Baked Spicy Tandoori Chicken

My tastebud is awaken by this yummylicious Tandoori Chicken, which is marinated with Tandoori spice powder; not bought from supermarket shelf, but homemade.  This is indeed interesting.  I am sharing this delicious recipe with all my readers.

Ingredients: (serves 2)

2 chicken whole legs (skin on)

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 lemon

1 1/2 tbsp. Tandoori spice powder

Tandoori Spice Mix: (mix and store excess in air tight container/bottle)

1 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. cayenne pepper

2 tbsp. garlic powder

1 tbsp. salt

1 tbsp. onion powder

2 tbsp. dried basil

2 tbsp. ground coriander

2 tbsp. ground cumin

2 tbsp. ground ginger

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Methods:

1. Prepare the chicken - use a sharp knife and make 2 to 3 diagonal incisions in the thickest part of the chicken.  Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir in yogurt, tandoori spice mix and squeeze the juice of half a lemon.  Stir well until combined.
3. Place the chicken legs into a zip-lock bag, pour the tandoori mixture into the chicken, release air and close the zip-lock bag, squish the bag to ensure even marinating.  I marinate it overnight, as the longer we marinate the stronger the flavor.  During marinating, I turn and squish the zip-lock bag few times.
4. Take out the chicken from the fridge and leave at room temperature one hour before baking.  Place chicken pieces on a rack, skin side up, with a little water in the tray below to allow steam to keep the chicken moist.  Bake at 200 degree Celsius for 20 minutes, turn the chicken over and continue to bake for 10 minutes, again turn it skin side up and let it bake another 5 minutes until slightly charred.  To check whether it's properly done, use a knife to prick onto the bone area, if the juices are running clear, it means the chicken is ready.
5. Remove chicken onto a platter, serve with lemon wedges.
6. I also prepare a side dish of Pasta Salad loaded with veggies; drizzled with Japanese Goma Dressing to go with this yummylicious Spicy Tandoori Chicken.  Refer to my next blog to obtain the Salad recipe.
7. Let's indulge!

This chicken recipe is adapted from 'lovefoodies.com' with a slight adjustment to suit my cooking preference.