Chicken Drumsticks Masala

Chicken drumsticks masala is a dish where tender chicken drumsticks are marinated in a blend of spices, often including ginger-garlic paste, chili sauce, soy sauce, and more, depending on the recipe. The marinated drumsticks are either pan-fried or cooked in a sauce until they’re flavorful and tender. The sauce typically contains a mix of aromatic spices, onions, peppers, and a combination of savory, tangy, and spicy sauces, creating a delicious coating for the chicken. It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect as a main course in various cuisines, especially Indian and Indo-Chinese.

Here’s a delicious recipe to prepare chicken drumsticks masala:

Ingredients:

For Marination:

  • 6-8 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch/cornflour

For Masala:

  • 2 onions (finely chopped)
  • 3 tomatoes (pureed)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 2-3 cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder
  • 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken Drumsticks:

  1. Make slits on the chicken drumsticks to allow the marinade to penetrate.
  2. In a bowl, mix the drumsticks with soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper powder, and salt.
  3. Add cornstarch/cornflour to the chicken. Mix well, ensuring the drumsticks are evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking the Dish:

  1. Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken drumsticks. Fry them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and set aside.

For Masala Gravy:

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  5. Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the sides of the mixture.
  6. Add Kashmiri chilli powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
  7. Add the chicken drumsticks to the masala mixture and coat them evenly.
  8. Add water as needed to prevent burning and to achieve the desired consistency of gravy.
  9. Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle garam masala over the dish and mix well.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serving:

  • Serve the chicken drumsticks masala hot with rice, roti (Indian flatbread), naan, or bread of your choice.

This dish offers a blend of spices and flavors that make the chicken drumsticks incredibly tasty and aromatic. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences for a milder or spicier version. Enjoy your meal!