The Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

These are the best oven baked chicken leg quarters. They are tender, crispy, and juicy on the inside; you simply brush them with butter and simple seasonings before cooking them in the oven at a low temperature for an hour, with a final spike in the temp to crisp the skin up nicely at the end.

Chicken leg quarters are one of the most affordable cuts at the grocery store, but they don’t taste like it. Baking them low and slow keeps the meat tender and juicy, while a quick blast of high heat at the end crisps up the skin perfectly. No marinating, no fancy equipment, just real, reliable results.

 

What are Chicken Leg Quarters?

A chicken leg quarter is a cut that includes the whole leg, which is the thigh, drumstick, and part of the back all in one piece. It’s one of the most affordable cuts of chicken, and baking it low and slow keeps the meat tender while the skin crisps up beautifully.

Key Takeaways

• Ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with only 5 minutes of hands-on prep.
• Just 3 ingredients: chicken, butter, and seasoning.
• Budget-Friendly cut that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Kid-friendly and customizable with your favorite seasoning blend.
• Great for meal prep because it reheats well.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken leg quarters: I love this cut of chicken. It’s inexpensive and so full of flavor. The skin and bone left on provide the best juicy and tender texture.
• Butter: This adds some fat, flavor, and something for the seasoning to stick to. Plus, it helps the chicken crisp up.
• Seasonings of your choice: This can be homemade seasoned salt or your own favorite seasoning.

How to Make Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. Place the chicken leg quarters in the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet or a baking dish.
3. Melt the butter and brush it over each chicken leg quarter.
4. Sprinkle generously with seasoning of choice.
5. Cover the pan with foil and bake for one hour.
6. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F, remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until the skin is crisped to your liking and the chicken registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Make Homemade Seasoned Salt

When it comes to seasoning, you can go as simple as salt and pepper; you can use your favorite seasoning blend (like Everything but the Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe’s, Montreal Chicken Seasoning, Lemon Garlic, or anything else).

If you want, you can make your own magic seasoning salt by combining 1/4 cup kosher salt, 4 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. I just toss everything in a little mason jar, add the lid, and shake to combine. This is a great basic seasoned salt recipe. It works on French fries and all kinds of meat.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

• Don’t skip the low and slow step. Starting at a lower oven temperature is what makes the meat so tender and juicy.
• Pat the chicken fully dry before adding seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up better in the oven.
• Leave the skin on. The skin adds great flavor and locks in the moisture, which allows it to crisp up beautifully. If it’s removed, it will dry out the meat.
• Save the pan drippings. They’re great when spooned over vegetables or turned into a quick gravy.
• Use an instant-read thermometer. This is the perfect way to get a juicy, tender chicken every single time because you can always get the right internal temperature of at least 165°F without overcooking.
• Make a double batch. Easily make a double batch to reheat later in the week.

Variations and Substitutions

• Seasoning Swap – Use a store-bought blend like Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, Montreal Seasoning, or Lemon Garlic.
• BBQ Twist – Brush with BBQ sauce after removing the foil for a sweet and smoky finish.
• Other Cuts – Use different cuts of chicken like chicken legs or chicken thighs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

• My Favorite Cornbread Recipe
• Deli-Style Broccoli Salad
• Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries
• Classic Scalloped Potatoes
• Sauteed Asparagus
• Red Velvet Cake

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftover chicken leg quarters in the fridge in a sealed bag or airtight container, lined with a paper towel to catch excess liquid for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps the skin re-crisp instead of going soft in the microwave.

More Baked Chicken Recipes

• The Best Baked Chicken Legs (5 ingredients and so good)
• Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
• Crispy Sheet Pan Baked Chicken Taco Meat

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This baked chicken leg quarters recipe uses simple ingredients and an easy cooking method for delicious, tender chicken legs. This low-and-slow method is going to make those budget-friendly chicken quarters taste like restaurant-quality!