Chicken leg quarters are a tasty and budget-friendly option for your next meal. These cuts include both the thigh and drumstick, giving you plenty of juicy meat to work with.
Chicken leg quarters can be cooked in many ways, from baking and grilling to slow cooking and frying.
With so many cooking methods available, you’ll never run out of ideas for preparing chicken leg quarters.
You can season them with different spices and marinades to create a variety of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, chicken leg quarters are a versatile choice that won’t break the bank.
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Leg Quarters
Grilled lemon herb chicken leg quarters are a tasty and easy meal. To make them, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Pat the chicken quarters dry and cut a few slashes in the skin. This helps the flavors soak in.
Rub the lemon herb mix all over the chicken.
Heat your grill to medium-high. Put the chicken on the grill, skin side down. Cook for about 10 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
Check that the chicken is done. The internal temp should reach 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Honey garlic baked chicken leg quarters are tasty and easy to make. You’ll need chicken quarters, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and some spices.
Mix the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar in a bowl. This creates a sweet and savory sauce for your chicken.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken quarters in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Make sure they’re well-coated.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The skin will get crispy and the meat will stay juicy. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful meal!
3. Smoked Paprika Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Smoked paprika gives chicken leg quarters a rich, smoky flavor. To make this dish, you’ll need chicken leg quarters, olive oil, and a spice mix.
Mix smoked paprika with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pat the chicken dry and gently lift the skin to add spices underneath.
Brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the remaining spice mix on top.
Roast in a preheated 425°F oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
For extra flavor, add some lemon juice before roasting. The acid helps tenderize the meat and keeps it moist.
4. Spicy Cajun Chicken Leg Quarters
Cajun spiced chicken leg quarters offer a zesty kick to your meal. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Rub this spice blend all over the chicken quarters.
Place the seasoned chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For extra flavor, brush the chicken with melted butter halfway through cooking. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your spicy Cajun chicken with rice or vegetables.
5. Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Leg Quarters
This recipe combines sweet maple syrup with tangy mustard for a tasty glaze. You’ll need chicken leg quarters, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and spices.
Mix the maple syrup, mustard, and spices in a bowl.
Brush this glaze over the chicken leg quarters.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cook in a 375°F oven for about 45 minutes.
Brush more glaze on the chicken halfway through cooking.
The result is juicy chicken with a flavorful, sticky coating. Serve with roasted vegetables for a full meal.
6. Balsamic Vinegar Chicken Leg Quarters
Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness to chicken leg quarters. You can create a simple marinade with balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and herbs like rosemary and parsley.
Brush the marinade on the chicken before and during cooking. This keeps the meat moist and adds flavor.
For extra taste, mix in some brown sugar or honey with the balsamic vinegar.
Bake the chicken leg quarters in the oven until they’re golden brown. The skin will get crispy while the meat stays juicy. Serve the chicken with the pan juices for a delicious meal.
7. Mediterranean Style Chicken Leg Quarters
Mediterranean chicken leg quarters bring sunny flavors to your table. You can make this dish easily at home.
Start by rubbing the chicken with a mix of salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
Heat olive oil in a large pan and place the chicken skin-side down.
Add garlic and fresh basil to the pan. Cook the legs for about 20-25 minutes before turning. This helps create crispy skin.
For extra flavor, try adding shallots and thyme. A splash of brandy or whiskey can deepen the taste. Finish with a touch of cream for richness.
Serve your Mediterranean chicken with a Greek salad or orzo pasta. Sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a tangy finish.
8. Teriyaki Marinated Chicken Leg Quarters
Teriyaki chicken leg quarters are a tasty and easy meal. You can make them at home with just a few ingredients.
Mix soy sauce, orange juice, honey, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
Pour this over the chicken quarters and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour.
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, skin-side up.
Bake for about 45 minutes, basting a few times with extra sauce.
You can also grill these chicken quarters.
Heat the grill to 325-350°F and oil the grates. Grill for 3 minutes per side to start, then continue cooking until done.
9. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Leg Quarters
Garlic Parmesan chicken leg quarters are a tasty and simple dish. You’ll love the savory flavors of garlic and cheese.
To make this recipe, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Brush the quarters with olive oil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake the chicken in a 375°F oven for about an hour. The skin will turn golden and crispy. The meat will be juicy and tender.
Serve your garlic Parmesan chicken leg quarters with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. This meal is perfect for a family dinner or weekend lunch.
10. BBQ Honey Mustard Chicken Leg Quarters
This tasty recipe combines sweet honey, tangy mustard, and smoky BBQ flavors. You’ll need chicken leg quarters, honey, prepared mustard, BBQ sauce, and spices.
Mix honey, mustard, and your favorite BBQ sauce in a bowl.
Add garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Brush this mixture over the chicken leg quarters.
Grill the chicken on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. Turn it often and baste with more sauce.
You can also bake it in the oven at 350°F for 45-55 minutes.
Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful BBQ honey mustard chicken!
11. Lemon Pepper Chicken Leg Quarters
Lemon pepper chicken leg quarters are a tasty and easy meal option.
To make them, coat the chicken with lemon-pepper seasoning, salt, and parsley. Let the seasoned chicken sit in the fridge for 2 hours to absorb the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil for about 5 minutes per side to crisp the skin. Then transfer it to a roasting pan.
Bake the chicken for 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on size. Baste it every 20 minutes with pan juices. For extra color, broil for the last 3-5 minutes.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also add lemon slices and butter for extra flavor during baking.
12. Tandoori Spiced Chicken Leg Quarters
Tandoori chicken leg quarters are a tasty and easy meal. You marinate the chicken in a mix of yogurt and spices. This gives the meat a rich, tangy flavor.
To make tandoori chicken, cut slits in the meat. This helps the marinade soak in.
Mix yogurt with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Coat the chicken and let it sit for a few hours.
You can cook tandoori chicken in different ways. Try grilling, roasting in the oven, or using an air fryer.
Cook until the chicken reaches 175°F inside. Serve with rice and mango salsa for a complete meal.
13. Creole Chicken Leg Quarters
Creole chicken leg quarters bring the bold flavors of Louisiana to your table. You’ll love the zesty mix of spices that coat these juicy chicken pieces.
To make this dish, season the leg quarters with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat level to your liking.
Place the seasoned chicken on a baking pan and top with a mixture of diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. This adds extra flavor and makes it a complete meal.
Bake the chicken for about an hour, or until it’s cooked through. The skin will become crispy and golden, while the meat stays tender and moist.
For extra flavor, brush the chicken with the pan juices about 10 minutes before it’s done. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce.
14. Chipotle Lime Chicken Leg Quarters
Chipotle lime chicken leg quarters offer a zesty, smoky flavor. To make this dish, mix chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with lime juice, garlic, and olive oil.
Rub this mixture onto the chicken quarters. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F.
Cook the chicken for about 45 minutes, turning once. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The result is juicy chicken with a spicy kick and citrus notes. Serve with rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
15. Asian Style Sticky Chicken Leg Quarters
You can make tasty Asian-inspired sticky chicken leg quarters at home. Start by marinating the chicken in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey.
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Place the marinated leg quarters on a lined baking sheet.
Roast for about 45 minutes, turning halfway through.
While the chicken cooks, simmer the leftover marinade in a pan to make a sticky glaze.
Brush this glaze on the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and savory Asian-flavored coating. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving. Enjoy with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters pack a powerful nutritional punch. They offer high-quality protein and key vitamins and minerals to support your health.
Protein Content
Chicken leg quarters are a top-notch protein source. A single cooked quarter gives you 20-25 grams of protein. This helps meet your daily needs and keeps you feeling full.
Protein is vital for building and repairing muscles. It also supports your immune system and helps make hormones and enzymes.
Chicken leg quarters provide all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. This makes them a complete protein source.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Chicken leg quarters are rich in important nutrients beyond just protein. They contain B vitamins like niacin, B6, and B12.
These help your body turn food into energy and support brain function. You’ll also get minerals like iron and zinc from chicken quarters.
Iron carries oxygen in your blood, while zinc boosts your immune system. Selenium is another key mineral found in chicken leg meat. It acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells from damage.
Chicken quarters even provide some vitamin A for eye health and vitamin K for blood clotting.
Cooking Techniques for Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters can be prepared using different cooking methods. Two popular techniques are baking and grilling.
Each method brings out unique flavors and textures in the meat.
Baking
Baking chicken leg quarters is simple and gives great results. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices.
Place the seasoned quarters on a baking sheet. Cook for 30-45 minutes, depending on their size.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices in the meat.
Grilling
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to chicken leg quarters. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Season the chicken as desired. Place the quarters on the grill, skin side down.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
For extra flavor, brush the chicken with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. This creates a tasty glaze on the outside.