Ingredients
– 4 chicken leg quarters
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 lemon (juice and zest)
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious Thanksgiving Baked Chicken Leg Quarters:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving crisp skin.
2. Prepare Chicken: Rinse the chicken leg quarters under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps to crisp the skin.
3. Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Oil and Season: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken quarters. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on all sides, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
5. Add Lemon: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken leg quarters and add the lemon zest for an added layer of flavor.
6. Arrange in Pan: Place the seasoned chicken leg quarters in a large baking dish or roasting pan, skin side up, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should be a rich golden brown.
8. Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps retain the juices, making the meat more flavorful.
9. Garnish: Optionally, garnish the chicken with fresh herbs before serving.
10. Serve: Transfer the chicken leg quarters to a serving platter, showcasing the wonderful golden-brown skin.
These simple steps lead to a mouth-watering Thanksgiving Baked Chicken Leg Quarters that you and your loved ones will rave about.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 36g
- Protein: 34g