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Oven-Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters with Spiced Rub Recipe

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4.2 from 87 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Chicken Leg Quarters recipe delivers juicy, flavorful dark meat with crispy, browned skin achieved by roasting in the oven. A simple blend of paprika, garlic, salt, and black pepper is rubbed under the skin and on the surface, enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe yields tender chicken cooked to a safe internal temperature with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 chicken leg quarters (approximately 3 1/4 lbs or 1.5 kilograms total)

Spice Mix

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 400 °F (205 °C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
  2. Prepare the rack and pan: Place an oven-safe cooling rack onto a baking tray large enough to hold all the chicken leg quarters comfortably, allowing air to circulate for even cooking.
  3. Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, granulated garlic, and ground black pepper to form the spice rub.
  4. Arrange chicken and oil: Place the chicken leg quarters on the cooling rack atop the baking tray. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken pieces to help crisp the skin.
  5. Apply spices: Gently separate the skin from the meat and rub half of the spice mixture directly between the skin and the meat. Then rub the remaining spice evenly over the top and bottom of the chicken pieces, focusing only on the small portion of meat on the bottom, not the bones.
  6. Bake the chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 185 °F (85 °C), and the skin is browned and crisp.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Storage: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy.
  • For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Leftover chicken can be used cold in salads or reheated gently to prevent drying out.
  • You can customize the spice mix by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/oven-roasted-chicken-leg-quarters-with-spiced-rub-recipe/