This chicken leg quarters recipe only requires 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. It’s ridiculously easy, and the result is way more flavorful and delicious than you would imagine. This recipe only needs olive oil, salt, paprika, pepper, and granulated garlic. This means that the chicken quarters are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, and paleo. This recipe was originally published in 2020 and updated with new tips in 2025.
Ever since I first shared this recipe, it has become a weekly staple in my kitchen. With a generous helping of roasted potatoes, it’s my family’s absolute favorite dinner. In fact, it’s the only way my son will eat potatoes – and he inhales them. .
Before I posted this recipe, I had made a ton of chicken leg quarter recipes, and this is, by far, my favorite and definitely the easiest. I do love these Smoked Chicken Quarters, but they’re far from quick.
When we don’t have any leftovers and I don’t have time to stand around in the kitchen and make something, this is the recipe I always turn to.
Even if I do have the time, I still make these about once a week. Yesterday I cooked a whole chicken, and my husband was upset that I didn’t make these roasted chicken leg quarters instead.
Whenever it’s his turn to make dinner, he always makes these. I make up a huge batch of the spice mix, so all he has to do is put some olive oil and the spice mix on the chicken and cut up some potatoes.
Chicken quarters, consisting of a leg and thigh together, are an inexpensive and flavorful cut of chicken. With the bone in and skin on, chicken quarters have more fat and collagen than chicken breasts, keeping them extra moist when cooked. Baking chicken quarters in the oven at 400°F is a simple and delicious way to prepare this cut of chicken. Knowing exactly how long to cook chicken quarters at 400°F ensures the meat cooks through while staying incredibly juicy.
What are Chicken Quarters?
When you buy chicken quarters, the leg and thigh of the chicken are still attached to each other. This is different from buying chicken thighs and drumsticks separately. Part of the back and hip joint that connects the thigh to the drumstick is in the chicken quarters.
Chicken quarters are often cheaper than buying individual thighs and drumsticks. They contain a good mix of dark and white meat and have a great robust chicken flavor. The bone-in chicken quarters help keep the meat extra moist during cooking.
Why Cook Chicken Quarters at 400°F?
Cooking chicken quarters at 400°F is hot enough to crisp up the skin beautifully while still allowing the meat to cook through gently without drying out. Higher oven temperatures can lead to overcooking while lower oven temps can yield soggy skin.
400°F hits the sweet spot for getting chicken quarters with moist, tender meat and perfectly crisped, golden brown skin. Baking at a slightly higher temp of 425°F will speed up the cooking time but you’ll need to watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
How Long to Cook Chicken Quarters at 400°F
- Small quarters (1 – 1 1/2 lbs each): 35 – 40 minutes
- Medium quarters (1 1/2 – 2 lbs each): 40 – 50 minutes
- Large quarters (2 – 2 1/2 lbs each): 50 – 60 minutes
These cooking times are for bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters baked in a 400°F oven. Smaller quarters will be done faster while larger, meatier quarters need more time.
Chicken quarters are fully cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 175°F. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check doneness, especially for larger quarters.
If baking multiple chicken quarters, arrange them in a single layer with space between each one. Crowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
Tips for Baked Chicken Quarters
Here are some tips for baked chicken quarters with delicious, juicy meat and crispy skin:
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Pat the chicken quarters dry before seasoning and baking to help the skin get extra crispy.
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Brush the skin with oil or melted butter and season as desired before baking.
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For added flavor and moisture, try inserting compound butter or fresh herb mixtures under the skin before baking.
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Roast the chicken quarters on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet to allow airflow and fat drainage underneath.
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Turn up the heat in the oven just before serving to broil the skin and make it extra crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Let the chicken quarters rest 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute through the meat.
Easy Seasonings for Baked Chicken Quarters
Chicken quarters pair well with all sorts of seasonings. Try these easy ideas:
- Lemon pepper – zest, juice, and seasoning
- Italian herbs – oregano, basil, garlic, onion powder
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic, lime
- Jerk seasoning – allspice, thyme, brown sugar
- Ranch – dill, chives, garlic, onion, pepper
- Barbecue spice rub – chili powder, paprika, brown sugar, cumin
Get creative with your own favorite flavor combinations! A simple brush of olive oil and sprinkling of salt and pepper is also delicious.
Oven Baked Chicken Quarters Recipe
This simple oven baked chicken quarters recipe yields tender, juicy meat with crispy browned skin:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken quarters (about 2 lbs each)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
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Pat chicken quarters dry with paper towels. Brush all over with olive oil.
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In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, thyme and pepper. Season chicken quarters evenly with seasoning mixture.
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Place chicken quarters skin side up on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet.
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Bake at 400°F for 50-60 minutes until chicken reaches 175°F internally.
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Broil skin side up for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
It only takes a few simple things to make juicy chicken quarters that you can eat any night of the week. Based on the size of your chicken quarters, change the cooking times as needed. For an easy and tasty dinner, serve these tasty chicken quarters with your favorite sides.
What are chicken leg quarters?
Chicken thigh + drumstick (which is the lower part of the leg) + part of the back = chicken quarters. If you need a chicken thigh recipe, try these baked chicken thighs.
Can I add potatoes?
I always make these with potatoes. They suck up the chicken juice and fat and become the most flavorful potatoes.
There is a rack in the pan that the chicken quarters need to be on if you want the bottoms to be crispy.
I prepared them that way for the pictures because I know most people want those crisp bottoms. I don’t eat the skin, so I don’t care if the bottoms are soggy.
So what I actually do is put the chicken in the pan, without a rack, and then fill up the rest of the space with potato and sweet potato chunks as well as some carrot slices. They should be in a single layer – not piled on top of each other.
Add a bit of olive oil and a portion of the spice mix (using half the salt – so 3/4 teaspoon) per 2 pounds (907 grams) of potatoes.
I also have this Air Fryer Chicken Quarters recipe, but I prefer this baked version – 100% because of the potatoes. There’s not enough space to make a large amount of potatoes in an air fryer, and the fat just drips away.
I stir the potatoes after 20 minutes, then again 15 minutes later. If they don’t brown enough for your liking by the time the chicken is ready, just remove the it from the pan, turn up the heat a bit, and bake until golden and crisp.
But even if they’re not golden brown, those potatoes are crazy delicious. I often skip the browning step because I simply can not wait any longer to eat the potatoes.
The Secret To Make The BEST JUICY Baked Chicken Quarters in the Oven
FAQ
How long does it take to cook leg quarters on 400?
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the chicken leg quarters or thigh-drumstick pieces uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F on your meat thermometer to signify the chicken is fully cooked.
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
Baking chicken legs at 400°F (204°C) is generally preferred over 350°F (177°C) for achieving crispier skin and a quicker cook time, while still maintaining juicy meat.
How long should I cook my chicken in the oven at 400 degrees?
Based on the size of the birds, roast the chickens at 400 degrees for about an hour and a half. To figure out how long this will take, I take the average weight of one of the chickens, which is about 4 5 lbs) and calculate 15 minutes per pound (that would be about 67 minutes for a 4. 5 lb chicken).
How long do you bake chicken quarters?
How long does it take to cook chicken leg quarters?
Just vary the cook time based on size and be sure to check doneness with a meat thermometer before eating. How long does it take to bake chicken leg quarters at 400 degrees F? At 400 degrees F, chicken leg quarters cook in 30 to 35 minutes. The cooking time will depend on their size – the chicken is fully cooked at 170 degrees F.
How long do you cook chicken quarters in the oven?
Transfer the chicken quarters to a baking dish sprayed with non stick spray and place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. You don’t need to cover the top. Flip the chicken quarters to the other side and bake for another 10-20 minutes (depending on how thick and large yours are).
How long does it take to cook leg quarters?
When cooking leg quarters at 400°F, they typically require about 40 to 50 minutes in the oven. The exact time can vary based on the size of the leg quarters and whether they are fresh or thawed from frozen. For best results, it is advisable to check their internal temperature around the 40-minute mark.
Can you cook chicken leg quarters in a crockpot?
Baked chicken leg quarters in the oven come out moist and delicious every time with crispy skin. Baking thighs and legs together makes for a cheap nutritious meal that is easy to prepare. If you loved making a large batch using our Crockpot chicken leg quarters recipe but want to use your oven, this is it! Want to save this recipe?
What temperature should chicken leg quarters be cooked at?
Getting the cooking time right for chicken leg quarters matters more than you think. Overcooking leads to dry, rubbery meat. Undercooking means you’re risking foodborne illnesses. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep your family safe and healthy. Correct timing ensures juicy, flavorful chicken.
How long do you cook chicken quarters in a crock pot?
Flip the chicken quarters to the other side and bake for another 10-20 minutes (depending on how thick and large yours are). Check after 10 and see if at thickest part it has reached a safe internal temp of 170 degrees F. When done remove, cover dish with foil and let sit for 10 minutes to rest.