What are Chicken Leg Quarters?
Chicken leg quarters are a great and affordable way to enjoy juicy and flavorful poultry. They are a combination of two pieces of chicken, the thigh, and drumstick, that are attached at the joint. The leg quarters are connected at the hip joint and contain the dark meats of the chicken. It is a popular cut of chicken that is easy to prepare and cook. The leg quarters are economical and are most often sold with the skin and bone still attached. This can make them a bit more challenging to cook, but it also boosts the flavor and texture.
How to Prepare Leg Quarters
When preparing leg quarters it is important to remove the skin and bone. This can be done with a sharp knife and following the instructions in the recipe. It is also important to dry brine the leg quarters before cooking. To dry brine, season the leg quarters with salt and pepper, and rub the seasoning all over the skin and flesh. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Health Benefits of Eating Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters are a nutritious source of protein, containing approximately 22 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Eating lean proteins such as chicken helps to maintain a healthy weight, and can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Chicken leg quarters are also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Tips for Cooking Leg Quarters
When cooking leg quarters, it is important to use the right cooking methods to ensure the meat is cooked all the way through. Roasting is the best way to cook leg quarters, as the high heat helps to crisp the skin and keep the meat moist and tender. It is also important to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it is cooked to the correct temperature. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chicken Leg Quarters Recipes
Herbed Roasted Leg Quarters
This simple recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. The herbs add a wonderful flavor and the chicken is cooked to perfection.
- Ingredients:
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the skin and bone from the leg quarters.
- Place the leg quarters into a roasting pan.
- Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush the mixture over the chicken leg quarters.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
This recipe is perfect for the summertime and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Grilled chicken leg quarters are juicy, flavorful, and can be prepared in minutes.
- Ingredients:
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the skin and bone from the leg quarters.
- Place the leg quarters onto a plate.
- Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush the mixture over the chicken leg quarters.
- Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Baked Chicken Leg Quarters with Honey Mustard Sauce
This recipe is a great way to dress up chicken leg quarters with a delicious honey mustard sauce. The sauce is tangy and sweet and pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
- Ingredients:
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the skin and bone from the leg quarters.
- Place the leg quarters onto a baking sheet.
- Combine the honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush the mixture over the chicken leg quarters.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Chicken leg quarters are an affordable and delicious way to enjoy poultry. They are packed with nutrients and are easy to prepare. There are many different recipes for cooking leg quarters, and the possibilities are endless. From roasting to grilling to baking, you can enjoy these juicy and flavorful pieces of chicken for any occasion.
