Ever wonder how long to bake chicken leg quarters, thighs, or legs? It takes at least an hour but the key is all about the temperature and the timing.
It’s no secret that I love chicken legs, and I know you all do, too! One of the most popular recipes on my site is The Best Baked Chicken Legs. It’s safe to say that chicken legs, along with other dark meat cuts such as chicken thighs and chicken leg quarters, are a family favorite.
But why? Have you ever wondered how dark meat is different from white meat? How long to bake chicken leg quarters? Wait, what the heck is a chicken leg quarter? I’m here to help! I’m here to convert you to the wonderful world of dark meat chicken!
Q: What’s the difference among the various cuts of chicken?
A: A chicken leg technically includes both the thigh and the drumstick (the lower portion of the leg, often referred to as just a chicken leg). Of course you can get both of those separately as well. So what is a chicken leg quarter? It’s the full leg (thigh and drumette) plus a portion of the back. (Check out this awesome breakdown of chicken cuts with photos on chicken.org).
Q: Why choose chicken legs, chicken thighs, or chicken leg quarters?
A: Reason 1: It’s cheaper than white meat – this is a huge bonus for families looking to save money. I can usually buy dark meat for up to half the price of white meat – that’s money that can go to more exciting food purchases like fancy dark chocolate. ☺
Reason 2: It’s extremely moist – because it often cooks on the bone, in the skin, and with the fat, it comes out very moist and flavorful. If you’re not careful, white meat can quickly become overcooked and too dry, but dark meat is almost impossible to dry out!
Reason 3: It’s versatile – almost any chicken dish can be made with dark meat cuts.
Reason 4: It’s delicious! In my opinion, dark meat is more flavorful than white meat and pairs so wonderfully with so many flavors.
Q: How long do you bake chicken leg quarters, chicken thighs, and chicken legs?
A: Of course it depends on the temperature of your oven, but I usually bake at 375 degrees for 45-60 minutes. The ultimate goal is for the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the meat. If you don’t already have a meat thermometer, get one. Right now. It’s SO helpful to make sure you don’t overcook your meat, while still making sure it’s safe.
Q: What is the best chicken leg quart recipe:
A. I love this recipe: The Best Oven Baked Chicken Leg Quarters because it’s simple, easy to make, and you can customize the seasoning bled to meet your likes and needs.
What are your favorite chicken leg quarters recipes? Here’s mine:
Print
How Long to Bake Chicken Leg Quarters
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 min
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Description
Ever wonder how long to bake chicken leg quarters, thighs, or legs? It takes at least an hour but the key is all about the temperature and the timing.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken leg quarters (about 3 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- Seasoning to taste, see notes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
- Place the chicken leg quarters in the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet or a baking dish.
- Melt the butter and brush it over each chicken leg quarter.
- Sprinkle generously with seasoning of choice.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for one hour.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until the skin is crisped to your liking and the chicken registers 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- 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).
- You can make your own magic season 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, optional. I just toss everything in a little mason jar, add the lid, and shake to combine. This is a great basic season salt recipe. It’s great on french fries and all kinds of meat.
- Category: dinner, chicken
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken leg quarters, chicken thighs, baked chicken, baked chicken recipe
If you can’t tell, I’m in love with dark meat chicken cuts and I hope I’ve convinced you to try them out if you aren’t yet converted – your wallet and your taste buds will thank me!
Recipes you’ll love to go with your chicken leg quarters:
- Easy Mexican Black Beans
- The Best Cornbread Recipe
- Classic Potato Salad Recipe
- Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Bake a Potato
Other baked chicken recipes for your table:
- Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks with a Pretzel Coating
- The Best Baked Chicken Legs
- How to Cook a Whole Baked Chicken
- Amazing Baked Chicken Recipes
- Crispy Panko-Crusted Baked Chicken Legs
- The BEST Baked Chicken Breast
- 4-Ingredient Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Legs
- Extra Crunchy Baked Chicken Strips (gluten free)
- Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Legs
Ever wonder how long to bake chicken leg quarters? It takes at least an hour but the key is all about the temperature and the timing. Plus, there’s butter involved!
I’m impressed by your recipes. I love how you detail everything and break it down so that we can fully understand the directions. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your meal plans.
If I click your website for a recipe, all I want is the damn recipe. The rest of this is just frustrating noise.
https://www.blessthismessplease.com/best-baked-chicken-leg-quarters/
If you are looking for a more solid recipe and less educational material, here’s a great chicken leg quarter recipe for you.
Did anyone else catch that Melissa posted a link to the longest recipe possible ??? well anyway great recipe! Thanks for the recipe and the laugh.
★★★★★
Bless your heart, it’s a FREE blog, Bob… FREE. Don’t want to read? Then there’s a gazzliion other google recipes. Keep writing your heart out, Melissa!
I appreciate that Louie!
Find a different page then . Some of us enjoy the story Bob 😉
Melissa I must say that I fully enjoy the educational part.
Thank you for the recipe!
Thank you!
★★★★★