Are you staring at a package of chicken leg quarters in your fridge, wondering what to make for dinner? You’re in the right place! As someone who cooks for a family of four on a budget, I’ve come to appreciate these underrated cuts of chicken for their amazing flavor, versatility, and wallet-friendly price.
Chicken leg quarters (the drumstick and thigh still attached) are seriously one of the best values in the meat department. They’re juicier, more forgiving to cook, and often way cheaper than boneless chicken breasts. Plus, that dark meat is packed with so much more flavor!
I’ve compiled my favorite ways to transform this budget-friendly cut into delicious meals that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Let’s dive into these tasty ideas that’ll make you look at chicken leg quarters in a whole new way!
What Are Chicken Leg Quarters?
Before we jump into recipes, let’s understand what we’re working with Chicken leg quarters (sometimes called hindquarters) are basically the drumstick and thigh still connected as one piece They’re considered dark meat and are widely regarded as the most flavorful parts of the chicken.
What makes them so great?
- They’re super flavorful (dark meat = more taste)
- They stay juicy and tender when cooked
- They’re forgiving for beginners (harder to overcook)
- They’re usually much cheaper than chicken breasts
- The skin gets deliciously crispy when cooked right
How Long to Cook Chicken Leg Quarters
For most recipes, chicken leg quarters typically cook at around 400°F for 35-45 minutes. However, cooking times can vary based on your oven and the size of the quarters.
The most important thing: chicken leg quarters should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety, but many chefs recommend cooking dark meat to 185-195°F for the best texture. At this higher temperature, the collagen breaks down, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy.
Pro tip: Let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moister chicken when you cut into it.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – what to do with those chicken leg quarters!
1. Classic Oven-Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
This is my go-to method when I need an easy weeknight dinner that still feels special. The skin gets nice and crispy while the meat stays juicy.
Simple Spice Rub Recipe:
- 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Trim any excess skin or fat from the quarters and pat them dry with paper towels (crucial for crispy skin!).
- Mix all your dry ingredients in a small bowl.
- Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil and generously apply the seasoning mix.
- Place the chicken on the baking sheet skin-side up.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Crockpot Chicken Leg Quarters
When I’m busy with work and don’t want to fuss with dinner, I toss these in the slow cooker with homemade BBQ sauce. This is perfect for busy weeknights and always a hit with my family.
- Season your chicken quarters with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place them in your slow cooker.
- Pour in about 1 cup of BBQ sauce or your favorite cooking liquid.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- The meat will literally fall off the bone when done!
3. Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
This is one of my family’s absolute favorites – the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Create a rub with Korean BBQ seasoning (or a mix of brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger).
- Grill the chicken quarters until almost done.
- Brush with sweet chili sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Continue grilling until caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side.
4. Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
If you’ve got an air fryer (and who doesn’t these days?), you’ll love how quickly this comes together! The air fryer creates the crispiest skin while keeping the inside juicy.
- Season chicken quarters with your favorite spices.
- Place in the air fryer basket, skin side up.
- Cook at 380°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that internal temperature reaches 185°F.
5. Lemon Pepper Chicken Quarters
This bright, zesty flavor combination is perfect for spring and summer meals.
- Mix lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, and a bit of garlic powder.
- Rub all over chicken quarters, along with some olive oil.
- Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
6. Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
If you’ve got a smoker, you’re in for a treat! The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the rich dark meat.
- Create a dry rub with your favorite spices.
- Smoke at 250°F for about 2-3 hours.
- The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Chicken Leg Quarter Soup
I love making soup with leg quarters because the dark meat adds so much flavor to the broth.
- Simmer chicken leg quarters in broth with carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let cool.
- Add more vegetables like kale or potatoes to the broth.
- Shred the chicken meat and return it to the pot.
- Season with herbs and serve hot.
8. Italian Roasted Chicken Quarters
This simple Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for a family dinner.
- Season chicken with Italian herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place on a bed of sliced lemons, onions, and whole garlic cloves.
- Roast at 400°F for 40-45 minutes.
- Serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
9. Asian-Inspired Chicken Quarters
The rich flavor of dark meat goes perfectly with bold Asian flavors.
- Marinate chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar.
- Bake or grill until done.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
10. Chicken Leg Quarter Tacos
This is one of my favorite ways to use leftover roasted chicken quarters!
- Season and cook chicken quarters using any method above.
- Once cooled slightly, shred the meat off the bones.
- Serve in warm corn tortillas with pico de gallo, avocado, and lime.
- Add some Cotija cheese and cilantro for extra flavor.
11. Chicken Quarter Meal Prep Bowls
When I need to plan ahead for the week, I’ll make a batch of these.
- Cook chicken quarters using your favorite method.
- Shred or chop the meat.
- Divide among meal prep containers with cooked grains like rice or quinoa.
- Add roasted vegetables and your favorite sauce.
- Refrigerate for grab-and-go meals all week.
12. Chicken Leg Quarter Casserole
This comfort food classic is perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Cook and shred chicken from leg quarters.
- Mix with pasta or rice, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and cheese.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden.
13. Braised Chicken Quarters with Caramelized Onions
This dish feels fancy but is actually super simple to make.
- Brown chicken quarters in a Dutch oven.
- Add sliced onions and cook until they begin to caramelize.
- Pour in some broth or wine, cover, and braise until chicken is tender.
- The onions will be melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
14. Instant Pot Chicken Leg Quarters
When I’m really short on time, the Instant Pot comes to the rescue.
- Season chicken quarters and place in the Instant Pot.
- Add 1 cup of liquid (broth, sauce, or water).
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
- Broil for a few minutes if you want crispy skin.
15. BBQ Grilled Chicken Quarters
Perfect for summer cookouts!
- Create a dry rub with your favorite BBQ seasonings.
- Grill over medium heat for about 40-45 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Let rest before serving.
16. Jamaican Chicken Quarters with Rum Sauce
When I’m feeling adventurous, this Caribbean-inspired dish is my go-to.
- Season chicken with Jamaican jerk seasoning.
- Grill or bake until almost done.
- Brush with a sauce made from rum, brown sugar, lime juice, and spices.
- Cook until caramelized and serve with extra sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are chicken leg quarters so cheap?
Chicken leg quarters are typically less expensive because they require less processing than other cuts. They’re essentially the drumstick, thigh, and often a portion of the back still connected. The lower processing cost means savings for us shoppers!
Can I double these recipes?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough room on your baking sheet or in your cooking vessel. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly, but an instant-read thermometer will help ensure they’re cooked perfectly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken quarters?
Preheat your oven to 325°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet, and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want crispy skin again.
Can I use a different seasoning blend?
Of course! That’s the beauty of chicken leg quarters – they’re super versatile. Use whatever seasonings you love or have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Chicken leg quarters might just be the most underrated cut of chicken out there. They’re economical, flavorful, and so versatile! I hope these ideas have inspired you to look at this budget-friendly cut in a new light.
Whether you’re feeding a family on a budget or just looking to expand your chicken recipe repertoire, give these ideas a try. I promise your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
What’s your favorite way to cook chicken leg quarters? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
What are Chicken Quarters?
Chicken quarters, commonly called chicken leg quarters, are the combined pieces of drumstick and thigh. They are considered dark meat and highly regarded as being the most flavorful parts of a chicken. They are very forgiving when it comes to cooking and are perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Chicken leg quarters are also usually very affordable so they’re ideal for budget-friendly meals.
One of the things I absolutely love about this recipe is that it’s simple and uses a mix of herbs and spices that you likely already have in your pantry and spice rack. This mix of spices is perfect for seasoning poultry and makes the tender, juicy meat of the chicken quarters even more savory. Let’s take a look and the spice rub mix…
- Salt and pepper
- Italian Seasoning
- Ground mustard
- Onion and garlic powder
- Paprika
The Italian blend seasoning is the perfect combination of several key spices, including oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil. The ground mustard adds a vibrance with a bit of spiciness that compliments the other flavors and brings everything to life. It’s a wonderful ingredient and perfect for poultry recipes. The paprika adds a mild flavor to the spice mix and of course, it’s excellent color.
Begin by preparing a baking sheet by lining it with foil. This will help with cleanup.
Next, remove any excess skin or fat from the chicken. Sometimes chicken quarters have extra skin between the thigh and leg joint. Trim and discard it. Thoroughly pat dry the chicken skin using paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the skin becomes crispy by eliminating excess moisture.
Once you’ve combined all the ingredients for the spice rub, brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil, then evenly apply the seasoning rub. Press it into the skin. I like to apply a thin coating of oil to the skin side of the chicken quarters after all the spice rub has been added.
Finally, arrange the seasoned chicken on the prepared sheet pan, and it’s ready to be placed in the oven.
Bake at 425°(F) for 35-45 minutes
Place the sheet pan of chicken into a preheated oven set to 425°F and bake for 35-45 minutes. While chicken is considered safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°F, we want our chicken quarters to reach around 195°F for optimal results. At 195°F, the collagen breaks down, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken that is juicy and succulent. If the chicken is only cooked to 165°F, it will be tough and lacking in juiciness. Note that the internal temperature of 165°F is suitable for white meat, such as chicken breast, but for dark meat quarters, we aim for 195°F.
To achieve the target temperature of 195°F, remove the chicken from the oven when the internal temperature registers approximately 185°F on an instant-read thermometer. Once taken out of the oven, the temperature will continue to rise, reaching our desired temperature in about 5 minutes.
For more information on cooking chicken above 165°, check out this great article by America’s Test Kitchen.
An essential tool in your kitchen is an instant-read thermometer, as it allows you to accurately measure the internal temperature of foods for optimal results. In recipes like this one, the size of the chicken quarters may vary, and oven temperatures can differ as well. While the approximate cooking time is 35-45 minutes, we can ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time by monitoring the internal temperature. Again, for this recipe, it’s recommended to remove the chicken from the oven when it reaches 185°F.