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Easy & Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe
Craving something simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious? These oven baked chicken leg quarters are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. The perfect dinner idea for any day of the week!
If you’re like me and always on the lookout for easy chicken recipes that don’t require fancy ingredients, you’re in for a treat. Oven baked chicken leg quarters are not only super affordable, but they’re also incredibly satisfying. You get crispy skin, tender meat, and bold flavor all in one dish — with minimal effort.
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Why Chicken Leg Quarters?
They’re one of the most underrated cuts of chicken, but honestly, they deserve more love! Here’s why I love cooking with chicken leg quarters:
- They're cheap and widely available.
- The dark meat stays juicy even when baked.
- The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- They’re perfect for absorbing marinades and seasonings.
Whether you're meal prepping or cooking a casual family dinner, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
💡 Quick Tip: Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after baking — it locks in the juices and makes it even more tender!
Ingredients You'll Need
Simple pantry staples and a few spices — that’s all it takes. Here’s what you need:
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Optional: lemon wedges, fresh parsley for garnish
You can totally play around with the seasonings. Add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat, or brush on some BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking for a sticky, sweet glaze.
You may like: Authentic Italian Meatballs Recipe
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s how you bake these bad boys to perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the chicken: Pat the leg quarters dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Season generously: In a small bowl, mix olive oil with all the spices. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin too for maximum flavor.
- Bake uncovered: Pop them in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). The skin should be golden and crispy.
- Let them rest: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
And that’s it! You’ve got perfectly baked chicken with minimal fuss. 🙌
What to Serve With Chicken Leg Quarters
This dish is super versatile — you can serve it with just about anything! Here are a few easy ideas:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Steamed rice or garlic butter rice
- Grilled veggies, like zucchini, carrots, or green beans
- Coleslaw or a fresh garden salad
- Corn on the cob or baked sweet potatoes
Try pairing it with a tangy homemade sauce, like honey mustard, ranch, or garlic aioli — it adds an extra kick!
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Still crispy and flavorful even after reheating — that’s what makes this recipe a keeper!
🍗 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly and simple
- Minimal prep time
- Big flavor with basic ingredients
- Crispy skin without frying
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
Final Thoughts
These oven baked chicken leg quarters are proof that you don’t need to overcomplicate dinner to make it delicious. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold seasoning, they deliver on all fronts. Plus, they’re super easy to make even if you’re not confident in the kitchen.
Give them a try tonight and let your taste buds thank you. And if you’re cooking for family or guests — trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds. 😉
Enjoy and happy cooking!
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