Chicken leg quarters offer a tasty and budget-friendly option for your meals. These cuts include both the thigh and drumstick, providing plenty of juicy meat.
With many ways to cook them, you can try new flavors and techniques.
You can make delicious chicken leg quarters using various methods like grilling, baking, or air frying. Adding spices and seasonings can create different flavor profiles to suit your taste.
From simple roasted recipes to more complex dishes, there are many options to explore with this versatile cut of chicken.
1. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Quarters
Lemon herb roasted chicken quarters are a tasty and simple dish. You’ll need chicken leg quarters, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs in a bowl.
Dip each chicken quarter in this mixture, coating both sides.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken.
Place the quarters in a baking dish.
Roast for about 30 minutes.
For extra flavor, pour some white wine into the pan halfway through cooking.
The chicken is done when it reaches 190°F in the thickest part.
2. Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Quarters
Honey garlic glazed chicken quarters are a tasty and simple dish. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
Mix flour, garlic salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Coat the chicken quarters in this mixture.
Melt butter in a baking dish in the oven.
Place the coated chicken quarters skin-side down in the melted butter.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Then flip the chicken and brush it with a mixture of melted butter, honey, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Keep baking for another 30-40 minutes.
Brush the chicken with the honey garlic glaze a few times while it cooks.
3. Spicy BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters
Spicy BBQ chicken leg quarters are a tasty twist on classic barbecue chicken. You can make them in the oven or on the grill.
Start by rubbing the chicken with a spicy seasoning mix.
Use ingredients like smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Add some brown sugar to balance out the heat.
Coat the chicken quarters evenly with the rub.
For oven-baked chicken, cook at 400°F for 30-45 minutes.
On the grill, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
These spicy chicken quarters come out tender and full of flavor. The crispy skin and juicy meat make a delicious meal.
4. Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Quarters
Garlic butter baked chicken quarters are a tasty and simple meal. Start by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Gently lift the skin of the chicken quarters and spread the garlic butter underneath. This helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Brush the outside of the chicken with more garlic butter.
Place the quarters in a baking dish and cook at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
The result is juicy chicken with crispy, garlicky skin. Serve with roasted vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
5. Asian Sticky Chicken Leg Quarters
Asian sticky chicken leg quarters bring a tasty twist to your dinner table. To make this dish, you’ll need soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Pat the chicken dry and place it on a baking sheet.
Brush the sauce over the chicken.
Bake for 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside.
Serve your sticky chicken with rice and steamed veggies. The sweet and savory glaze will make this meal a hit with your family.
6. Herb-Crusted Parmesan Chicken Quarters
This tasty dish combines herbs and Parmesan for a flavorful crust on chicken quarters. Start by mixing grated Parmesan, dried herbs, and breadcrumbs.
Coat the chicken quarters in this mixture after brushing them with olive oil.
Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet.
Roast the quarters in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45-50 minutes.
The crust will turn golden brown and crispy.
The inside stays juicy while the outside gets a nice crunch. This recipe works well for a family dinner or when you have guests over.
7. Smoky Paprika Grilled Chicken Quarters
Smoky paprika brings a bold flavor to grilled chicken quarters. Start by mixing paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Rub this seasoning all over the chicken.
Heat your grill to medium-high.
Place the chicken quarters on the grates, skin side down.
Grill for about 15 minutes, then flip.
Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
The result is juicy chicken with crispy skin and a deep, smoky taste. Pair it with grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
8. Orange Ginger Marinated Chicken Quarters
You’ll love this flavorful twist on chicken leg quarters. The orange and ginger combo adds a zesty kick to your meal.
Mix orange juice, grated ginger, garlic, and a bit of oil for the marinade.
Pour it over the chicken and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Place the marinated quarters in a baking dish and cook for about 45 minutes.
The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy taste. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Serve with rice or veggies for a complete meal.
9. Savory Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Quarters
This recipe combines juicy chicken quarters with a flavorful mushroom stuffing. You’ll start by mixing sautéed mushrooms with herbs and breadcrumbs.
Carefully stuff this mixture under the skin of the chicken quarters.
Season the outside with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Bake the stuffed chicken quarters in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
The result is tender chicken with a crispy skin and savory mushroom filling. Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
10. Sweet Chili Lime Chicken Leg Quarters
Sweet chili lime chicken leg quarters blend tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. This dish is perfect for grilling or roasting.
To make it, mix sweet chili sauce with lime juice and zest. Add garlic and ginger for extra kick.
Coat the chicken quarters in this mixture.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in.
Grill or bake until the chicken reaches 165°F inside.
The result is juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze. Serve with rice and veggies for a tasty meal. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
11. Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Quarters
You can make tasty lemon pepper chicken quarters in your oven. Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken.
Rub the quarters with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan skin-side up.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and add lemon slices for extra flavor.
Bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
For crispier skin, broil for the last 3-5 minutes. Let the chicken rest briefly before plating. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
12. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Quarters
This dish combines juicy chicken quarters with a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Brown the chicken in a skillet, then set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter and cook garlic until fragrant.
Add flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in cream and chicken broth.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the creamy sauce.
Bake at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This comforting meal pairs well with pasta or roasted vegetables.
13. Mediterranean Herb Chicken Quarters
Mediterranean herb chicken quarters bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. This dish combines juicy chicken with aromatic herbs and spices.
To make this recipe, coat chicken leg quarters with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Rub the mixture under the skin for maximum flavor.
Let the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight.
Then roast it in the oven until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve your Mediterranean herb chicken quarters with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The tender meat and crispy skin make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
14. Chipotle Lime Chicken Leg Quarters
Spice up your dinner with these zesty chipotle lime chicken leg quarters. Mix chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, lime zest, and juice in a bowl. Add salt to taste.
Rub this flavorful blend all over your chicken leg quarters. Let them marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally.
You can also bake them in the oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
The result is juicy chicken with a smoky, tangy kick that you’ll love.
15. Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Quarters
Honey mustard baked chicken quarters are a tasty and simple meal. You’ll need chicken leg quarters, honey, mustard, oil, and spices.
Mix honey, mustard, and oil to make a sauce.
Add garlic, paprika, and herbs to the sauce for extra flavor.
Brush this mixture over the chicken quarters.
Place them in a baking dish with some chicken broth.
Bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. The honey mustard coating will give the chicken a sweet and tangy taste.
16. Cajun Spiced Chicken Leg Quarters
Cajun spiced chicken leg quarters bring bold Louisiana flavors to your table. Start by mixing Cajun seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Rub this spice blend all over the chicken quarters. Make sure to get it under the skin too for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°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).
The result is juicy chicken with a spicy, flavorful crust. Serve with dirty rice or your favorite sides for a complete Cajun-inspired meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. They offer key nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and strong.
High Protein Content
Chicken leg quarters are a great source of protein. A 4-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein. This helps build and repair your muscles.
Protein also keeps you feeling full longer. This can help if you’re trying to manage your weight.
The protein in chicken leg quarters contains all nine essential amino acids. Your body can’t make these on its own, so you need to get them from food.
Vitamins and Minerals
Chicken leg quarters are rich in many vitamins and minerals. They contain B vitamins like B6 and B12. These help your body make energy and keep your brain working well.
You’ll also find iron and zinc in chicken leg quarters. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood. Zinc boosts your immune system to fight off sickness.
Chicken leg quarters have phosphorus too. This mineral works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
These cuts of chicken also provide selenium. This mineral acts as an antioxidant in your body.
Cooking Techniques
Chicken leg quarters can be prepared using various methods. Two popular techniques are roasting and grilling. Each method brings out unique flavors and textures in the meat.
Roasting Methods
Roasting chicken leg quarters in the oven is simple and delicious. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Season the quarters with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Place them on a baking sheet or roasting pan.
Cook for 30-45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For crispy skin, start with the quarters skin-side up. Halfway through cooking, flip them over. This helps render the fat and crisp the skin.
You can also brush the skin with oil or butter before roasting for extra crispiness.
To keep the meat juicy, let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Grilling Tips
Grilling chicken leg quarters adds smoky flavor and char. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Season the quarters with a dry rub or marinade.
Place the quarters on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 10-12 minutes per side.
Move them to indirect heat if they start to burn. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
For extra flavor, try adding wood chips to your grill. Soak them in water first, then place them on the hot coals. This will infuse the meat with a subtle smoky taste.
Baste the quarters with sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. This prevents burning while adding flavor.
Pairing Ideas for Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters pair well with many sides and wines. The right combinations can create a delicious and balanced meal.
Vegetable Sides
Roasted vegetables make great sides for chicken leg quarters. Try tossing carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven alongside your chicken.
Green beans are another tasty option. Sauté them with garlic and lemon for a fresh flavor.
You can also steam broccoli or asparagus for a simple, healthy side.
For a lighter option, try a mixed green salad. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Coleslaw is another refreshing choice that pairs well with chicken.
Wine Pairings
White wines often go well with chicken leg quarters. Chardonnay is a classic choice.
Its buttery flavors complement roasted chicken nicely. Sauvignon Blanc is another good option.
Its crisp, acidic notes can balance rich chicken dishes. If you prefer red wine, try a light Pinot Noir.
It won’t overpower the chicken’s flavor. For spicy chicken recipes, a slightly sweet Riesling can help cool the heat.
If you’re serving barbecue chicken, a fruity Zinfandel can match its bold flavors.
The best wine pairing often depends on how you’ve seasoned your chicken. Choose a wine that complements your specific recipe.