Deliciously Zesty Baked Chicken for Outdoor Feasts

Ingredients

• Spritz of cooking spray to grease the pan
• One full cup of luscious buttermilk
• A portion of taco seasoning mix (1.25 ounces), split into parts
• A hint of spiciness with 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• A generous cup of breadcrumbs for coating
• Equal measure of grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful crunch
• Quarter cup of versatile all-purpose flour
• A dash of onion powder to elevate the taste
• Savor with a pinch of salt (optional)
• A sprinkle of ground black pepper for an extra kick
• Four plump skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Step 1

Start off by preheating your oven to a toasty 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and giving your broiler pan a quick spritz of cooking spray.

Step 2

In a bowl, whip up a flavorful concoction of buttermilk, a dash of taco seasoning, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This mixture is sure to add a spicy kick to your dish.

Step 3

In another bowl, create a crunchy coating by combining the remaining taco seasoning with bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, flour, onion powder, a hint of salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper. This savory mixture will give your chicken a delicious crunch.

Step 4

Take your chicken pieces and dip them in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Then, generously coat each piece with the bread crumbs mixture before placing them on the prepared broiler pan.

Step 5

Pop the pan into the preheated oven and let the chicken bake until it's no longer pink in the center and the coating turns crispy, typically around 30 to 35 minutes. To be certain it's perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the center reaches at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). This step ensures your chicken is cooked to perfection.