Are you ready to make some delicious, juicy baked chicken leg quarters that will have everyone asking for seconds? I promise, this recipe is not only easy but also packed with flavor! So, grab yoru apron, and letS get cooking—trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this mouthwatering dish!

Cook Time: 50

Prep time: 10

yields: 5

Calories: 540

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Let’s gather everything we need to create thes flavorful baked chicken leg quarters! I love how easy it is to work with these ingredients, and they come together to make a mouthwatering meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

5 chicken leg quarters (about 8 ounces each)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika – This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
2 teaspoons granulated garlic – For that classic garlic taste.
½ teaspoon onion powder – Perfect for enhancing the savory notes.
1 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – For a touch of heat.
⅓ cup melted unsalted butter – This helps achieve that crispy skin and juicy meat.

These ingredients are simple yet effective, proving that you don’t need a long list of fancy items to make a great dish.When you shop for chicken, look for fresh leg quarters with a nice amount of skin, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during baking. I recommend using high-quality spices for a more robust flavor. If you have any favorite seasonings, feel free to experiment and adjust the amounts to suit your taste!

Be sure to have your measuring spoons ready, and let’s get excited about turning these ingredients into a delicious meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfectly Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these straightforward steps to make perfectly baked chicken leg quarters that are sure to impress:

Preheat your oven: Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high temperature will help get that skin nice and crispy.

prepare your baking pan: Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. You can also spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Make the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to evenly mix all the flavors.

Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This step is important for achieving crispy skin. Then, carefully lift the skin and sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning blend underneath, spreading it evenly.

Brush with butter: Using a brush, generously coat both sides of each leg quarter with melted unsalted butter. This will not only add flavor but also help in browning the skin.

Season the chicken: Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken leg quarters, ensuring they are well coated with flavor.

Arrange on the pan: Place the seasoned chicken leg quarters cut side up on your prepared sheet pan.

Bake: Slide the pan into the middle of your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully turn the quarters cut side down using tongs. Continue baking until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 20 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) near the bone.

Broil for extra crispiness: Turn on the broiler and broil each side of the chicken leg quarters for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is beautifully browned.

Rest and serve: Once done, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and tent with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before diving in.

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll enjoy succulent baked chicken leg quarters that are bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!

Serving and Storage Tips for Juicy Baked Chicken Leg quarters

Once your chicken leg quarters are perfectly baked, you’ll want to enjoy them right away! These delicious leg quarters make a fantastic main dish and can be served alongside a variety of sides. I love pairing them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. Not only do they look great on the plate, but the juicy meat and crispy skin always satisfy my cravings.

If you have leftovers (which are rare,but it happens!),it’s easy to store them for later.here are some tips to keep in mind:

Cooling: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it. Avoid letting it sit out for more than two hours to keep food safety in check.
Storage: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.This will help keep the moisture in and prevent any fridge odors from seeping in.
Refrigeration: Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the chicken leg quarters individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This will help restore some of that crispy skin.Enjoy every last bite!

Helpful Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Perfect Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Cooking can sometimes present challenges, so I’ve gathered some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips to ensure your baked chicken leg quarters turn out great every time.

Seasoning Variations: feel free to experiment with different spices.If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or swapping the smoked paprika for regular paprika for a sweeter note.

Skin Texture: For extra crispiness, make sure the skin is thoroughly dried before applying any seasoning or butter. Pat it down with paper towels if needed. A dry surface will help achieve that perfect crunch.

Checking for Doneness: While an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part near the bone, using a meat thermometer is the safest way to ensure your chicken is cooked properly. If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear when pierced.

Cooking Time adjustments: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or the size of the chicken leg quarters. Always keep an eye on them during the final minutes to avoid overcooking.

Broiling Tips: If broiling, watch closely to prevent burning. It can go from perfectly browned to charred quite quickly.

If you encounter any missteps, don’t worry! Cooking is all about learning and adjusting as you go. With these notes and troubleshooting tips, you’ll master baked chicken leg quarters in no time. Happy cooking!