Mexican Drumsticks
Juicy chicken drumsticks coated with crunchy crushed corn chips and flavorful taco sauce, ideal for a quick, delicious Mexican-inspired meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 9-inch square dish, combine the bottled taco sauce and salad oil.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the dish and turn them to coat with the sauce mixture.
- Cover the dish and marinate the chicken for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Place the corn chips in a plastic bag and crush them into smaller pieces.
- Shake the marinated drumsticks in the crushed corn chips to coat them evenly.
- Place the coated drumsticks in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the taco sauce mixture. You can substitute chicken drumsticks with thighs or breasts if preferred. If you want a crunchier texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of corn chips. To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños to the taco sauce. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chicken Fajitas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the drumsticks hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or lime wedges. They pair wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice or a simple salad. You can also serve them alongside Albert'S Mexican Casserole for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, serve with dipping sauces like guacamole or sour cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious as this may make the coating less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Drumsticks contains roughly 1282 calories, with 15g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1380mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sauce instead of taco sauce?
Yes, you can substitute taco sauce with enchilada sauce or even barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the consistency is similar to maintain proper coating on the chicken.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the taco sauce before marinating the chicken. You can also add cayenne pepper to the corn chip coating for an extra kick.
Can I prepare the drumsticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the drumsticks the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).