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Indian Spiced Baked Chicken

This Indian Spiced Baked Chicken brings warm, aromatic flavors to your table with surprising simplicity. Chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of classic Indian spices and yogurt, then baked for a flavorful and tender result that's both authentic and accessible to home cooks of any skill level.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire Rack

Ingredients
  

For the marinade

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt dairy-free coconut yogurt works for lactose-free version
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the spice mixture

  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika adds depth if available
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

For garnish

  • fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Combine the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, and olive oil in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, mix together all the spices: garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the spice mixture to the yogurt base and stir thoroughly until you achieve a uniform, golden-orange marinade.
  • Place the chicken pieces in the bowl and use your hands to massage the marinade into every crevice of the meat, ensuring even coating for consistent flavor.
  • Transfer the chicken to a zip-top bag or covered container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, gently shaking off excess, and arrange pieces on the prepared rack, ensuring they don't touch.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin develops a beautiful caramelized finish.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For authentic char marks, finish the baked chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
For a lower-fat option, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 38gFat: 17gSodium: 675mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Keyword Indian Chicken, Baked Chicken, Spiced Chicken, Indian Spiced Baked Chicken
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