This chicken leg quarters recipe only requires 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. It’s ridiculously easy, and the result is way more flavorful and delicious than you would imagine. Because this recipe just calls for olive oil, salt, paprika, granulated garlic and pepper, these chicken quarters are also naturally keto, paleo, whole30, dairy-free and gluten-free. This recipe was originally published in 2020 and updated with new tips in 2025.
Ever since I first shared this recipe, it has become a weekly staple in my kitchen. With a generous helping of roasted potatoes, it’s my family’s absolute favorite dinner. In fact, it’s the only way my son will eat potatoes – and he inhales them. .
I had already made a lot of chicken leg quarter recipes before I posted this one. This is by far my favorite and easiest one. I do love these Smoked Chicken Quarters, but they’re far from quick.
It’s my go-to recipe whenever I realize that we don’t have any leftovers and I don’t have enough time to stand around in the kitchen to prepare something.
Even if I do have the time, I still make these about once a week. I actually made a whole chicken yesterday and my husband was disappointed that I hadn’t made these roasted chicken leg quarters instead.
Whenever it’s his turn to make dinner, he always makes these. I make up a huge batch of the spice mix, so all he has to do is put some olive oil and the spice mix on the chicken and cut up some potatoes.
Look at that package of chicken leg quarters and wonder how long to cook them in the oven. I know what you’re going through; getting the timing right can make the difference between juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat and a dry, disappointing dinner.
Chicken leg quarters are my go-to for feeding my family on a budget. They’re economical, flavorful, and when cooked right, absolutely delicious. So let’s dive into everything you need to know about cooking these bad boys to perfection!
What Exactly Are Chicken Leg Quarters?
Let’s make sure we all agree on what chicken leg quarters are before we talk about how long to cook them.
The thigh, the drumstick (the lower part of the leg), and part of the back make up a chicken leg quarter. It’s pretty much the whole chicken leg plus a little more. The flavor of the thigh meat is great, and the drumstick is fun to eat. This cut has both of them in one piece.
Why Choose Chicken Leg Quarters?
There are so many reasons to love chicken leg quarters
- They’re budget-friendly – often half the price of white meat
- Super moist and flavorful – almost impossible to dry out
- Versatile – works with countless seasonings and recipes
- Family-friendly – kids love drumsticks!
- Great for meal prep – makes excellent leftovers
How Long to Cook Chicken Leg Quarters in the Oven
The short answer: Chicken leg quarters typically need 45-60 minutes in a 375°F oven.
But the time it takes to cook depends on the method you use, the temperature, and the size of the quarters. Here are the most reliable cooking methods:
Method 1: Standard Baking (375°F)
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Season chicken as desired
- Bake for 45-60 minutes
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part
Method 2: Low and Slow, Then Crisp (300°F then 425°F)
This two-temperature method from Bless This Mess creates incredibly tender meat with crispy skin:
- Preheat oven to 300°F
- Place chicken in a rimmed baking sheet
- Brush with melted butter and season
- Cover with foil and bake for one hour
- Increase temperature to 425°F
- Remove foil and bake additional 10-20 minutes until skin crisps
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F
Method 3: Higher Heat Method (400°F)
Mandy in the Making uses a slightly hotter oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Season chicken with your preferred spices
- Mix room temperature butter with olive oil and rub directly on chicken
- Place on a broiling pan (line bottom with foil for easy cleanup)
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour
- Target internal temperature is 175°F for extra tender dark meat
Essential Tips for Perfect Chicken Leg Quarters
1. Use a Meat Thermometer
This is non-negotiable! A good meat thermometer ensures your chicken is:
- Safe to eat (reaches at least 165°F)
- Not overcooked and dry
- Perfectly done in the thickest part
2. Let It Rest
After taking your chicken out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moister chicken.
3. Season Generously
Dark meat can handle lots of flavor! Don’t be shy with seasonings. Here are some popular options:
- Basic: Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Herb-focused: Rosemary, thyme, sage
- Spicy: Cayenne, paprika, chili powder
- Pre-made blends: Everything But the Bagel, Montreal Chicken Seasoning, or Lemon Garlic
4. Add Fat
Adding butter or oil helps crisp the skin and adds flavor. Most recipes call for:
- 3-4 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Or a combination of both
5. Consider Using a Rack
Elevating your chicken on a rack allows air to circulate underneath, resulting in more even cooking and crispier skin all around.
My Go-To Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe
Here’s my favorite way to prepare chicken leg quarters that always gets compliments:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken leg quarters (about 3 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Pat chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels (this helps get crispy skin).
- In a small bowl, mix butter, olive oil, and all seasonings.
- Rub this mixture ALL over the chicken, getting under the skin where possible.
- Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet, skin side up.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes, until skin is golden and crispy.
- Check internal temperature – it should read at least 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Skin isn’t crispy
Solution: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Problem: Chicken is done on the outside but undercooked inside
Solution: Lower your oven temperature and cook longer, or cover with foil until the inside reaches proper temperature.
Problem: Cooking is uneven
Solution: Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before baking, and consider using a rack to elevate it.
Delicious Side Dishes for Chicken Leg Quarters
We all need good sides! Here are some that pair perfectly:
- Classic potato salad
- Cornbread
- Easy Mexican black beans
- Macaroni salad
- Baked potatoes
- Simple green salad
Why I Switched to Dark Meat
I used to be a strictly chicken breast kinda gal, but once I discovered how much more flavorful and forgiving dark meat is, I was converted! Now I save money AND enjoy more delicious meals. Chicken leg quarters have seriously become a staple in my kitchen.
A Word on Food Safety
Always make sure your chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. For dark meat, some people prefer 170-175°F for more tender results, as this allows the connective tissue to break down more.
The Bottom Line
Cooking chicken leg quarters in the oven is simple once you know the right timing and temperature. The key points to remember:
- Standard method: 375°F for 45-60 minutes
- Low and slow method: 300°F (covered) for 1 hour, then 425°F (uncovered) for 10-20 minutes
- Higher heat method: 400°F for 45-60 minutes
- Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness
- Let it rest before serving
What’s your favorite way to season chicken leg quarters? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments!
What are chicken leg quarters?
Chicken thigh + drumstick (which is the lower part of the leg) + part of the back = chicken quarters. If you need a chicken thigh recipe, try these baked chicken thighs.
How to bake chicken leg quarters
Baking chicken leg quarters is super easy.
Mix together the spice rub. If you liked the first time you made this, you might as well make 12 more in a jar. For that, you need 6 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 cup paprika, 1/4 cup granulated garlic and 2 tablespoons ground black pepper.
Rub it all over the chicken, including the bottoms and under the skin.
Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 185-190 °F (85-88 °C). If you don’t have a thermometer, it’s totally okay.
Slice into the thickest part of the thigh (near the bone). The meat should be opaque (not pink), and the texture should be firm but still juicy. If it’s pink or translucent, cook it longer.
Unlike white meat, chicken leg quarters actually get better when cooked beyond the minimum safe temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). That’s because dark meat has more connective tissue and fat than white meat. When you cook it to 185–190 °F (85–88 °C), the collagen breaks down. This makes the meat tender and juicy instead of chewy.
Also, dark meat doesn’t dry out as easily as white meat because of the higher fat content. Instead, it stays moist even at higher temperatures.
Oven Roasted Crispy Chicken Leg Quarters | Easy Time Saving Recipe For Extra Crispy Skin!
FAQ
Can you cook chicken leg quarters in the oven?
There are a lot of home cooks and professional chefs who know how to cook chicken leg quarters in the oven. Whether you’re looking to prepare a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, baking chicken leg quarters in the oven is a great way to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results.
How long do you cook chicken leg quarters at 400 degrees?
Set up in a baking dish: For the leg quarters, put them in a baking dish skin-side up in a single layer. With the preparation complete, it’s time to cook the leg quarters. But how long should you bake chicken leg quarters at 400 degrees? The normal amount of time is between 40 and 50 minutes.
What temperature do you cook leg quarters in the oven?
The optimal cooking time for leg quarters in the oven primarily depends on several factors, including the cooking temperature and whether the chicken is covered or uncovered. The recommended temperature for baking leg quarters is typically 375°F (190°C) to 425°F (220°C). Let’s break it down:
Can you cook chicken leg quarters in a convection oven?
A: Yes, you can use a convection oven to bake chicken leg quarters. Convection ovens cook food faster and more evenly, but be aware that the cooking time may be shorter than in a traditional oven. The art of cooking chicken leg quarters in the oven is a staple of many home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Can you cook frozen chicken leg quarters?
While it is generally recommended to thaw meat before cooking for even and thorough cooking, you can bake frozen chicken leg quarters. However, the cooking time will be longer, and it is crucial to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to cook leg quarters?
When cooking leg quarters at 400°F, they typically require about 40 to 50 minutes in the oven. The exact time can vary based on the size of the leg quarters and whether they are fresh or thawed from frozen. For best results, it is advisable to check their internal temperature around the 40-minute mark.
How long does it take to cook leg quarters in an oven?
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix all of the above together and rub directly on chicken leg quarters. Place chicken on broiling pan (line the bottom part with foil). Bake for 45 minutes to an hour.Feb 23, 2025
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
Key Takeaways. 400°F is the best temperature. The shorter it takes for a chicken to cook, the juicier it will be inside.
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
What Temperature to Bake Chicken Legs. In order to achieve juicy, flavorful meat, it’s important to cook chicken and any cut of meat by temperature. For dark meat chicken, such as chicken legs, an internal temperature of 175F is perfection. As far as oven temperature is concerned, I like to set the oven to 350F.