Chicken leg quarters are the perfect change of pace to your dinnertime lineup. They're juicy, flavorful, and tender, but let us not forget the best part -- that beautiful, golden, crispy skin.
This recipe for baked chicken leg quarters is a must-try, and your chicken is guaranteed to be perfectly cooked and exploding with flavor the moment it comes out of the oven.
The best part? The prep work is extremely minimal and this is one easy dinner to slam out. In addition to a simple method for baking up a batch of perfect leg quarters, we'll also cover why rosemary and lemon will take your chicken to the next level, as well as the simple time and temperature combo for baking up golden-brown crispy leg quarters without fail.
Leg quarters may look intimidating to those who haven't worked with them before, but just like a whole-roasted chicken, all you need is a little know-how and a whole lot of flavor, and you've got one more scrumptious staple to add to your dinnertime lineup.
If you've ever had a perfectly baked chicken leg quarter, you know getting this recipe under your belt will be well worth it.
WHAT ARE CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS?
Chicken leg quarters are the thigh and drumstick of the chicken, which means this is a dark meat cut. Typically when you butcher a whole chicken, you separate the thigh and the chicken. However, in the case of the leg quarter, you leave them attached to one another. This creates an impressively sized hunk of chicken and one that makes one heck of a dinnertime entree.
WATCH THIS! HOW TO COOK CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS {VIDEO}
WHY ARE CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS SO CHEAP?
If you're wondering why leg quarters are such a marvelously economical cut of bird, it's likely due to the fact that there is less butchering involved on the processor's end. Ever noticed you can get a whole chicken for almost the same price as boneless, skinless chicken breasts? It's more than double the meat, yet the price doesn't reflect it at all.
The leg and thigh are still attached with the skin on when you purchase chicken leg quarters. This means more meat and more flavor for you, along with a smaller price tag. This is a win-win, people.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS
These crispy, baked chicken leg quarters are seriously easy to make, and if you're looking to the lemon zest and freshly minced rosemary and stick with the basics, that's no problem at all. You'll still end up with a juicy, flavorful, tender baked chicken leg quarter the entire family will swoon for.
- Pat leg quarters dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat the oven to 400° and prepare a rimmed pan with rack.
- Combine butter, oil, fresh herbs (if using) and seasoning in a small bowl.
- Spread the mixture across chicken leg quarters, and sprinkle with additional seasoning.
- Bake 40-45 minutes, until chicken reaches 175°- 180°.
- Allow to rest 10 minutes and serve!
WHY PAT CHICKEN DRY?
Before you add the seasoning to the chicken leg quarters you should first pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove any excess moisture from the chicken and allows for the butter mixture to better adhere to the skin.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE FOR BAKED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS
When it comes to chicken leg quarters with crispy skin, it's all about oil, temperature, and time. Without a coating of oil (olive oil in this case) your chicken wouldn't develop that beautiful, golden brown exterior. Butter also helps the chicken along when it comes to browning, and gives it a great deal of flavor.
Baking the chicken at 400° for 40-45 minutes is the perfect combination to create a crispy, baked leg quarter you just can't help but sink your teeth into.
Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are done once they reach an internal temperature of 180°. However, the chicken will continue to cook even after it comes out of the oven, so you can safely pull it at 175° and the temperature should reach its final destination after resting 10 minutes or so.
HOW TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN RECIPE!
You can easily take this recipe and make it your own. As we discussed earlier, the addition of fresh rosemary and lemon zest are optional, as is the seasoning. You can use just about any combination of herbs you like, as well as your own favorite poultry blend.
To customize your own chicken leg quarter recipe, simply omit the herbs and spices from this recipe, and use your favorites in their place. However, for best results, be sure to keep all other aspects of the recipe and process the same.
7 MORE EASY CHICKEN DINNERS TO TRY:
- BBQ Baked Chicken Quarters are easy to make and perfectly cooked. Simple, baked leg quarters brushed with BBQ sauce!
- Baked Barbecue Chicken features perfectly cooked dark meat chicken (both legs and thighs) coated in a sticky, sweet BBQ sauce and baked to perfection.
- Perfect Pan Seared Chicken is simple, easy, and cooks up quick! It's perfect for a healthy dinnertime entree and great for topping salads.
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders features budget-friendly chicken strips coated in a crunchy Parmesan-Panko crust and baked. Serve them with marinara for dipping as an extra special touch!
- Smothered Chicken with Bacon, Cheese, and Honey Mustard is the perfect way to dress up chicken breasts. It's great for weeknight family dinners, loaded with flavor and the perfect balance of savory sweet!
- Baked Chicken with Ranchero Sauce is healthy, easy to make, and super flavorful! Chicken Breasts are topped with Monterrey Jack Cheese and baked in sauce. Serve with sliced avocados and corn tortillas.
- Chicken Scallopini is a must-make, Italian restaurant classic featuring thinly sliced, golden chicken cutlets drenched in a buttery lemon sauce with capers.
Baked Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters (4-6 leg quarters)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ teaspoons freshly minced rosemary (optional)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons Kosher salt, separated
- 1 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°. Pat the leg quarters dry with a paper towel and transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet fitted with a rack on top (an oven-safe cooling rack works fine).
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the butter, oil, rosemary, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. Whisk until well combined.
- Spread the mixture generously all over the leg quarters, then sprinkle a ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt evenly across the top of the leg quarters.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°-180°. Allow to rest 10 minutes, serve and enjoy.
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Nutrition
MORE CHICKEN LEG QUARTER RECIPES TO CHOOSE FROM
Roasted Cast Iron Chicken from Dude That Cookz is looking about as crispy as they come. It features pan-seared and baked leg quarters accompanied by a bed of wilted spinach and mushroom. A savory combo made in heaven.
I'm also obsessing a little bit over Beyond The Chicken Coop's Beer Basted BBQ Chicken. It features chicken leg quarters basted butter, beer, rosemary (see? everyone loves rosemary and chicken), and garlic and grilled to perfection. A perfect leg quarter recipe for summertime eats!
Eat Little Bird's take on leg quarters has a Thai spin with notes of lemongrass, coriander, ginger, and chilies. Yes, please.
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
I love cooking with chicken leg quarters! Your recipe looks delicious and easy enough to make on busy weeknights.
Kelly Anthony says
It really is! Thank you, Kathy!
Cook With Nisha says
Yummmmm,,,,
shelby says
This looks super delicious! I always choose leg quarters or boneless thighs for our chicken meals. I feel like it has so much more flavor and is moister than breast meat. Can't wait to try your recipe out,
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Rosemary lemon is one of my absolute favorite flavor combos! This looks like the perfect family friendly dinner idea!
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Shadi! It's a winner for sure!!! 🙂
Emily says
I've never cooked with chicken leg quarters before.... this recipe looks amazing!
Kelly Anthony says
You must give it a dry! The meat stays so tender! It's amazing!!
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites says
Sending this recipe over to my fiance - this recipe is definitely one he and my son will just love! Simple and delicious!
Neli Howard says
Good idea! Looks very tasty! I am going to make this! This recipe really impresses! I really like! Thank you.
Lorie says
I just cooked my first chicken leg quarters recently. Sooo good. Can’t wait to try this one!
Caroline @ Pinch Me, I'm Eating! says
I adore baked chicken leg quarters but I have my go-to spice blend I always use - these sound delicious and would definitely be a nice changeup from our usual! ESPECIALLY since I cannot get enough lemon in my life! I like to broil them for a couple minutes at the very end just to get the skin extra-crispy! Adding these to my meal plan for sure!
Kelly Anthony says
I have a fave spice blend too! Broiling at the end is an excellent idea!!! Thanks, Caroline!
Catherine Brown says
Lemon and rosemary are so fantastic together! and on chicken.... perfect! We haven't made this in a while, so now is a great time. I just brought my potted rosemary indoors too... determined not to kill it this year!
Stine Mari says
My goodness, these look amazing! I love lemon and rosemary to chicken, it is the perfect combination!
Gloria says
You can never go wrong with a great chicken recipe. The legs are the best part. These look super juicy and delicious. A family dinner pleaser for sure.
Amanda says
I'm such a dark meat person, and these leg quarter look amazing! I love the combination of rosemary and lemon. Definitely adding this to my weekly rotation!
Michelle says
This is totally a savoury dish from heaven! And the kids love chicken legs so now I will have to make this, this weekend.
Adriana Lopez Martin says
Sometimes leg quarters are underestimated but they are so flavorful and juicy. Better than the white chicken breast. I love the fact that the finish on this chicken has a perfect roast. Need to make this recipe this fall.
Chef Mireille says
perfect for my dinner - and love the seasonings you used - simplicity at its best
Karyl Henry says
I'm a 100% dark meat chicken girl, so this recipe is right up my alley 🙂 I love the simplicity of this dish, and it will go with all kinds of sides. Saving this one for sure!
Jere Cassidy says
This chicken looks perfect and I love the spices you used. I always eat the chicken legs, so glad that's what you used.
Jacqueline Debono says
I love using chicken leg quarters! I make curry with them and casseroles! So much more flavour than breast! When roasting I add rosemary but have never tried with lemon zest too. Have to remember that!
Mirlene says
I always love making chicken leg quarters. So easy to work with and my kids always go crazy for them. Love the recipe!
Stephanie Simmons says
This is such a simple and delicious way to prepare chicken - thanks for a great recipe!
Chef and Steward says
These look great. Rosemary, Lemon, Salt and pepper are classic seasonings for roasts. and the butter makes for a crispy skin. Roast chicken is a regular in our kitchen, with all different permutations. Your photos are lovely too! Nice to have discovered your blog.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you! That's so kind 🙂 We love this recipe!
Elaine Benoit says
I love chicken leg quarters!! I don't go for breast meat if there is thigh meat for me to devour!! These leg quarters look perfect!! Love the simplicity of them and they look delicious!
Analida Braeger says
Chicken legs are my favvv! So much more flavorful than the rest of the bird, but that's just my opinion. I like the classic approach to this roast recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Emily Leary says
A flavoursome meal for the whole family! Rosemary and lemon zest definitely take chicken to the next level!
Ronnie Smith says
I love chicken leg quarters can get them for around $5 for a 10 lb bag
Veena Azmanov says
I love cooking chicken quarters and this recipe looks so simple, easy and delicious. I love the color you have on this chicken. Sounds so delish.
Michelle says
This is such a great weeknight dinner, the whole family will love these flavours. And your photos are perfect!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Michelle!!!! That's so kind 🙂
Jyothi (Jo) says
I'm simply enjoying all the variations of chicken leg that you have on your blog. I can't wait to try a few of your chicken leg recipes soon. Thanks for sharing amazing chicken leg recipes
Anne Lawton says
This looks so good! Even though the ingredients are simple, I'm sure it's full of flavor.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Anne!
Jagruti Dhanecha says
Lemon and rosemary in this recipes are the highlights, a perfect recipe for chicken lovers which is easy and fuss free.
Jenni LeBaron says
The perfect classic chicken! This is definitely winner with so many different sides for dinner. A simple salad and I'm totally happy with this any night of the week.
Holly says
This looks so delicious! Baked or roasted chicken is one of those really simple recipes you could eat every week and never get tired of it.
Michele says
Chicken leg quarters are a favorite in my house. The spices you've added really takes it over the top! I'm really excited to try this recipe. I bet my family will be surprised when I don't serve them the same boring chicken I usually give them. LOL! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Kelly Anthony says
Ha! Thanks so much, Michele! Hope they love it!!!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
The first time I had a chicken leg quarter I felt SO fancy! It's such a generous portion of meat, and it looks so elegant on the plate. Yours looks so delicious - a great comfort food dinner for any night of the week!
Claudia Lamascolo says
We love the leg parts and these look delicious and I need to print this off for later thanks
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Oh wow, these have my mouth watering! I love crispy baked chicken and this looks so good!
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
Love how easy and flavourful this is! Rosemary and lemon is a winning combination and I bet these legs are so full of flavour and tender!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Annie!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
Chicken cooked on the bone is always so tasty and the combination of lemon and rosemary is so good with chicken. These chicken portions look delicious!
kim says
What a great chicken recipe! My whole family loves this!
Lhiza says
Hi, what’s the temp & bake time for 2 leg quarters only? Thanks ☺️
Kelly Anthony says
Hi Lhiza! The temperature would not change at all, but you might check the internal temperature of the quarters about 5 minutes prior to the indicated cook time. Happy cooking! 🙂
Lhiza says
Thank you
Lhiza says
This is always my go to recipe for chicken quarters...never fails our expectations. Thaks for sharing
Lhiza says
Doing it again tonight...thank you so much for sharing
John says
Hi Kelley, John here from Vancouver Island Canada. I noticed there are no comments from men, lol so I thought I post one. I cook for my 81 yr old father and I, we have "chicken leg, back attatched" as they are called here, once a week. They are my favorite part of the bird, easy to cook and the sky is the limit as to spices, coatings etc. I'm one of those, use what I have in the cupboards, cooks. Iv'e crushed up corn flakes and added spices to it for a homemade "shake & bake" coating. I'm going to try the lemon rosemary tonight. Thanks for the recipe and the mouthwatering pics!. Oh and as sell they are so cheap! I bought a pack of 4 for $4.45 Canadian.
Kelly Anthony says
That's awesome, John! Thanks so much 🙂 And, I LOVE your idea for using crushed up Corn Flakes on chicken! I'll bet that's delicious! My husband is a "use what you've got" kind of guy too!
Erin says
Came out delicious very juicy with lots of yummy flavors! Thanks!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Erin! Glad you like it 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Erin! Glad you liked it 🙂
Lisa Bynum says
Quarters and thighs are my favorite cut of meat. Give me those over boring chicken breasts any day! I just pinned your recipe. It's probably going on my next dinner rotation.
Lizet Flores de Bowen says
Great tips for baking leg quarters! I have a hard time getting that crisp on the top. I'll try your tips 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Lizet!
Noelle says
Winner Winner chicken dinner! I love this recipe and adding lemon is just makes it perfect
Colleen says
My favourite part of the chicken! I love this simple recipe, it's so simple, but so full of flavour!
Cookilicious says
I must share this with my friend who is crazy for chicken!
Anitaa says
A good recipe for chicken leg quarters is a must. Indeed chicken leg quarters are super economical. They have been my dependable meat of choice since college days, and continue to be so. 🙂
Adriana says
wow, the color that those chicken quarters have is amazing, easy recipe and such a delight. Thanks for the inspiration!
SHANIKA says
This Chicken Leg recipe looks so delicious! I'm so loving that dry rub and use of herbs!