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Home » Recipes » Chicken Recipes

Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Published: Sep 1, 2022 · Modified: Nov 11, 2024 by Chef Dennis Littley

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My baked chicken leg quarters recipe is one of the tastiest chicken recipes you’ll ever make. It’s also one of the easiest! Juicy, tender, and flavorful dark meat with that crispy skin we all love. My chicken quarter recipe is the perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner your whole family will enjoy!

crispy seasoned chicken leg quarters on a white platter


 

Often overlooked the Chicken Leg Quarter is one of the most economical cuts of chicken and also one of the most flavorful.

4 baked chicken leg quarters on a white platter.

There are no extra steps involved in making my Baked Chicken Leg Quarters recipe. No pan searing and no frying. Just rub the chicken quarters down with the seasoning mixture and place them in the preheated oven. It’s really that easy!

Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s one of my favorite chicken recipes!

Table of Contents:
  • Ingredients
  • How to make Seasoning Paste for Baked Chicken
  • How to make Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Easy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Ingredients

ingredients to make recipe.

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Baked Chicken Leg Quarters. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

The ingredient list is short:

  • Chicken Leg Quarters
  • Olive Oil
  • Brown Sugar
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Black Pepper
  • Salt
  • Paprika
  • Thyme

Can I leave out the brown sugar?

You sure can. And actually, the sugar is what causes a good deal of the caramelization of the chicken so that the end product will be lighter in color.

You can also use your favorite blend of seasonings with this recipe. Tailor the seasoning mix to your tastes and your family’s. It can be a different seasoning blend every time you make Chicken Leg Quarters.

Can I use whole chicken with this recipe?

You sure can. You can cut the chicken up in quarters, creating two chicken leg quarters and two chicken breast quarters. You can also just roast the whole chicken using the seasoning paste, but I would reduce the heat to 350 after 25 minutes and continue cooking the whole chicken for an additional 60-90 minutes depending upon the size of the chicken.

You can also use this recipe with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, wings, legs or a mixture of chicken pieces. My baked chicken leg recipe is another favorite.

How to make Seasoning Paste for Baked Chicken

collage of three steps making the seasoning paste.
  • Add the seasonings to a small bowl
  • Combine all of the spices using a fork, making sure to break up as many of the clumps of brown sugar as you can.
  • Add the olive oil to the seasoning mix to make a paste.

*The seasoning mix can be made up in larger batches or ahead of time. Just keep it in an airtight container until it is used.

How to make Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

collage of thee steps preparing and baking chicken.
  • Rinse the chicken leg quarters in cold water. After rinsing pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Make sure to dry the skin as much as possible.
  • Trim off any excess fat or skin from the quarters without breaking the skin. This is usually on the bottom side of the chicken quarters.
  • Rub the chicken quarters on both sides with the seasoning paste, making sure to get the entire quarter covered with the seasonings.
  • Place the seasoned chicken quarters, skin side up in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake the chicken leg quarters at 400°F for 40- 45 minutes (cooking time can vary), or until the internal temperature of the meat is 165°F. Use a meat thermometer (instant-read thermometer) to check the temp!
  • Remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow the baked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

*I like to let the chicken get closer to 180 degrees, the dark meat can take the extra heat and it makes it even more tender while remaining moist and juicy.

crispy seasoned chicken leg quarters on a white platter.

Wouldn’t your family love to sit down to these OMG delicious Baked Chicken Leg Quarters? I know they would! Just make sure to make extra, they’re going to be coming back for seconds!

Recipe FAQ’s

How long does it take to cook chicken leg quarters?

At 400 degrees F. it takes between 35 -40 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. For a more tender chicken leg quarter, I like to cook the quarters for up 45 minutes. Because it’s dark meat the leg quarters can take extra time in the oven, which not only makes it more tender but crisps up the skin nicely.

Should I cover chicken with foil when baking?

I prefer cooking chicken without foil. It makes for crisper skin and adds color to the chicken. If the chicken begins getting too dark, it’s okay to cover it with foil at that point to prevent it from getting darker

Do I flip the chicken leg quarters when baking?

No, you don’t. In the oven, it’s not necessary to turn the chicken over, during the process.

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love!

  • seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray
    Baked Chicken Legs
  • Baked chicken thighs on a white platter.
    Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs
  • chai marinated chicken on a bed of roasted vegetables on a white platter
    Chai Marinated Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
  • barbecue chicken legs on white platter
    BBQ Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

crispy seasoned chicken leg quarters on a white platter

Easy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Chef Dennis Littley
My chicken leg quarters recipe is one of the tastiest chicken recipes you'll ever make. It's also one of the easiest! Juicy, tender, and flavorful dark meat with that crispy skin we all love. My chicken quarter recipe is the perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner your whole family will enjoy!
4.99 from 239 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 440 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 tablespoon sea salt use one teaspoon iff you're cutting back on salt.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 chicken leg quarters

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Rinse the chicken leg quarters in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure to dry the skin as much as possible.
  • Trim off any excess fat from the quarters without breaking the skin.
  • Combine all of the spices in a small bowl.
  • Add the oil to the seasonings making a paste.
  • Rub the chicken quarters with the paste, making sure to get the entire quarter covered with the seasonings.
  • Place the chicken on a foiled lined sheet pan.
  • Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 24gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 1860mgPotassium: 391mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1001IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    4.99 from 239 votes (193 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Diana says

    October 25, 2024 at 6:35 pm

    5 stars
    My husband is 76 years old. He literally moaned as he was eating this chicken. He stated that it’s the best he’s had in his entire life.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      October 26, 2024 at 9:03 am

      Wow, now thats high praise indeed! You really made my day with your comment.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Fernandez says

    October 21, 2024 at 11:02 am

    5 stars
    My daughter wanted a Medieval times birthday and wanted me to make the chicken like they serve at Medieval times. I was loooking for a recipe that would be somewhat close and found this one. My daughter is a picky eater, so was a little nervous having her try this. We did a test run before her party and she loved it. The only thing the family said was maybe a little less salt (I did the full salt version). I think the next time I will just cut the salt a little, but not going down to the one teaspoon as mentioned. She is so excited about her party and about serving this chicken to her guests.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      October 21, 2024 at 12:53 pm

      You made my day with your wonderful comment and review! I hope your daughter enjoys her birthday and everyone loves the food! I hope you find more recipes on my website to try.

      Reply
  3. Diana says

    October 20, 2024 at 12:48 pm

    5 stars
    My family’s favorite now. Thank you! 🙏

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      October 20, 2024 at 3:18 pm

      That’s what I like to hear!

      Reply
  4. Taryn says

    October 14, 2024 at 8:05 pm

    5 stars
    This was really great! I usually mess up chicken and the skin is not crispy enough or something for me to want to eat it. This was perfect and the skin was delish! Super juicy and my 4 year old kept asking for more chicken.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      October 14, 2024 at 9:04 pm

      That’s what I like to hear! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the chicken quarters!

      Reply
  5. Darrin Bruce says

    August 02, 2024 at 9:48 am

    5 stars
    Made this exact recipe for my wife last night and she loved it. I followed the recipe, and even took the advice to cook it to a higher temperature. It helps starting with good quality chicken which I got from my local butcher. I made the rub ahead of time, and put it on the chicken for 6 hours in the refrigerator. It came out so juicy and the glazed skin was amazing. Definitely making this again.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      August 02, 2024 at 11:50 am

      I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed the chicken quarters, its a favorite in our house!

      Reply
  6. Mary Ellen says

    July 25, 2024 at 9:14 am

    4 stars
    This was very tasty and easy. The only negative is it was too greasy. Next time I will reduce the amount of EVO that is added to the seasonings.

    Reply
  7. Tricia says

    June 24, 2024 at 10:37 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and tasty! The recipe is in my regular rotation.

    Reply
  8. Wendy Lillie says

    June 24, 2024 at 2:22 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is so quick and easy yet so very flavorful. Chicken can be boring. This rub hits the spot.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      June 24, 2024 at 3:38 pm

      I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed my chicken leg recipe!

      Reply
  9. Gerri says

    June 04, 2024 at 11:50 pm

    4 stars
    These easy bakedchicken leg quarters We’re wonderfully tasty, even though I used regular salt since I did not have sea salt. Thank you, Chef Dennis!

    Reply
  10. Jacquie says

    May 30, 2024 at 3:45 pm

    For this recipe, do you use a grinder for your sea salt or just use as is? Mine is quite coarse and it seems that each piece may not get the same amount of salt.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      May 30, 2024 at 4:08 pm

      If your sea salt is coarse I would grind it to a smaller grain. You can also use regular table salt just cut back the amount to 2 teaspoons.

      Reply
  11. gerry says

    April 30, 2024 at 10:59 pm

    5 stars
    Very good. just the right amount of flavor

    Reply
  12. Links7 says

    April 09, 2024 at 8:56 pm

    5 stars
    Easy and phenomenal chicken!! Thank you for the recipe!!! Family loved it as is!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      April 10, 2024 at 6:26 am

      I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the chicken quarters, and thank you for such a great review!

      Reply
  13. Meredith says

    April 04, 2024 at 5:35 pm

    5 stars
    These came out amazing! My family loved it and I’m making it for the second time today with my Walden Local chicken quarters. Thanks for a delicious and easy recipe.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      April 05, 2024 at 8:14 am

      Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my chicken leg quarters. It’s a favorite with my family too!

      Reply
  14. Aurora says

    March 27, 2024 at 8:54 pm

    5 stars
    This is a very adaptable recipe and accepts a lot of different alternative spices (I often nix the thyme and add a tbsp of chili powder and a tsp each of cumin and oregano and serve with spanish rice and refried beans). But I absolutely love the recipe exactly as written. I only use about 3/4 tbsp of salt and feel it’s plenty salty. The recipe makes a lot of paste and I can often get away with doing 6 leg quarters with it (but in these times I will use the full 1 T of salt).

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      March 28, 2024 at 7:28 am

      Thanks for letting me know you’ve been enjoying my recipe for chicken quarters. You’re right it is very adaptable, I love your idea for a Mexican version!

      Reply
  15. Treenie says

    January 28, 2024 at 8:42 am

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorite chicken recipes, except I cut back on the thyme. I’m making it for company tonight. Always turns out moist and flavorful!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 28, 2024 at 9:22 am

      I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my chicken quarters recipe! I hope you find more delicious recipes on my website to try

      Reply
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My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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