Spiced Chicken

Spiced chicken can seem a bit tricky to prepare initially due to the plethora of spices involved. The most common question when cooking with it relates to the choice of spices, their correct proportions, and the right way of adding them. People often go wrong in balancing the spice levels, which may either lead to overpowering or mellowed down flavors. Getting the most out of spiced chicken relies heavily on marination-a step that ensures chicken absorbs the flavors thoroughly. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or preferably overnight. It's also important to rest the cooked chicken for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the chicken, helping it stay succulent and tender. A handy tip includes toasting the spices before adding them to the marinade. This elevates the flavors altogether. Also, adjusting the spice level according to the side dish is a good strategy. For example, if you're serving a mild-flavored side, you may want to notch up the spice level of the chicken to balance the entire meal.