Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are super crispy, juicy, and oh so tender meat. They are perfectly seasoned with a homemade blend of simple pantry spices. They are without a doubt one of our favorite dinners. They are meaty and so full of flavor.
My marinated chicken drumsticks recipe has become one of my most popular recipes, so we hope you love this one just as much!
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- These chicken leg quarters have super crispy skin with the juiciest meat.
- Leftovers are fabulous for lunch.
- Having a party, this is a great crowd pleasing recipe.
- This is a great budget friendly weeknight family dinner recipe.
Ingredients
- The chicken leg quarters are meaty which makes it easy to serve one per person for a simple easy dinner. You can of course use this same recipe on drumsticks, thighs, and breasts. Keep in mind they will be cooked through at different times. As long as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, the chicken pieces are cooked through.
- We love dehydrated onion and garlic for the rub because it adds a great depth of flavor. You can use ground garlic and pepper if you don't have the dehydrated on hand. However, do yourself a favor and pick up some, they are affordable and great seasonings.
- Sear the poultry in a skillet using peanut oil to lock in the flavors. That gives a gorgeous sear on the chicken. Canola or avocado oil can be used as well.
- The blend of spices is a great dry rub that gives a nice kick of spice to the chicken.
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Equipment
- Roasting Rack
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Instant Read Thermometer
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- skillet, 9 inch
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400F. Line a cookie sheet with tinfoil and place an oven-safe baking rack over top. Place the chicken quarters on the baking rack and rub all over with the butter. 
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic, onion, chili powder and cayenne. Adjust seasoning as desired. 
Step 3: Sprinkle or rub the spice mixture all over the chicken pieces. 
Step 4: Place the peanut oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat and once hot, sear each chicken for 2 minutes on each side. 
Step 5: Then place the chicken in a single layer on the baking rack. 
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature of the meat reads 165°F. 
Storage
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight covered container or storage bag.
You can freeze the cooked leftovers. To do this, place the roasted chicken quarters on a baking sheet in the freezer for about 45 minutes. They will be semi-frozen and when you place them in a freezer bag, they won't stick together. You can defrost them overnight in the fridge.
A microwave, using the manufacturer's instructions for defrosting can also be used. The quarters can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips
Expert Tip: Be sure and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before you coat it with butter. This ensures the butter and the spices adhere to the skin.
- For best results, leavethe skin on the chicken while baking to seal in the juices.
- Be sure to heat your oven to 400°F before placing the chicken in to roast.
- The best way to know that your poultry is cooked through is by using a thermometer. As FoodSafety.gov tells us, the chicken should be at 165°F when cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it is an extra step, I highly recommend not skipping it. That extra step ensures juicy chicken that is so tender.
The drumstick and thigh of the chicken remain connected and are called the chicken leg quarters.
The chicken leg quarter includes a thigh and drumstick piece of a chicken, attached together.
Sure. The skin contains flavor but it can be removed before roasting in the oven. The fat content will also be reduced by removing the skin.
Absolutely. I will include the instructions in the recipe below. Air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and continue to cook another 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Variations
- The same process can be used with chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts.
- Feel free to change up your spices. For example Cajun Seasoning, Homemade Seasoned Salt, Greek Seasoning, Taco or Italian Seasoning.
- Thyme, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, and Kosher Salt is another great seasoning choice.
- Lemon pepper seasoning is another great choice.
- Use any favorite oil, including olive oil, avocado oil.
Serving Suggestions
A meal that screams comfort food would include my Granny's famous Mashed Potatoes.
Roasted Red Potatoes, Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes are two of our favorites to make with these roasted chicken quarters because they all bake in the oven, a no-brainer tasty dinner.
Arugula Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is a light and easy side salad.
A Greek Orzo Salad is another great choice and the leftovers are great for lunch.
Oven Roasted Green Beans for a low-calorie/low-carb side dish.
I'm on a roasted kick, this asparagus recipe is fantastic too.
Hawaiian Rolls are a fantastic side dish for any chicken recipe.
Similar recipes
- This Korean BBQ Chicken is a stovetop recipe, ready in 20 minutes.
- Chicken Sausage Vegetable Skillet is a family favorite.
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is a great recipe for getting your meat cooked for salads and casseroles.
- Chicken Piccata is a reader and family favorite.
- My family loves this Chicken Cacciatore, with both Instant Pot and stove top directions.
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake is great quick dinner solution.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Ingredients
- 4 chicken leg quarters usually around 6- 8 ounces per leg quarter
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened or peanut oil Note 2
Chicken Spice Rub
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dehydrated garlic Note 3
- 1 teaspoon dehydrated onion
- 2 teaspoons chili powder Note 4
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder optional, note 4
- 2 Tablespoons peanut oil, for searing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe baking rack on it.
- Place the chicken quarters on the baking rack and rub all over with the butter.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic, onion, chili powder and cayenne. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Sprinkle or rub the spice mixture all over the chicken.
- Place the peanut oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat and once hot, sear each chicken for 2 minutes on each side, or until the chicken skin becomes golden brown.
- Then place the chicken back on the baking rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
