Easy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe (Juicy!)

Jump to RecipeLeave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Easy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe (Juicy!)– is one of the tastiest chicken recipes with this simple seasoning mix baked until golden brown perfection. It’s perfect for any easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

You’ll also love my chicken breast recipe, chicken drumsticks, and baked chicken thighs! Serve with perfectly roasted potatoes.

baked chicken leg quarters in a white baking dish. Fresh parsley on top as garnish.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Best Oven Baked Chicken Quarters

Here’s why you will love this tasty chicken recipe:

  • Flavorful Herb and Spice Blend: The combination of dried rosemary, oregano, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder creates a delicious and aromatic blend that infuses the chicken with rich flavors.
  • Juicy and Tender Chicken: Baking the chicken leg quarters at a high temperature of 400°F ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy inside while developing a crispy exterior.
  • Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require complex cooking techniques. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake in the oven.

You will also love my whole chicken roast recipe.

platted baked chicken with oven roasted potatoes and salad.

Simple Ingredients

The simple pantry staples give this chicken recipe so much flavor!

ingredient shot for recipe.
  • Chicken Leg Quarters: Dark meat from the leg and thigh of the chicken, known for its juicy and flavorful characteristics.
  • Dried Rosemary: A fragrant herb with a piney and slightly citrusy flavor, adding a distinct aroma.
  • Dried Oregano is a robust and slightly peppery herb that contributes a Mediterranean touch to the seasoning.
  • Dried Thyme: A versatile herb with earthy and slightly floral notes, enhancing the overall herbaceous profile of the dish.
  • Paprika is a spice made from dried and ground red peppers. It provides a mild heat and a sweet, smoky flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Ground and dehydrated garlic, imparting a savory and aromatic essence to the chicken.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality oil with a fruity and peppery flavor, adding richness and helping to crisp up the chicken skin.
  • Kosher Salt: Coarse salt that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and aids in seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Ground black peppercorns for a mild heat and pungent flavor, balancing and complementing the other seasonings.
  • Optional: Fresh Parsley: This vibrant herb has a mild, fresh flavor and serves as a colorful garnish to brighten up the dish.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

With minimal prep time, you will have this flavorful chicken recipe. Follow these easy step-by-step photo instructions. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for a printable version.

How to make easy baked chicken leg quarters step-by-step instructions: mix spices in a bowl

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix dried rosemary, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, and garlic powder to create your spice blend.

How to make easy baked chicken leg quarters step-by-step instructions: add oil.

Add the oil to the seasonings and mix until well combined.

How to make easy baked chicken leg quarters step-by-step instructions: mix marinade.

How to make easy baked chicken leg quarters step-by-step instructions: pat chicken dry and place on baking sheet.

Place the chicken leg quarters on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Bake at 400°(F)

How to make easy baked chicken leg quarters step-by-step instructions: adding marinade to the chicken.

Rub the chicken quarters with seasoned oil, ensuring the entire quarter is covered with the seasonings.

How to make easy baked chicken leg quarters step-by-step instructions: baking the chicken.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

baked chicken leg quarters in a white baking dish. Fresh parsley on top as garnish.

These juicy chicken quarts pack in a lot of flavor with minimal effort. Even your picky eaters will reach for more! 

Substitutions

  • Chicken Leg Quarters: Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a combination of both.
  • Dried Rosemary: Dried thyme, savory, or marjoram for a similar earthy flavor.
  • Dried Oregano: Dried basil, thyme, or Italian seasoning blend.
  • Dried Thyme: Dried oregano, rosemary, or savory.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter.

Variations

Here are some variations you can try to add a twist to the recipe:

  • Lemon Herb Chicken: Add zest from a lemon and a squeeze of lemon juice to the herb and spice mixture for a citrusy kick.
  • Smoky BBQ Sauce Chicken: Rub the chicken with a smoky barbecue spice blend and finish with a layer of your favorite barbecue sauce.
  • Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken: Mix honey and Dijon mustard to create a glaze. Brush it on the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add chopped Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese before baking. Serve with a side of tzatziki.
baked chicken leg quarters in a white baking dish. Fresh parsley on top as garnish.

Equipment

How to Store and Reheat

Storage:

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken leg quarters within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Reheating:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) or use a microwave.
  • For oven: Place chicken in a covered dish, add a bit of moisture, and heat for 15-20 minutes.
  • For microwave: Heat in short intervals, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.
  • Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
platted baked chicken with potatoes and salad.

Top tips for best results

  • Pat Dry the Chicken: Before seasoning, pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during baking.
  • Even Seasoning: Ensure even distribution of herbs and spices by rubbing them over each piece of chicken. This guarantees a balanced flavor.
  • Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before baking. This promotes even cooking throughout the meat.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C). This prevents undercooking or overcooking.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the baked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.
platted baked chicken with potatoes and salad. Bite of chicken on a fork.

FAQs

What are chicken leg quarters?

Chicken leg quarters refer to the hindquarters of a chicken, including the drumstick and thigh, usually sold together as one piece. They are a super flavorful part of the chicken.

What is the best temperature to bake chicken quarters?

The best oven temperature for baking chicken quarters is at 400 degrees F. This creates a nice crispy skin on the outside and keeps the chicken nice and juicy meat in the interior.

How long to bake chicken leg quarters at 400?

Baking chicken leg quarters will take about 35-45 minutes, but it is best to use a meat thermometer, as the cooking time will vary a bit depending on the chicken leg size and thickness.

Can I use a whole chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a whole chicken for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time based on the weight of the whole chicken. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Looking for other recipes? Try these:

Serving Suggestions

These are my favorite dishes to serve with oven-baked chicken quarters:

💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
cover photo of baked chicken thighs

Easy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe (Juicy!)


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Description

These Baked Chicken Quarters are one of the tastiest chicken recipes. With this simple seasoning mix, they’re baked until golden brown perfection. They’re perfect for any easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love! Serve with a green salad or roasted broccoli. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix dried rosemary, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, and garlic powder to create your spice blend.
  3. Place the chicken leg quarters on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  4. Add the oil to the seasonings and mix until well combined.
  5. Rub the chicken quarters with seasoned oil, ensuring the entire quarter is covered with the seasonings.
  6. Place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy- the size of the meat will determine the exact time. 
  7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a burst of freshness.

Serve the juicy and flavorful baked chicken leg quarters with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious meal!

You May Also Like

About Elena

My dream is to share delicious wholesome recipes that you will share around the table with all your loved ones. The memories surrounded by food are the heart and soul of CucinaByElena.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star