Iron 26mg	146%
Potassium 3014mg	64%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 83.1%

Protein: 8.3%

Carbs: 8.6%