Baked Chicken Leg Quarters (Crispy & Juicy) Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken leg quarters dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing moisture is key to achieving crispy skin during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optional crisping: If you desire extra crispy skin, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- 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
