Whether you’re looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner or planning a cozy family meal, this Indian Baked Chicken Leg recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. The combination of aromatic spices and tender chicken legs creates a dish that is both comforting and full of exotic flavors. Let’s dive into the world of Indian cuisine with this simple yet mouthwatering recipe.
**Indian Baked Chicken Leg**
**Ingredients:**
– 6 chicken legs
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the spices are evenly incorporated into the yogurt.
3. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and score each leg with a few shallow cuts. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat better and make the chicken more flavorful.
4. Place the chicken legs in the bowl with the yogurt marinade and coat them thoroughly, ensuring each leg is well covered. You can use your hands for this step to make sure the marinade reaches all parts of the chicken.
5. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours or overnight.
6. Once marinated, transfer the chicken legs to the prepared baking dish, making sure they are well spaced out to allow even cooking.
7. Bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
8. Once done, remove the Indian Baked Chicken Legs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color. You can also squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken legs before serving for an extra zing of flavor.
Dig into these tender and aromatic Indian Baked Chicken Legs for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The blend of spices and the juicy chicken meat will make this dish a regular on your dinner table. Pair it with some fragrant basmati rice, a side of cooling cucumber raita, and warm naan bread to complete your meal. Enjoy the fusion of Indian flavors in the comfort of your own home with this delightful recipe.
