This oven-baked chicken leg quarters recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare chicken. The leg quarters are seasoned and roasted to perfection, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat.
The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Preparation of Chicken Leg Quarters
To create a mouthwatering dish, start by selecting high-quality chicken leg quarters. These cuts are known for their rich flavor and tenderness, making them ideal for roasting.
Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Once dried, place the leg quarters in a large bowl, ready for seasoning.
Seasoning for Flavor
Seasoning is key to enhancing the natural taste of the chicken. Drizzle olive oil over the leg quarters, which helps the spices adhere and promotes browning during cooking.
Next, sprinkle a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary over the chicken. Each spice contributes to a harmonious flavor profile. Toss the chicken gently to ensure an even coating of the seasoning.
Arranging for Roasting
Once seasoned, it’s time to arrange the chicken on a baking sheet. Line the sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place the chicken skin side up, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven. This arrangement is crucial for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before placing the chicken inside. The high temperature is vital for rendering the fat from the skin, resulting in a crispy finish.
Bake the chicken for approximately 45 to 55 minutes. It’s essential to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Resting and Serving
After removing the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
When ready to serve, plate the chicken leg quarters alongside roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and added freshness. The rustic wooden table setting enhances the home-cooked feel, making it a delightful meal for family or guests.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish not only satisfies the palate but also provides nutritional benefits. Each serving of chicken leg quarters offers a good source of protein, making it a hearty main dish.
With approximately 350 calories per serving and a balance of fats and proteins, this meal can fit well into a balanced diet. Pair it with a variety of vegetables to boost the nutritional value even further.
Easy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
These chicken leg quarters are seasoned with a blend of spices and baked until golden brown. The cooking time is approximately 1 hour, and this recipe serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken leg quarters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, skin side up.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4 leg quarters
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 0g