Masala Chicken Drumsticks
Infuse your dinner table with bold, vibrant flavors by trying these irresistible Masala Chicken Drumsticks! Juicy, tender drumsticks are marinated in a luscious blend of yogurt, vibrant spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and paprika, and a tangy touch of lemon juice, delivering a perfect balance of heat and zest. The marinade seeps into the meat, thanks to shallow slashes, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Oven-baked to perfection with a golden, lightly charred finish, these drumsticks are not only healthier but also packed with smoky, restaurant-style charm. Prep ahead and let the flavors deepen overnight, then serve these crowd-pleasing drumsticks hot with naan, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad for the ultimate family dinner or party favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup Plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Clean and pat dry the chicken drumsticks. Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 shallow slashes on each drumstick to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil or melted butter. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Ensure the marinade gets into the slashes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks on the prepared tray, leaving some space between them. Brush the tops of the drumsticks with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil or melted butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through for even cooking. The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For a charred and smoky finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.
Serve hot alongside naan, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
458 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.9 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 174 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 672 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.3 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 48.1 g | 96% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 157 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 656 mg | 14% | |
*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.
