Baked Chicken Leg Quarters (Crispy & Juicy) Recipe

Introduction

Baked chicken leg quarters are a perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. This simple recipe delivers flavorful, tender chicken with minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 medium chicken leg quarters
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (218 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels to help the skin become crispy during baking.
3. Step 3: Brush both sides of the chicken quarters with olive oil. Season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Arrange the chicken on the rack, skin side down. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F (74 degrees C).
5. Step 5: (Optional) If you prefer extra crispy skin, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juicy tenderness.

Tips & Variations

• For additional flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and spices for 1-2 hours before baking.
• Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy twist.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through to help maintain crispness of the skin.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of leg quarters?

Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can be used with similar cooking times, though thighs may cook slightly faster due to smaller size.

How do I know the chicken is cooked safely?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 170 degrees F (74 degrees C) for juicy, fully cooked leg quarters.

Baked Chicken Leg Quarters (Crispy & Juicy) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 94 reviews

This Baked Chicken Leg Quarters recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with a simple blend of spices. Perfectly seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powders, then oven-baked to perfection for a deliciously tender and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 medium Chicken leg quarters
• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (218 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe rack on top to allow air circulation under the chicken for even cooking and crisping.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken leg quarters dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing moisture is key to achieving crispy skin during baking.
3. Season the chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken quarters generously with olive oil. Then, season evenly on both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper to build layers of flavor.
4. Arrange and bake: Place the chicken on the rack skin side down. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully flip the chicken so the skin side is up and continue baking for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F (74 degrees C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and juicy.
5. Optional crisping: If you desire extra crispy skin, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry is essential for crisp skin.
• Using a rack prevents the chicken from sitting in its juices and ensures even cooking.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken leg quarters; always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Broiling at the end is optional but enhances skin crispiness.
• Letting the chicken rest before serving makes for juicier meat.

Keywords: Baked chicken leg quarters, crispy chicken, juicy chicken recipe, easy baked chicken, oven-baked chicken legs, seasoned chicken legs