Baked chicken leg quarters offer a budget-friendly, all-in-one meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for a cozy date night at home or a satisfying family dinner.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 4 chicken leg quarters
• 1½ pounds potatoes (medium potatoes quartered or baby potatoes halved)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices and fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Marinade In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken Add the chicken leg quarters to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the marinade.
4. Add Potatoes Toss the potatoes in the same bowl to coat them with any remaining marinade.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet Place the marinated chicken leg quarters on a baking sheet. Arrange the potatoes around the chicken.
6. Bake Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender.
7. Garnish and Serve Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Nutritional Facts

• Calories: Approximately 331 kcal
• Total Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.3g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.8g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 9.2g
• Cholesterol: 328mg
• Sodium: 253mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 62g
• Vitamin D: 0.3µg
• Calcium: 31mg
• Iron: 2.8mg
• Potassium: 681.1mg

Why You Will Love This Recipe

One of the standout features of baked chicken leg quarters is their affordability. Compared to chicken breasts or wings, leg quarters are often much cheaper while still providing a hearty and satisfying meal. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to feed a family on a budget without compromising on taste or nutrition. Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, anyone can make this dish, regardless of their cooking experience. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe guarantees excellent results every time. Since the chicken is baked in the oven, it requires minimal hands-on attention, allowing you to focus on preparing side dishes or simply relaxing while it cooks.

Best Seasonings and Variations

One of the best things about baked chicken leg quarters is how easily they can be customized with different seasonings. A classic blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika is a great starting point, offering a well-balanced mix of savory and slightly smoky flavors. Adding dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary enhances the depth of flavor, making the dish even more aromatic. For those who enjoy bolder flavors, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick. If you prefer a tangy and slightly sweet twist, a honey mustard glaze or a balsamic marinade works beautifully. Barbecue lovers can slather the chicken in their favorite BBQ sauce before baking, creating a sticky and flavorful crust. No matter the seasoning choice, the key to a delicious result is allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Best Side Dishes to Serve

Baked chicken leg quarters pair well with a wide variety of side dishes, making them a versatile choice for any meal. For a comforting and hearty dinner, serve them with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the crispy chicken skin, while roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add a pop of color and extra nutrients to the plate. If you prefer a lighter meal, a fresh garden salad or coleslaw is a great option. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken. Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness, making it a great contrast to the savory flavors of the dish. Rice-based sides also work well with baked chicken leg quarters. Whether it’s fluffy white rice, a flavorful pilaf, or a spiced Spanish rice, these grains absorb the juices from the chicken, enhancing their taste. For a more wholesome meal, try pairing the chicken with quinoa or wild rice, both of which add extra protein and fiber to your diet.

Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

To achieve the perfect baked chicken leg quarters, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before baking helps it cook evenly. Placing cold chicken directly in the oven can result in uneven cooking, with some parts drying out while others remain undercooked. Another important tip is to use a baking rack. Elevating the chicken above the baking sheet allows air to circulate around it, ensuring crispy skin on all sides. If you don’t have a baking rack, you can place the chicken on a bed of sliced onions or potatoes, which not only prevents it from sitting in excess juices but also adds extra flavor to the dish. For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Moisture on the surface prevents the skin from crisping up properly, so removing excess moisture is key.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, baked chicken leg quarters store well and can be easily reheated for future meals. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow the chicken to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up in the oven. For a quick reheating method, you can use the microwave, but be aware that this may result in slightly softer skin. To retain some crispiness, briefly place the chicken under the broiler for a couple of minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Baked chicken leg quarters are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly meal. With minimal prep work and a straightforward baking process, this dish delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly crispy skin. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless seasoning variations, making it easy to customize according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad, it is guaranteed to be a hit. With proper cooking techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.