How Long to Cook Chicken Leg Quarters: The Complete Guide

Chicken leg quarters are an economical and flavorful cut of chicken that includes both the thigh and drumstick. With the bone in and skin on they have more fat and collagen than chicken breasts keeping them extra moist and tender when cooked. But how long should you cook chicken leg quarters to get them perfectly done?

The cooking time can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, which I’ll explain in detail below. Whether you want to bake, grill, or pan fry your chicken quarters, this guide will teach you exactly how long to cook them for juicy, delicious results every time.

How Long to Bake Chicken Leg Quarters

Baking chicken leg quarters in the oven is one of the easiest cooking methods The dry ambient heat perfectly crisps up the skin while gently cooking the meat.

Most chicken leg quarter baking times range from 35-45 minutes in a 375-400°F oven. However, the exact time needed depends on:

• Size of the quarters – Smaller quarters may only need 30-35 minutes, while jumbo leg quarters can take 50-60 minutes to fully cook.

• Bone in or bone out – Deboned leg quarters will cook faster than bone-in.

• Temperature of the oven—The faster something cooks, the higher the temperature. 350°F will need more time than 425°F.

• Crispiness of the skin: If you want the skin to be extra crispy, cook it at a higher temperature or broil it at the end.

To test for doneness, use an instant read thermometer. At 165°F, chicken is safe to eat, but for the most juicy dark meat, cook it up to 175°F to break down the connective tissue.

If you don’t have a thermometer, poke a hole in the thigh near the bone where it is thickest. When it’s done, the juices should run clear and there shouldn’t be any pink left.

Here are approximate chicken leg quarter baking times:

• Small, bone-in at 400°F: 30-35 minutes
• Medium, bone-in at 375°F: 35-40 minutes
• Large, bone-in at 350°F: 45-55 minutes
• Jumbo, bone-in at 325°F: 50-60 minutes
• Boneless at 400°F: 25-35 minutes

To ensure crispy skin, start the chicken skin side down and flip halfway through. Letting it rest 5-10 minutes before serving also helps lock in the juices.

How Long to Grill Chicken Leg Quarters

Grilling imparts delicious smoky barbecue flavor to chicken. But grilling times are a bit shorter than oven baking.

For bone-in chicken leg quarters, the grill time is typically:

• Small: 25-30 minutes
• Medium: 30-35 minutes
• Large: 35-40 minutes

However, there are a few factors that affect the grilling time:

• Thickness – Thicker leg quarters need more time than thin.

• Bone in or out – Boneless cooks faster.

• Direct or indirect heat – Indirect heat requires more time.

• Charcoal or gas – Charcoal grills tend to use indirect heat, while gas grills can do direct heat.

• Temperature control – A very hot grill cooks the chicken quicker.

For perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant read thermometer. Remove the quarters when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 170°F.

If grilling boneless chicken leg quarters, reduce the time to 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness. They tend to cook very fast without the bone.

One tip when grilling leg quarters is to keep the grill covered as much as possible. This traps the heat and smoke to evenly cook the chicken.

How Long to Pan Fry Chicken Leg Quarters

Pan frying is a quick and easy way to cook chicken leg quarters stovetop. Here are the approximate pan frying times:

• Small: 15-18 minutes per side
• Medium: 18-22 minutes per side
• Large: 20-25 minutes per side

The key with pan frying is to use a heavy skillet or dutch oven so the chicken cooks evenly. Cast iron works great.

Start the chicken skin side down over medium-high heat until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Then flip and finish cooking on the second side.

Reduce the heat if the chicken browns too quickly. You want it to cook through without burning the outside.

For boneless quarters, reduce cook time by several minutes per side. And use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 170°F internally.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Leg Quarters

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure delicious, juicy chicken leg quarters every time:

• Pat the chicken dry before cooking to help crispen the skin.

• Brush with oil or melted butter to keep the quarters from drying out.

• Season ahead of time and let sit 20-30 minutes for the flavor to penetrate.

• Cook low and slow at first, then increase heat toward the end to crisp the skin.

• Flip the chicken halfway through baking or grilling for even cooking.

• Allow the cooked chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

• Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

• Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so stick to the recommended times.

• Save any pan drippings to make tasty gravy or sauce.

How to Tell When Chicken Leg Quarters Are Done

There are a few ways to test chicken leg quarters for doneness:

• Temperature – Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and check for 170°F.

• Pierce test – Use a sharp knife to pierce the thickest area of the thigh near the bone. If the juices run clear, it’s fully cooked.

• Look – The meat will turn opaque white when fully cooked with no traces of pink.

• Texture – The chicken should feel firm when pierced or pressed.

• Time – Stick to the recommended bake, grill or pan fry times for each size quarter.

If the chicken is undercooked, it will look pink and release pink juices. Be sure to cook it to the proper internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness.

Signs of Overcooked Chicken Leg Quarters

It’s easy to overcook chicken leg quarters, leading to dry, rubbery meat. Here are some signs your chicken is overdone:

• The meat is pulling away from the bone or shredding.

• The skin is very dark brown or burnt looking.

• The juices run clear immediately when pierced rather than moist and thick.

• The internal temperature is above 180°F.

• The texture is tough or chewy.

• The meat near the bones is very white.

• The chicken doesn’t taste juicy.

You can prevent overcooking by following recipe cook times, using meat thermometers, and avoiding high heat. Focus on low, gentle heat to bring the chicken up to temp.

FAQs About Cooking Chicken Leg Quarters

Should I brine chicken leg quarters?

Brining isn’t necessary since leg quarters are naturally juicy, but it can help keep the meat even more moist and tender. Soak 1-2 hours in a saltwater solution.

Do you flip chicken leg quarters when baking?

Yes, flip them about halfway through baking. This allows both sides to brown evenly. Start them skin side down for crispy skin.

Can you cook frozen chicken leg quarters?

Absolutely! Just increase oven bake time 10-15 minutes if cooking from frozen. And use an instant read thermometer.

Should you cover chicken leg quarters when baking?

Covering isn’t necessary. Leaving them uncovered the entire time allows the skin to crisp up.

Do you baste chicken leg quarters?

Basting with pan juices or butter/oil mixture periodically during cooking can help keep the chicken moist. But it’s not required.

What’s the best way to reheat chicken leg quarters?

The oven or toaster oven work best. Wrap in foil and reheat at 300-350°F until warm throughout. The broiler can also crisp the skin.

Can you cook chicken leg quarters sous vide?

Yes! Sous vide cooking allows you to prepare chicken quarters that are perfectly cooked edge to edge. Use 167°F for tender meat.

The Takeaway

Chicken leg quarters offer great value and flavor. Learn how long to bake, grill, or pan fry bone-in or boneless quarters for optimal juiciness and taste. Stick to the size-based times, use a meat thermometer, and prevent overcooking for the best results. In no time, you’ll be an expert on cooking chicken leg quarters.