Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe

If you are in search of a delicious, easy-to-make chicken recipe that is bursting with flavor, look no further because this Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters recipe is just what you have been looking for!

It’s not only quick and easy to prepare, but also requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of lemon and herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that turns out moist and tender every time.

Although chicken itself has a typically bland flavor, the addition of the other ingredients takes it to new heights of deliciousness. And it couldn’t be easier to prepare!

Not only is this dish easy to make and incredibly tasty, it’s also budget-friendly. Leg quarters are relatively inexpensive when compared to other cuts of meat. In fact, this week I was able to purchase 10 leg quarters for $7.99 at my local grocery store.

But what I also love about this recipe is that it is also very versatile, allowing you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings to make this dish uniquely yours.

So this week give this Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters recipe a try. With its enticing flavors, easy preparation, and budget-friendly appeal, you won’t be disappointed!

What Is A Chicken Leg Quarter

A chicken leg quarter is a generous portion of poultry that consists of the drumstick and thigh all connected in one piece. This cut is a favorite among many due to the dark meat being juicy, tender, and more flavorful than white meat.

Dark meat contains more fat. This translates into a more satisfying and delicious meal, making chicken leg quarters an excellent choice for a savory, hearty dish.

Season it with the herbs and lemon and you have yourself a delicious meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

How To Flavor Chicken Leg Quarters

Lemon, garlic, and thyme are the key flavor components in this recipe, working together to create a mouthwatering flavor profile. Lemon adds a bright, zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the chicken. While garlic lends a savory touch that enhances the overall flavor of the dish

Thyme, a classic herb used in many chicken dishes, provides an earthy, aromatic touch. Once the herbs combine with the other flavors, you have the perfect seasoning that perfectly complements the chicken’s taste.

The Adding Of White Wine

Adding white wine to the recipe serves a dual purpose. It not only imparts a lovely depth of flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it even more succulent.

When selecting a wine for this dish, choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay, as they will complement the flavors without overpowering them.

And don’t worry if you don’t typically drink alcohol. The alcohol in the wine will cook off during the roasting process, leaving behind a rich and delicious sauce for the chicken.

However, if you don’t prefer to use any alcohol in your cooking, you can simply substitute chicken broth for the wine.

What Temperature To Cook Chicken Leg Quarters

While the USDA’s recommended safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F, cooking leg quarters to 190°F ensures that they achieve fall-apart tenderness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is absolutely irresistible.

To get an accurate reading of the chicken’s internal temperature, use an instant-read digital thermometer inserted into the side of the meat, avoiding any bone into the thickest part of the thigh.

Once the internal temperature reaches the desired temperature, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Broiling Option

If you want your Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters to have super crispy skin, simply turn on the broiler during the last few minutes of cooking. However, be sure to keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid burning.

Then remove it from the oven once the skin reaches your desired level of crispiness. This additional step adds another layer of texture to the dish, making it even more appealing and satisfying for those who like to have crispy skin.

What To Serve With Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters

Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters can be paired with a variety of side dishes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Consider serving them with roasted or steamed vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

Adding a refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a touch of brightness to the meal and keeps the meal low-carb. For a heartier option, serve it with air fryer red potatoes, mashed potatoes, or rice.

And don’t forget the dinner rolls to soak up the delicious juices!

So there you have it, a scrumptious Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters recipe that’s simple, but so impressive! This dish is not only easy to prepare but also boasts incredible flavors and a tender, juicy texture.

Give this recipe a try and I can almost guarantee that it will become one of your favorites!

Lemon Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, halved and divided
• 1 yellow onion, halved and sliced ¼ inch thick
• 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 chicken leg quarters
• 1/4 cup dry white wine

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Pour the olive oil into a small glass measuring cup and stir in the thyme, salt & pepper, set aside.

Cut one half of the lemon into 1/4 inch slices. Place the slices in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or a large cast iron skillet.

Place the sliced onions and garlic on top of the lemon slices. Set aside.

Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Then rub the olive oil & herb mixture over both sides. Place the chicken, skin side up on top of the lemons & garlic.

Place the baking dish in the oven and roast the chicken for 30 minutes. Pour the wine down the side of the pan (not over the chicken) and continue to roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 190°F when tested with an instant read thermometer.

Remove the chicken from the oven. Squeeze the top with lemon juice (from the other half of the lemon). Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Pour the hot pan juices over top of the chicken and serve warm with your preferred side dish.

Enjoy! Mary

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