Chicken leg quarters are a tasty and budget-friendly option for many meals. These cuts include both the thigh and drumstick, offering plenty of meat and flavor.
With the right recipes, you can turn this simple ingredient into delicious dishes for your family and friends.
Chicken leg quarters are versatile and can be prepared in many ways, from baking to grilling to slow cooking. You’ll find recipes that use different seasonings, marinades, and cooking methods to create a variety of flavors and textures.
Whether you prefer crispy skin, fall-off-the-bone tenderness, or bold spices, there’s a chicken leg quarter recipe to suit your taste.
1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Quarters
Lemon herb grilled chicken quarters are a tasty and easy meal. You’ll love the bright, zesty flavors in this dish.
Start by making a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Add minced garlic for extra flavor.
Coat the chicken quarters in the marinade and let them sit for about an hour. This helps the meat absorb the flavors.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 40-45 minutes, turning occasionally. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
The result is juicy chicken with crispy skin and a tangy lemon-herb taste. Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
2. Garlic and Rosemary Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Garlic and rosemary create a classic flavor combo for baked chicken leg quarters. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
Pat the chicken quarters dry with paper towels.
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Rub this seasoned butter all over the chicken pieces. Place them on a baking sheet with some quartered potatoes.
Bake for about 45 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and golden brown. The meat should be cooked through and juicy.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, herb-infused meal!
3. Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Honey mustard roasted chicken leg quarters are a tasty and simple dish. You’ll need chicken leg quarters, honey, mustard, and some basic spices.
Mix honey and mustard to create a sweet and tangy sauce. Coat the chicken leg quarters with this mixture.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated chicken in a baking dish.
Bake for about 60-75 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through and spoon the sauce over it.
The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
4. Cajun Spiced Chicken Leg Quarters
Cajun spiced chicken leg quarters bring a taste of Louisiana to your dinner table. You’ll love the bold, zesty flavors of this dish.
To make it, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken quarters.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For extra flavor, add a pat of butter on top of each piece before baking. The result is juicy, spicy chicken with crispy skin.
5. BBQ Marinated Chicken Leg Quarters
Want to make tasty BBQ chicken leg quarters? Start by mixing up a flavorful marinade. Use ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and spices.
Put the chicken in a big ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it sit in the fridge for 2-6 hours. This helps the flavors soak in.
Heat your grill to about 450°F.
Take the chicken out and let it warm up a bit. Rub some oil on the chicken and add black pepper.
Grill the chicken for about 50 minutes. Turn and baste it every 10-15 minutes.
When it’s nearly done, brush on BBQ sauce. Cook until the skin gets crispy and the inside reaches 165°F.
6. Soy Sauce and Ginger Chicken Quarters
Soy sauce and ginger chicken quarters offer a tasty Asian-inspired twist on a classic dish. To make this recipe, you’ll need soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and honey.
Mix these ingredients to create a flavorful marinade. Pour it over the chicken quarters in a baking dish. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for about an hour in the fridge.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the marinated chicken for around 30 minutes.
The result is juicy chicken with a rich, savory taste.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. It’s an easy weeknight meal that brings exciting flavors to your dinner table.
7. Smoky Paprika Roasted Chicken Quarters
Smoky paprika adds rich flavor to roasted chicken quarters. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Pat the chicken quarters dry with paper towels.
Rub the spice mix all over the chicken, including under the skin. Place the seasoned quarters on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Roast for about 30-35 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This simple recipe creates juicy, flavorful chicken with a smoky kick.
8. Garlic Butter Crispy Chicken Quarters
You can make delicious garlic butter crispy chicken quarters in your oven. Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with salt and pepper.
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, and lemon zest.
Gently lift the skin and spread this mixture underneath.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes.
For extra crispiness, broil for a few minutes at the end.
Let the chicken rest before serving. The result is juicy meat with crispy, flavorful skin.
9. Orange Glazed Chicken Leg Quarters
Orange glazed chicken leg quarters are a tasty and easy meal. You’ll need chicken leg quarters, orange juice, honey, butter, and spices.
Mix orange juice, honey, melted butter, garlic, and rosemary in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken and let it marinate for at least an hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and cook for about 45 minutes.
Brush more glaze on the chicken and cook for another 15 minutes. This will make the skin crispy and give it a nice orange color.
The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides for a great dinner.
10. Italian Herb Crusted Chicken Quarters
You can make tasty Italian herb crusted chicken quarters in your oven. Start by preheating to 425°F.
Mix Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Brush the quarters with melted butter or olive oil.
Sprinkle the herb mix all over, pressing it into the skin.
Place the chicken skin-side up in a baking dish. Cook for about 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The result is juicy chicken with a flavorful herb crust. Serve with roasted vegetables or pasta for an easy Italian-inspired meal.
11. Teriyaki Marinated Chicken Leg Quarters
Teriyaki chicken leg quarters are a tasty and easy meal option. You can make a simple teriyaki marinade at home with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Place your chicken leg quarters in a bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Put the marinated chicken in an oven-safe pan and bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
For extra flavor, you can baste the chicken with leftover marinade while cooking. Serve your teriyaki chicken leg quarters with rice and veggies for a complete meal.
12. Buffalo Sauced Chicken Leg Quarters
Buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick to chicken leg quarters. You can make this dish in the oven or instant pot.
To bake, brush the chicken with buffalo sauce and roast at 400°F for about 45 minutes. Baste with more sauce every 15 minutes for extra flavor.
For instant pot cooking, pressure cook the chicken first. Then brush with sauce and broil for 3-4 minutes to crisp the skin.
Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
13. Maple Dijon Chicken Leg Quarters
This recipe combines sweet maple syrup with tangy Dijon mustard for a flavorful chicken dish. You’ll start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Place potato and carrot chunks in a large baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Toss to coat evenly.
Mix maple syrup, chicken stock, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Pour this sauce over the chicken quarters and vegetables.
Bake for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. The result is juicy chicken with a delicious maple-Dijon glaze and perfectly roasted vegetables.
14. Chipotle Lime Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Spice up your chicken dinner with these zesty chipotle lime roasted leg quarters. Start by mixing chipotle powder, lime juice, olive oil, and garlic to create a flavorful marinade.
Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes. The skin should turn golden brown and crispy.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. Pair with rice and beans for a complete meal.
15. Balsamic Vinegar Chicken Leg Quarters
Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy twist to chicken leg quarters. To make this dish, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, skin side up. Add some water to the pan to keep the marinade from burning.
Bake the chicken for about 40-50 minutes. The skin will turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
You can add veggies like potatoes or bell peppers to the pan for a complete meal. The balsamic flavor will infuse everything, creating a delicious and easy dinner.
Understanding Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters are a tasty and budget-friendly cut of poultry. They offer good nutrition and versatility in cooking.
What Are Chicken Leg Quarters?
Chicken leg quarters are a cut of chicken that includes the thigh and drumstick. They’re often sold with the back portion attached. This cut gives you more meat than just a thigh or drumstick alone.
Leg quarters have dark meat, which is juicier and more flavorful than white meat. The skin adds extra flavor when cooked. You can buy them with or without skin.
These pieces work well for baking, grilling, or slow cooking. They’re great for family meals or feeding a crowd. Leg quarters are usually cheaper per pound than other chicken cuts.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken leg quarters pack a nutritional punch. They’re rich in protein, which helps build and repair muscles. A typical quarter provides about 25-30 grams of protein.
These cuts contain more fat than chicken breasts. But much of it is healthy unsaturated fat. They’re also full of important vitamins and minerals.
Key nutrients in leg quarters include:
- B vitamins for energy
- Iron for healthy blood
- Zinc for immune function
- Selenium, an antioxidant
Leg quarters are a good source of niacin, which supports heart health. They also provide phosphorus for strong bones and teeth.
Cooking Techniques for Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters are versatile and can be cooked using different methods. Each technique brings out unique flavors and textures in the meat.
Roasting Methods
Roasting chicken leg quarters in the oven is a simple and tasty option. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and brush it with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet, skin side down. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through. The skin should be crispy and golden brown when done.
For even crispier skin, use a rack on the baking sheet. This lets air circulate around the chicken. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Grilling Tips
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to chicken leg quarters. Start by marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This adds flavor and keeps the meat moist.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 12-15 minutes per side.
Avoid moving the chicken too much to get nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Brush on BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking if desired. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Slow Cooking Options
Slow cooking chicken leg quarters results in tender, falling-off-the-bone meat. This method is great for busy days.
Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Add your choice of liquid – broth, wine, or even salsa.
Season with herbs and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You can also add vegetables like potatoes and carrots for a complete meal.
The chicken will be very tender, so remove it carefully to avoid it falling apart. For crispy skin, place the cooked chicken under the broiler for a few minutes.
Watch it closely to prevent burning.