Taco Oven Fried Chicken

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 interior—all 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!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0 cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.

Step 2

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and set aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

In a second shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs together until fully combined.

Step 5

In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 6

Dredge each chicken drumstick in the flour mixture, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.

Step 7

Dip the floured drumstick into the buttermilk-egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.

Step 8

Roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the entire surface.

Step 9

Place the breaded chicken drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.

Step 10

Lightly spray the top of the coated chicken with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crunchy texture.

Step 11

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 165°F (74°C). Rotate the pan halfway through cooking for even crisping.

Step 12

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Serve the Taco Oven Fried Chicken with your favorite sides, such as a fresh green salad or Mexican-style rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1381.8 grams (1381.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2524

Total Fat 98.10g	126%
Saturated Fat 28.80g	144%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 1143mg	381%
Sodium 5333mg	232%
Total Carbohydrate 187.40g	68%
Dietary Fiber 12.30g	44%
Total Sugars 18.20g
Protein 224.60g	449%

Vitamin D 209IU	1045%
Calcium 533mg	41%
Iron 21mg	118%
Potassium 2573mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.9%

Protein: 35.5%

Carbs: 29.6%