Spicy Fried Chicken Leg Pieces
Ingredients:
For Marination:
- 4 chicken leg pieces (drumsticks)
- ½ cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon oil
For Coating (Optional, for crispy texture):
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Frying/Baking:
- Oil (for deep frying or brushing if baking)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Clean the chicken leg pieces and make small cuts for better marination.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, salt, red chili powder, black pepper, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and oil.
- Coat the chicken well with this marinade.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
Step 2: Cooking Options
1. Deep Frying Method:
- Heat oil in a deep pan on medium heat.
- (Optional) Mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and paprika for coating. Lightly coat each marinated chicken piece.
- Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
2. Baking Method (Healthier Option):
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with foil.
- Brush with a little oil and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Broil for the last 5 minutes for a crispy finish.
3. Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (360°F).
- Place chicken in a single layer and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.
Step 3: Serve
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and lemon wedges.
- Serve hot with mint chutney, onion rings, or garlic mayo.
Tips for Juicy Chicken Leg Pieces
✅ Marinate longer for better flavor and tenderness.
✅ Fry on medium heat to cook evenly.
✅ For extra crispy chicken, double-coat with flour and cornstarch.
✅ For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal for a few minutes.
Would you like a grilled version or Indian-style Tandoori Chicken Leg recipe? 😊