Crispy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters (Very Easy, One Dish)
This is one that I adapted from Recipe after I scored 4 huge chicken leg quarters on sale. I added a few things and adjusted the cooking time and temp to what worked for me. The skin got SO crispy and the chicken was moist and retained the flavors. It also fell off the bone. I hope you enjoy! UPDATE : THANK YOU for all of the great reviews! I am so glad it's such a hit! Make sure you check out the reviews for some other ideas on how to switch it up a little (but the original is still my personal favorite).
This is one that I adapted from Recipe after I scored 4 huge chicken leg quarters on sale. I added a few things and adjusted the cooking time and temp to what worked for me. The skin got SO crispy and the chicken was moist and retained the flavors. It also fell off the bone. I hope you enjoy! UPDATE : THANK YOU for all of the great reviews! I am so glad it's such a hit! Make sure you check out the reviews for some other ideas on how to switch it up a little (but the original is still my personal favorite).
- Carbohydrate 26.0650241359437 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.01383916956385 g
- Fiber 7.6302734565144 g
- Protein 12.7192038903815 g
- Saturated Fat 0.132012812876634 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (506g)
- Sodium 611.820276128582 mg
- Sugar 18.4347506794293 g
- Trans Fat 0.470405558638858 g
- Calories 133 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Line a large glass baking dish with foil. You can also add a baking rack to the pan to keep the chicken out of the grease and to help air circulate and make it crispier.
- Remove excess fat from chicken quarters.
- Separate the skin from the chicken, taking care that the skin stays attached at most points on the chicken. (You just want a flap. Do not remove the skin).
- Brush the chicken (under the skin) with soy sauce.
- Sprinkle some garlic powder, seasoned salt and dill weed on the chicken under the skin (I estimated the 1 tsp measures. Use as much or as little as you're comfortable with) and rub into the chicken.
- Arrange the leg quarters in the pan, skin side up, taking care not to crowd. They need space to cook properly.
- Brush both sides of the leg quarters with soy sauce.
- Sprinkle the skin with garlic powder, seasoned salt and dill weed (to taste).
- Place on middle rack in oven and bake uncovered for one hour.
- After an hour, increase oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and bake for 15 minutes.
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) (insert meat thermometer at thickest part of thigh, taking care not to touch the bone).
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Crispy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Dinnertime often involves juggling school pick-ups, work deadlines, and a never-ending to-do list. But even amidst the chaos, I believe a home-cooked meal is essential. It’s a way to connect with my family, de-stress after a long day, and ensure everyone gets a nutritious and satisfying meal. This recipe for crispy baked chicken leg quarters is my go-to when I need a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner that the whole family will love. It’s surprisingly simple, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers on taste every single time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often adapt it based on what’s in my pantry or what my family is craving. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky touch, other times I experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme. The key, however, is to ensure the chicken skin gets that perfect crisp. A little trick I've learned is to separate the skin from the meat slightly, allowing the seasoning to penetrate deeper and creating that extra layer of deliciousness. The result? Juicy, tender chicken with unbelievably crispy skin – a true win-win. The whole family loves it! My husband often requests it as a special meal request. It’s not just a quick dinner solution; it's a delicious treat that saves me time without compromising on quality.
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The prep time is minimal, and the oven does most of the work. While the chicken is baking, I can focus on other tasks like helping with homework or catching up on emails. The aroma filling the house is itself a relaxing experience. The best part is the cleanup; using foil to line the baking dish makes cleaning a breeze! I highly recommend this recipe to any busy mom looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s a true testament to the fact that you can have a great, family-friendly meal without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen.
Beyond the convenience, this recipe is economical too. Chicken leg quarters are usually more affordable than other cuts of chicken, making it a budget-friendly option without sacrificing on taste. I discovered this when I found a great sale, and this dish became my go-to! It has saved me time and money, which are two things a busy working mom like me highly appreciates. I’m a huge believer in efficient cooking, and this recipe perfectly embodies that philosophy. It's a recipe that has earned its place in my regular meal rotation and continues to impress both myself and my family. The ease of the recipe is perfect for the time-challenged, yet the results are beyond impressive.
I often serve this dish with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The combination of crispy chicken and fresh, vibrant vegetables makes for a well-balanced and nutritious meal. The family loves it because it’s familiar and comforting, yet still manages to feel special and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, and that’s invaluable to me. Beyond the cooking, it is the shared experience that counts.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious chicken recipe that won’t disappoint, give this one a try. You won’t regret it!
