How Long to Cook Chicken Quarters at 400°F – The Ultimate Guide for Juicy, Crispy Perfection

Are you staring at those chicken quarters in your fridge and wondering exactly how long to cook them at 400 degrees? You’re not alone! Chicken quarters are one of my absolute favorite budget-friendly dinner options, and cooking them at 400°F hits that perfect sweet spot for juicy meat and crispy skin.

I’ve been cooking chicken quarters weekly for years now, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about getting them just right. Trust me – once you master this simple technique, this might become your go-to weeknight dinner too!

What Are Chicken Quarters Anyway?

Before we dive into cooking times let’s clarify what chicken quarters actually are

A chicken quarter includes:

• The thigh
• The drumstick (lower part of the leg)
• Part of the back
• The joint connecting these pieces

Basically, chicken quarters make up about a quarter of the whole chicken (hence the name!). They’re often sold as “leg quarters” or “chicken leg quarters” at the grocery store.

What makes them special is they contain dark meat which is more flavorful and juicy than white meat. Plus they’re typically cheaper than buying chicken breasts or even separate thighs and drumsticks!

How Long to Cook Chicken Quarters at 400°F

Let’s get right to the most important question – how long should you bake those chicken quarters?

The cooking time for chicken quarters at 400°F varies based on their size:

But here’s the most important tip – always use a meat thermometer! Chicken quarters are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 175°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Some people say chicken is safe at 165°F (which is technically true), but our testing shows that dark meat actually tastes better and has a nicer texture when cooked to 175°F. Trust me on this one!

Why Cook at 400°F Instead of Other Temperatures?

You might be wondering why 400°F is recommended. Here’s why I prefer this temperature:

• Perfect balance: 400°F is hot enough to crisp the skin beautifully but gentle enough to keep the meat juicy
• Reasonable cooking time: Not too fast, not too slow
• Even cooking: The meat cooks through properly without drying out
• Golden brown skin: You get that delicious crispy exterior without burning

Higher temps (like 425°F or 450°F) can lead to overcooking the outside before the inside is done, while lower temps (like 350°F) might give you soggy skin. 400°F is the goldilocks zone!

My Super Simple 5-Ingredient Chicken Quarters Recipe

This is literally the easiest recipe ever, and it’s what I make almost weekly. My husband actually gets upset when I cook chicken any other way now!

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken quarters
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic (or garlic powder)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken quarters dry with paper towels (this is super important for crispy skin!).
3. Place the chicken quarters skin side up on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
4. Brush the chicken with olive oil.
5. Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
6. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of your quarters.
7. Check that the internal temperature reaches 175°F in the thickest part of the meat.
8. Optional: For extra crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

That’s it! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, and paleo-friendly. And did I mention it’s ridiculously delicious?

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Quarters Every Time

After making this recipe hundreds of times (no exaggeration), I’ve picked up some tricks:

1. Don’t Skip Drying the Chicken

Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Always pat those quarters dry before seasoning.

2. Use a Rack for Extra Crispy Bottoms

If you want the bottoms of your chicken quarters to be crispy too, place them on a wire rack inside your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate underneath.

3. Add Potatoes for an Easy One-Pan Meal

This is my family’s favorite way to enjoy chicken quarters! Place the chicken in the baking dish and fill the remaining space with potato chunks, sweet potato, and/or carrot slices. The veggies absorb all that chicken flavor and fat – OMG they’re amazing.

For the potatoes, I use:

• 2 pounds potatoes, cut into chunks
• A little olive oil
• The same spice mix as the chicken (but only half the salt)

Just stir the potatoes after about 20 minutes, then again 15 minutes later. If they need more browning after the chicken is done, remove the chicken, turn up the heat a bit, and continue baking the potatoes.

4. Let the Chicken Rest

Always let your chicken quarters rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it extra juicy when you cut into it.

5. Make Extra Seasoning Mix

I usually make a big batch of the seasoning mix and store it in a jar. This makes weeknight dinner prep even easier!

Fun Flavor Variations to Try

While the basic recipe is incredible, here are some flavor variations to keep things interesting:

• Lemon Pepper: Add lemon zest and juice with black pepper
• BBQ Style: Use a mix of brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, and cumin
• Italian: Add oregano, basil, and thyme to the basic mix
• Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat
• Ranch Style: Mix in dried dill, chives, and a bit of powdered buttermilk

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem: Skin isn’t crispy enough

Solution: Make sure you pat the chicken very dry before cooking, and don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Problem: Chicken is dry

Solution: You probably overcooked it. Next time, check the temperature earlier and remove when it hits 175°F.

Problem: Chicken takes longer than expected

Solution: Your quarters might be larger than average. Always go by temperature, not time!

Problem: Uneven cooking

Solution: Make sure your quarters are similar in size, or adjust cooking times for different sized pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook chicken quarters from frozen?

I don’t recommend it. Thaw them first for more even cooking and better texture.

How many chicken quarters per person?

One chicken quarter per person is generally plenty, especially with side dishes.

Can I use this same method in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 380°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure they fit without overcrowding.

How do I store leftover chicken quarters?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 4 months.

What’s the best way to reheat chicken quarters?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.

Perfect Side Dishes for Chicken Quarters

As I mentioned, potatoes cooked alongside the chicken are AMAZING, but here are some other sides that pair wonderfully:

• Green beans
• Corn on the cob
• Mushroom soup
• Cauliflower rice
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh salad
• Mashed potatoes

Final Thoughts

Chicken quarters are seriously one of the most underrated cuts of chicken. They’re affordable, flavorful, and nearly impossible to mess up when cooked at 400°F for the right amount of time.

Remember: 400°F, 40-50 minutes (depending on size), and cook to 175°F internal temperature. Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll have perfectly juicy, crispy chicken quarters every single time!

What’s your favorite way to season chicken quarters? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to try your ideas too!