Crispy Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Savor the flavors of perfectly seasoned, deeply satisfying Chicken Leg Quarters, baked to crispy perfection in this easy one-dish meal. Inspired by classic cooking techniques and simplified for the home chef, this recipe brings together succulent chicken bathed in a savory mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, and aromatic herbs. The skin crisps up beautifully, locking in moisture, while the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish not only delights the palate but also impresses without the hassle. Enjoy a hearty meal with easy cleanup, and don’t forget to check out the variations suggested in the reviews for ways to personalize this crowd-pleaser!
4
Servings
350
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken leg quarters
4 (skin-on, with bone)
Soy sauce
1/2 cup (divided)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (divided)
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
Dill weed
1 teaspoon (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Line a large glass baking dish with aluminum foil for easier clean-up. If you have a baking rack, place it in the dish to elevate the chicken and encourage better airflow for crispier skin.
3
Trim any excess fat from the chicken leg quarters.
4
Carefully separate the skin from the meat without completely detaching it, creating a pocket for seasoning.
5
Brush the meat under the skin with 1/4 cup of soy sauce, coating generously.
6
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, seasoning salt, and dill weed under the skin, massaging the seasonings into the meat for enhanced flavor.
7
Place the leg quarters into the prepared dish, skin side up, ensuring they have enough space for even cooking.
8
Brush the skin of each leg quarter with the remaining 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
9
Sprinkle the tops generously with garlic powder, seasoning salt, and dill weed to taste.
10
Bake the chicken in the middle rack of the preheated oven for 1 hour, uncovered, allowing the skin to brown and crisp.
11
After an hour, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
12
Check for doneness: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
13
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so that the juices redistribute and the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
2g
Carbs
28g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 4 chicken leg quarters, soy sauce, garlic powder, seasoning salt, and dill weed.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Initially, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 1 hour and 15 minutes, consisting of 1 hour at 375F and 15 minutes at 400F.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What seasonings are used for the garlic herb flavor?
The seasonings used are garlic powder, seasoning salt, and dill weed.
Why is a baking rack recommended for this recipe?
A baking rack elevates the chicken to allow for better airflow, which results in crispier skin.
Should the chicken skin be removed before cooking?
No, the skin should be kept on and separated from the meat to create a pocket for seasoning.
What is the purpose of soy sauce in this chicken recipe?
Soy sauce is used to coat the meat under the skin and the exterior skin to add savory flavor and help with browning.
Do I need to trim the chicken leg quarters?
Yes, it is recommended to trim any excess fat from the chicken leg quarters before seasoning.
How do I season the meat under the skin?
Carefully separate the skin from the meat, brush with soy sauce, and sprinkle garlic powder, seasoning salt, and dill weed inside.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A large glass baking dish lined with aluminum foil is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these chicken leg quarters are ideal for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
How can I make the cleanup process easier?
Lining your baking dish with aluminum foil makes cleanup much faster and easier.
Where in the oven should the chicken be baked?
The chicken should be baked on the middle rack of the oven for even heat distribution.
How much soy sauce is needed in total?
A total of 1/2 cup of soy sauce is used, divided between the meat and the skin.
How should I check the temperature of the chicken?
Use a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 28g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This dish is low in carbohydrates, containing only 2g per serving.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized by savory, garlic, and herb flavors with a crispy texture.
What should I do to ensure the skin gets very crispy?
Increase the oven temperature to 400F for the final 15 minutes of baking.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
The recipe data does not indicate any added sugar.
Which herb provides the aromatic quality in this recipe?
Dill weed is the primary aromatic herb used in this seasoning blend.
Is the chicken bone-in or boneless?
This recipe specifically uses bone-in chicken leg quarters.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as an easy one-dish meal that simplifies cooking and cleanup.
How do I prepare the seasoning pocket?
You carefully separate the skin from the meat without completely detaching it to form a pocket.
Can I bake the chicken without a rack?
Yes, but using a rack is preferred to encourage airflow for maximum skin crispiness.