Baked chicken leg quarters offer a budget-friendly, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. This recipe combines juicy chicken with tender potatoes, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special date night at home.
FULL RECIPE:
Ingredients
- 2 chicken leg quarters
- 1 pound (450g) baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken leg quarters to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the marinade.
- Add the Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes into the bowl with the chicken, tossing them to coat evenly with the marinade.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the chicken leg quarters skin-side up on the sheet, and distribute the potatoes around them in a single layer.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Protein: 54g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Cholesterol: 219mg
- Sodium: 147mg
- Potassium: 467mg
Why You Should Make This Recipe
One of the biggest reasons to make baked chicken leg quarters is affordability. Chicken leg quarters are one of the most budget-friendly cuts of chicken, making them ideal for families or anyone looking for an economical yet delicious meal. Despite being inexpensive, they are packed with rich flavor and a perfect balance of dark meat juiciness. Unlike chicken breasts, which can sometimes turn out dry, leg quarters remain tender and moist when baked properly. Another advantage of this recipe is its versatility. While this version includes a smoky, garlicky seasoning blend, you can customize the flavors to your liking.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
To achieve the best results, it’s important to pay attention to a few key details. First, pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up during baking. Excess moisture can prevent the skin from getting that desirable golden-brown finish. Using a rack on your baking sheet can also help by allowing air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. Another tip is to season generously. Dark meat has a richer flavor than white meat, but it also benefits from bold seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme are excellent choices for enhancing the taste of baked chicken leg quarters. You can also experiment with fresh herbs or marinades to infuse even more flavor into the meat. Cooking temperature and time are crucial for perfect results. Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures that the chicken cooks through while the skin crisps up beautifully. Using a meat thermometer to check doneness is highly recommended, as it helps avoid undercooking or overcooking.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to customize your meal based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts, provide a healthy and colorful addition to the plate. If you want a more comforting meal, mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles complement the savory flavors of the chicken beautifully. For a lighter option, a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the baked chicken. Coleslaw or cucumber salad also works well, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish. If you’re serving this meal for a special occasion, you can elevate it with homemade bread or garlic butter rolls. Sauces can also enhance the dish further. A simple garlic butter sauce, a honey mustard glaze, or a creamy ranch dressing can add a new dimension of flavor. Barbecue sauce is another great option for those who enjoy a smoky and slightly sweet taste.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, storing and reheating them properly will ensure they remain just as delicious as when freshly baked. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, frozen chicken leg quarters can last up to three months. To reheat, the oven is the best method for maintaining crispiness. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for about 15 minutes or until heated through. If you’re short on time, the microwave can be used, but the skin may lose some of its crispiness. To counter this, you can briefly place the chicken under the broiler after microwaving to restore some texture.
Health Benefits of Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters offer several health benefits, making them a nutritious choice for many diets. They are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and overall health. Unlike white meat, dark meat contains slightly more fat, but this also means it has more flavor and stays juicier when cooked. The healthy fats in dark meat can contribute to better energy levels and improved satiety.
Conclusion
Baked chicken leg quarters are a simple yet satisfying dish that offers great flavor, affordability, and versatility. Whether you’re making a quick family dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort. By using the right seasonings, cooking techniques, and serving options, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. With their juicy texture, crispy skin, and ability to pair well with a variety of sides, chicken leg quarters make for a reliable and crowd-pleasing dinner option.
