Emilie Meyer
Chicken leg quarters are a delicious, budget-friendly meal that can be cooked in a pan. They are a combination of the drumstick and thigh and are considered dark meat, which is highly flavorful. This cut of chicken is also cost-effective, as it is cheaper than buying thighs and drumsticks separately. Chicken leg quarters can be cooked in an oven or on a stovetop, depending on your preference and equipment availability. They are perfect for cooks of all skill levels and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices that you likely already have in your pantry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking method | Bake in the oven or cook in a pan on the stove |
| Oven temperature | 325°F to 425°F |
| Cooking time | 30-45 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 165°F to 195°F |
| Chicken preparation | Trim excess skin and fat, pat dry, brush with oil, season |
| Pan preparation | Line with aluminium foil or grease with olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Oven-baked chicken quarters
Chicken leg quarters are a great option for a delicious, budget-friendly, and easy-to-cook meal. They are considered dark meat and are highly regarded as the most flavourful parts of a chicken. Here is a guide on how to cook them in the oven.
Preparation
Firstly, trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken. Pat the chicken skin dry using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture and ensure the skin becomes crispy. Next, brush both sides of the chicken quarters with olive oil or butter and apply a seasoning rub. You can use a mix of everyday herbs and spices, such as thyme, sage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Press the seasoning into the chicken skin, and apply a final brushing of oil.
Cooking
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminium foil. Place the seasoned chicken on the prepared sheet, with the skin side up, and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The chicken is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), but for optimal results, dark meat like chicken quarters should reach around 170-175°F (77-80°C) for the juiciest results, or even up to 195°F (91°C).
Serving
When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicier and more enjoyable chicken.
Side Dishes
Chicken leg quarters go well with various side dishes. You can sauté eggplant, air fry cauliflower, or make some patty pan squash. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or potatoes are also great options. For a lighter meal, try a salad, such as a creamy cucumber salad or arugula salad.
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Marinade and seasoning
Chicken leg quarters are a great choice for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal. They are entirely made up of dark meat, which means they pack a lot of flavour.
When it comes to marinade and seasoning, there are endless possibilities. A good marinade can add flavour and help tenderise the meat. Many marinades use oil or butter as a base, with ingredients like garlic, onion powder, thyme, parsley, paprika, pepper, and soy sauce. You can also add a little water to the mixture to help cook any vegetables you roast underneath the chicken.
If you're short on time, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 2 hours, but for the best results, it's recommended to marinate it for a few days before baking. You can also marinate the chicken overnight or for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
After marinating, brush the chicken with oil or butter and apply a generous amount of seasoning rub. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or make your own. Some popular options include pepper, homemade poultry seasoning, Jamaican-style seasoning, Creole seasoning, or a simple combination of salt and pepper.
Once the chicken is seasoned, it's ready to be baked in the oven. The baking time will depend on the size of the chicken leg quarters and your desired level of doneness, but typically it takes around 35-45 minutes for the chicken to cook through and achieve a crispy skin.
With its juicy, flavourful meat and crispy skin, your perfectly seasoned and marinated chicken leg quarters will be a delicious treat for any night of the week.
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Cooking time and temperature
Chicken leg quarters are best cooked in an oven, although they can also be cooked in a pan on a stovetop.
When cooking in an oven, preheat it to between 325°F and 425°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time. For example, at 425°F, the chicken should be cooked for 30 minutes, and then checked. If the internal temperature is below 165°F, return the chicken to the oven for 10-15 minutes. If the internal temperature is above 165°F, the chicken is ready to be served.
Chicken leg quarters can also be cooked in a pan on a stovetop. To do this, heat oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan, skin-side down, and fry for 10-15 minutes. Flip the chicken and repeat the process. This should take around 25 minutes in total.
The cooking time and temperature depend on the size of the chicken leg quarters and your preference for crispy skin. For example, some recipes suggest cooking at 170°F for juicier results, while others suggest cooking at 195°F for crispier skin.
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Pan-frying chicken leg quarters
Chicken leg quarters are a combination of drumsticks and thighs and are considered dark meat. They are packed with flavour and are very forgiving when it comes to cooking, making them a great choice for cooks of all skill levels.
To pan-fry chicken leg quarters, start by trimming any excess skin and fat, then pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Next, brush both sides of the chicken with oil and season generously. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try other seasonings like thyme, sage, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add oil to your pan—stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel work well—and heat on medium. Place the chicken in the pan, skin-side down, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Add a small amount of water and cover the pan to steam cook for a further 10-15 minutes. Flip the chicken and repeat the process. Depending on your preference for doneness, the whole process should take about 25 minutes.
You can use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to your liking. For juicy, tender dark meat, aim for an internal temperature of 170-175°F (77-79°C). For a more well-done chicken, cook until the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C), which will continue to rise to around 190-195°F (88-91°C) as the chicken rests.
If you want extra crispy skin, finish the chicken leg quarters in the oven for a few minutes at a high temperature.
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Trimming and preparation
Trimming:
Start by examining the chicken leg quarters for any excess skin or fat, particularly between the thigh and leg joint. You can trim and discard any excess skin, but some prefer to leave it on for crispier results. Trimming ensures the skin becomes crispy by eliminating excess moisture.
Preparation:
Once you've trimmed the chicken, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Use paper towels to pat the chicken skin dry thoroughly. This step is crucial, as it helps reduce excess moisture, leading to crispier skin.
After patting the chicken dry, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of herbs and spices to create a rub. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Be creative and experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your perfect blend.
Once you've prepared the spice rub, it's time to apply it to the chicken. Brush both sides of the chicken leg quarters with oil, such as olive oil or melted butter. This step ensures the seasonings adhere to the chicken and helps create a crispy exterior. You can use your fingertips to gently lift the skin and sprinkle the seasoning blend underneath, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Finally, massage the spice rub onto the chicken, pressing it into the skin. You can also apply a final light coating of oil to the skin side of the chicken to ensure it doesn't dry out during cooking.
Your chicken leg quarters are now trimmed and prepared for cooking in a pan. Remember to preheat your oven or stovetop and use a suitable cooking vessel, such as a sheet pan or a frying pan. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook chicken leg quarters in a pan. You can bake them in the oven using a sheet pan or frying pan.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with aluminium foil or grease a baking dish with olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and onion powder. Bake for 30 minutes. If the chicken is browned but still undercooked, cover with foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Marinade the chicken with lemon juice, coriander leaves, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add oil to a frying pan and place on medium heat. Fry the chicken skin-side down for 10-15 minutes, then flip and repeat.
Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For optimal results, cook chicken leg quarters to an internal temperature of 170-195°F.
