Crispy Baked "Masala" Chicken

This is my take on a healthy version of Crispy Fried Chicken with a touch of Indian Spices. Baking yields the same crispness and the drumsticks are juicy on the inside just like the deep-fried ones but without the added calories.Definitely worth giving a try.

Ingredients:

• 8 pieces Chicken Drumsticks

For the Marinade:

• 1 cup Thick Yogurt
• 1/2 cup Buttermilk
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 1/2 tsp Chicken Masala Powder (Available @ Indian Stores. I used "Sakthi" Brand. Any Brand would do)
• 1 tsp Cracked Pepper
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt or less
• 1/4 tsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Dried fenugreek leaves(Kasuri Methi), crushed

For Dredging/Coating:

• 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Cracked Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric
• 1/2 tsp Chili Powder/Cayenne Powder
• 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves, crushed

Procedure:

• Remove the skin from the drumsticks.Make small slits with paring knife on the flesh.
• Mix all the ingredients under "For Marinade" and pour them into a big ziploc bag.
• Add the chicken pieces inside and let it sit in the refrigerator for atleast 4 hours. Overnight is better.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Mix all the ingredients under "For dredging/Coating" and spread it in a wide shallow pan.
• Coat/Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour and shake off the excess.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with oil.
• Arrange the chicken pieces on the tray and bake at the lower rack for ~40-45 minutes turning the chicken midway.

• Broil the drumsticks for 5 minutes for an extra crispy skin if desired.
• Serve warm.

Makes 8 Crispy drumsticks.

Enjoy!