Title: 20 Flavorful Chicken Leg Quarter Recipes for Every Occasion
When it comes to cooking up a delicious meal, one of the most versatile and crowd-pleasing options is chicken leg quarters. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next big gathering, these humble little birds can be transformed into a wide range of mouthwatering dishes.
From classic comfort foods to global-inspired flavors, we’ve got 20 delectable chicken leg quarter recipes that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re in the mood for something crispy and golden, savory and rich, or bright and zesty, we’ve got a recipe that’s just right for you.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top 20 chicken leg quarter recipes, each with its own unique twist and flavor profile. From classic garlic butter to spicy Cajun seasoning, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring the diverse flavors and techniques that make these little birds so beloved.
So sit back, get ready to drool, and let’s dive into our collection of 20 flavorful chicken leg quarter recipes!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Elevate your chicken game with this simple and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender and juicy leg quarters are smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, resulting in a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken leg quarters in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each leg quarter, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme, if desired.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Leg Quarters
Sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze elevates chicken leg quarters to a new level of flavor and tenderness. This simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken leg quarters
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic until well combined.
- In a large bowl, toss chicken leg quarters with olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Add the honey-mustard glaze to the chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange the glazed chicken leg quarters on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking time.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Cajun Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Add a bold kick to your roasted chicken with this Spicy Cajun recipe! Tender and juicy, these leg quarters are smothered in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (such as Tony’s or Zatarain’s)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken leg quarters and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the chicken leg quarters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
5. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
Add a burst of citrus flavor to your grilled chicken with this easy and flavorful recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ, lemon herb grilled chicken leg quarters are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken leg quarters in a shallow dish and brush the lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle rosemary leaves, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Grill chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these tender and juicy smoked chicken leg quarters, infused with the rich flavors of BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
– 2 cups wood chips (hickory or apple work well for this recipe)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the chicken leg quarters from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Brush the BBQ mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken legs.
5. Place the chicken legs in the smoker, leaving space between each quarter for even cooking.
6. Smoke the chicken for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Leg Quarters
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Leg Quarters: A Delicious Twist on Classic Fried Chicken
This recipe yields crispy, flavorful chicken leg quarters with a fraction of the calories and mess of traditional deep-frying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken leg quarter into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Leg Quarters with Pineapple
This recipe brings together the classic flavors of teriyaki chicken with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a deliciously balanced dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into wedges
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
3. Add chicken leg quarters to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
7. Serve with pineapple wedges and garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Leg Quarters with Vegetables
A flavorful and tender slow-cooked chicken dish paired with a medley of vegetables, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms)
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a large bowl, mix together chicken leg quarters, sliced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, potatoes, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
4. Place the mixture into the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Greek-Style Lemon Oregano Chicken Leg Quarters
This classic Greek-inspired dish is a flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional chicken leg quarters, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of bright lemon zest, earthy oregano, and savory garlic creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp minced garlic
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or oregano leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken leg quarters in a large baking dish and brush the lemon-oregano mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Glazed Chicken Leg Quarters with Sweet Potatoes
A sweet and savory twist on classic comfort food, this recipe combines the rich flavor of maple syrup with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and crispy chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken leg quarters in a shallow baking dish and brush with the maple glaze.
4. Roast the chicken for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss sweet potatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
6. Serve the chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: approximately 45-50 minutes.
Jerk Seasoned Chicken Leg Quarters with Mango Salsa
This Caribbean-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning with the sweetness of mango, perfect for a summer evening or backyard BBQ. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying deliciously flavorful chicken leg quarters in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mango Salsa (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken leg quarters.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Serve with jerk seasoned chicken leg quarters.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe. Garlic and parmesan cheese add a rich, savory twist to classic roasted chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken leg quarters
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken leg quarters and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese.
4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and the garlic-parmesan mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
6. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece for even roasting.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, basted occasionally with pan juices.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Leg Quarters
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this aromatic curry dish featuring tender chicken leg quarters smothered in a rich and creamy coconut sauce. Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups curry paste (Thai red or green)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
2. Add curry paste; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
3. Add coconut milk, chicken broth, and fish sauce (if using); stir to combine.
4. Add chicken leg quarters; bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Leg Quarters with Rosemary
A sweet and savory twist on classic chicken, this recipe combines the rich flavor of balsamic glaze with the earthy aroma of rosemary. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, and chopped rosemary.
3. Place chicken leg quarters in a large baking dish and brush the balsamic mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Smoky Paprika Chicken Leg Quarters with Chickpeas
This recipe combines the bold flavors of smoky paprika with the tender texture of chicken leg quarters and the creamy sweetness of chickpeas. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 lemon, juiced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken leg quarters in a large baking dish and brush the spice mixture evenly over both sides.
4. Roast the chicken for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the chicken is cooking, heat the chickpeas with honey and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Serve the roasted chicken leg quarters with the sweet and smoky chickpea mixture spooned on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Orange Ginger Chicken Leg Quarters
Brighten up your dinner table with this citrusy twist on classic chicken leg quarters. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet orange, and spicy ginger will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, ginger, garlic, honey, and soy sauce.
3. Add chicken leg quarters to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Herb Crusted Chicken Leg Quarters with Lemon Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and moist chicken recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion. The combination of fragrant herbs and bright lemon sauce will impress anyone at the table.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle olive oil on the chicken leg quarters and sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
6. Serve the chicken leg quarters with the warm lemon sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Buffalo Style Chicken Leg Quarters with Blue Cheese Dip
Experience the bold flavors of Buffalo-style chicken with this easy recipe. Crispy fried chicken leg quarters are tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce and served with a creamy blue cheese dip for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken leg quarter in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a saucepan, combine melted butter and Frank’s RedHot sauce. Simmer over medium heat until heated through.
6. Toss fried chicken leg quarters in buffalo sauce to coat.
7. For blue cheese dip, mix crumbled blue cheese and sour cream. Serve with chicken.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Leg Quarters
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion. Tender chicken leg quarters are stuffed with a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together feta cheese, parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rinse the chicken leg quarters and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Stuff each quarter with the herb mixture, dividing it evenly among the four legs.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pesto Marinated Chicken Leg Quarters with Cherry Tomatoes
Savor the flavors of Italy with this simple yet impressive dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. Tender chicken leg quarters are marinated in a rich pesto sauce and roasted to perfection alongside sweet cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (see note)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto sauce and chicken leg quarters until coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; arrange chicken and cherry tomatoes in a single layer. Sprinkle garlic over the top.
4. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 mouth-watering chicken leg quarter recipes to spice up your meals for any occasion. From classic comfort foods like Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Leg Quarters and Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Leg Quarters, to international flavors like Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Leg Quarters and Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Leg Quarters, these recipes offer a diverse range of flavors and cooking methods. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and sticky or savory and spicy, there’s something on this list for everyone.
