How to Bake The Best Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters 

If your in search of a simple, yet incredibly delicious chicken recipe, you have to try this chicken quarters recipe tonight!

I will show you how to bake the best roasted chicken leg quarters you have ever had even if it is your first time making them.

Its flavor is somewhere between a baked whole chicken and baked chicken pieces as it includes chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks and a portion of the back, but they are connected which results in the most juicy chicken meat!

The simple seasonings help turn this plain chicken into the easy weeknight meal you will turn to often.

With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a roasted chicken leg recipe that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. 

Keep reading as I show you how to make this roast chicken thigh-drumstick pieces including pictures, tips, substitutions and answer frequently asked questions.

What Exactly Are Chicken Quarters?

Chicken quarters, often referred to as “chicken leg quarters,” consist of the dark meat of the chicken, specifically the thigh and drumstick pieces still attached. 

This portion of the whole chicken leg offers rich, flavors that many consider superior to white meat, such as chicken breast. 

As you see here in the picture, cutting a chicken into quarters is half legs and thighs, and half breasts and wings.

It does not include the chicken wings, which is the only dark meat chicken piece that is missing.

Dark meat tends to be juicier and more tender, making it a popular choice for various recipes like my Low Carb Mexican Chicken Casserole that starts out with chicken thighs.

You could easily use chicken quarters for this recipe, or use your leftover meat in this great recipe for a quick casserole with tender meat and so much flavor.

Why its a Good Idea to Leave the Skin on when you Bake them

One of the secrets to achieving tender, juicy meat in your baked chicken leg quarters is to leave the skin on, especially when cooking at a higher temperature.

The chicken skin acts as a natural barrier that helps seal in the moisture during the cooking process when you bake chicken quarters.

This is the best way to prevent the meat from drying out and adds flavor as it crisps up to a golden brown. 

This easy recipe tip results in irresistibly juicy meat with extra crispy skin – the best part of any chicken leg quarter.

Now that the basics are covered, lets make some of the best-baked chicken legs you have ever eaten!

What you will need to make one of the tastiest chicken recipes 

• Chicken leg quarters
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Large Rimmed Baking Pan or Deep Baking Dish
• Foil or parchment paper
• Pastry Brush
• Small Bowl
• Paper Towels
• Meat Thermometer

Let’s make The Best Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters

Preheat your oven to 400F and get out your sheet pan and cover the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

I also greased the foil too so it definitely wouldn’t stick!

Having a hot oven waiting for you when you have the chicken prepared ensures the skin gets crispy.

Set aside while you make your seasoning mix.

In a small bowl mix together all of your spices. 

Stir with a spoon until well combined and set aside.

Now put your chicken quarters out on a plate flat, not overlapping and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Use a paper towel to pat all of the pieces all over until they are dried and there is no visible excess moisture.

Making sure the skin is dry gives you the best results during roasting as it helps the oil and dry rub spices stay on the chicken.

I leave on the excess fat as it helps crisp up the skin as well.

You can remove it if you want to.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet skin side up in a single layer with enough space inbetween so they do not touch.

Now brush the chicken pieces with the vegetable oil or avocado oil on with a pastry brush, or if you have cooking spray that will work.

Sprinkle on the seasoning as evenly as possible so all of the pieces are infused with delicious flavors.

Bake your chicken quarters in the 400 degree F oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.

For that extra crispy skin, broil the chicken leg quarters for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Allow your baked chicken leg quarters to rest for a few minutes before serving. 

This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Serve your baked chicken leg quarters hot with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

This dish pairs well with my Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussel Sprouts Copycat Recipe and some Easy 5 Ingredient Keto Drop Biscuits.

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

For longer storage, consider freezing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Tips, Substitutions and FAQs

• Making sure the skin is dry gives you the best results during roasting as it helps the oil and dry rub spices stay on the chicken.
• It is best to separate the pieces of meat from one another for serving after it is cooked. This gives you the most tender chicken and reduces it drying out.
• Try a squeeze of citrus juice from an orange, lemon, or lime right before baking. This adds a bright flavor to the chicken that only adds to the wonderful flavor.
• If you are wanting to cook some vegetables at the same time you can. Simply add some coarsely chopped carrots and potatoes that have been tossed in oil around the chicken. You may want to add them to the pan right before seasoning so the veggies get seasoned too.
• If you have leftovers, even leftover bones with some meat still attached, throw them all in a large pot with some onion and carrot ends and cover with water. Bring to a boil them turn down to simmer for at least 2 hours for the best chicken broth ever! I strain off the solids, save the meat bits for a casserole, then jar up the broth for recipes. If you leave at least 2 inches of room at the top, you can also freeze the broth in the jar!
• If you are looking for a great biscuit to go with your chicken, make up some of my Easy 5 Ingredient Keto Drop Biscuits that go amaxing with this recipe!

– Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?

Yes, you can! 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and follow the same seasoning and cooking instructions, but be mindful of the smaller cooking space. 

You may need to do it in batches depending on how large your airfryer is.

Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking the internal temperature for doneness.

-Can I use different seasonings for variety?

Yes! I encourage you to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. 

Try some lemon pepper seasoning, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder or red pepper flakes in addition to the spices listed in the spice mixture.

Poultry seasoning can stand in for the Italian seasoning asked for.

Once they are baked, try slathering the chicken quarters with soy sauce, or BBQ sauce right before broiling.

-Why is it important to let the chicken rest before serving?

Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

If you cut it right away, all of the juices will run out leaving you with dry meat.

-Can I still make this recipe even if I do not have any foil or parchment paper?

Yes you can. 

Use a wire rack greased with oil set on top of the baking sheet that the chicken will sit on while baking.

This ensures that it does not stick to the baking pan.

Using the foil or parchment paper helps to reduce a greasy clean up after dinner, but it is not a must.

-Are there different temperatures and cooking times that I can cook the chicken quarters at?

Technically you can use a different temperature and cooking time, but baking at 400F for 45 minutes has the best results.

Now you have the best-baked chicken leg quarters recipe at your fingertips. 

Don’t hesitate to get creative with different seasonings and sauces to make it your own. 

This chicken leg quarters recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor with many different ways you can make it to your own spice preferences.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s an ideal choice for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love. 

So, preheat your oven, grab your spices, and get ready to savor some of the tastiest chicken you’ve ever had!

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Easy Gluten Free Chicken Divan Casserole

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