Perfect Thanksgiving Baked Chicken Leg
Thanksgiving Baked Chicken Leg Quarters offer a warm and comforting main dish for your holiday table. These flavorful leg quarters are simple to prepare, featuring tender meat and crispy skin, making them a delightful alternative to traditional turkey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including optional marinating and resting time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse the chicken leg quarters and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken quarters and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on all sides.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken leg quarters and add the lemon zest.
- Place the seasoned chicken leg quarters in a baking dish or roasting pan, skin side up.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
- Serve the Thanksgiving Baked Chicken Leg Quarters warm.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve with gravy for added richness.
- Variations include adding cayenne pepper for spice or using different citrus fruits like lime or orange.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 leg quarter
Find it online: https://sarecipe.com/thanksgiving-baked-chicken-leg/