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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.
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.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
The simple pantry staples give this chicken recipe so much flavor!
- 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.
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.
Add the oil to the seasonings and mix until well combined.
Place the chicken leg quarters on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Bake at 400°(F)
Rub the chicken quarters with seasoned oil, ensuring the entire quarter is covered with the seasonings.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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.
Equipment
- Good Meat Thermometer– Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Cast-iron Skillet
- Large oven Safe Skillet
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).
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.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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).
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with oven-baked chicken quarters:
Easy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe (Juicy!)
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
- 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
- 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.
- Place the chicken leg quarters on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Add the oil to the seasonings and mix until well combined.
- Rub the chicken quarters with seasoned oil, ensuring the entire quarter is covered with the seasonings.
- 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.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- 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!
