Masala Chicken Legs

Delight your taste buds with these bold and flavorful Masala Chicken Legs! Marinated in a luscious blend of creamy yogurt, fragrant garlic and ginger paste, and a medley of Indian spices like garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder, these oven-roasted chicken legs pack a punch of authentic flavor. The marinade, enriched with zesty lemon juice, penetrates deep into the meat thanks to knife-slit preparation, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Perfectly golden and slightly charred from roasting, this dish is a perfect centerpiece, whether paired with naan, steamed basmati rice, or a fresh side salad. Easy to prepare yet rich with the unmistakable aroma of homemade Indian cuisine, this recipe is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken legs
• 1 cup Plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1.5 teaspoons Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Wash the chicken legs thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2

Using a knife, make 2-3 deep slits on each chicken leg to allow the marinade to penetrate better.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.

Step 4

Add the chicken legs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Massage the marinade into the slits for maximum flavor.

Step 5

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for best results.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with oil.

Step 7

Place the marinated chicken legs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Step 8

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown.

Step 9

Garnish the cooked chicken legs with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan, rice, or a side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	958.3 grams (958.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1337

Total Fat 84.30g	108%
Saturated Fat 21.10g	106%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.90g
Cholesterol 468mg	156%
Sodium 3909mg	170%
Total Carbohydrate 43.10g	16%
Dietary Fiber 4.80g	17%
Total Sugars 18.30g
Protein 101.60g	203%

Vitamin D 118IU	588%
Calcium 600mg	46%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 2020mg	43%

*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: 56.7%

Protein: 30.4%

Carbs: 12.9%