Catch the aroma of juicy grilled chicken leg quarters wafting through the air as you fire up the grill on a sun-drenched afternoon. Picture those crispy, golden-brown skins glistening in the sunlight, while tender meat awaits beneath—absolute bliss in every bite.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How long should I marinate grilled chicken leg quarters?
- Can I grill frozen chicken leg quarters?
- What is the ideal internal temperature for grilled chicken?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I dazzled my friends with these beauties at a backyard barbecue; their faces were priceless as they devoured them eagerly. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners, these flavorful leg quarters promise an unforgettable culinary experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is so easy even your dog might try to help in the kitchen.
- The smoky flavor combines perfectly with the juicy meat.
- Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any plate.
- Versatile enough that you’ll want to make them again and again!
I recall one memorable gathering when my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these were; they even plotted my future as a grill master!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken Leg Quarters: Choose fresh pieces with skin-on for maximum flavor and moisture during grilling.
- Olive Oil: A must-have for marinating; it keeps the meat juicy and adds richness.
- Garlic Powder: A seasoning superstar that brings depth and aroma to your marinade.
- Smoked Paprika: Offers a lovely smoky flavor that makes your grilled chicken taste like it came straight from BBQ heaven.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic yet essential; they enhance the flavors without overshadowing them.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty kick that brightens up all those rich flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs (like thyme or rosemary): Fresh herbs elevate the dish with fragrant notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chopped herbs until well combined. Let those flavors mingle!
Marinate the Chicken Leg Quarters: Add the chicken leg quarters to your bowl of marinade and coat them generously. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight if you want to go all out!
Preheat Your Grill: Get your grill hot by preheating it on medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). This allows for perfect searing while keeping that juiciness inside.
Grill the Chicken Leg Quarters: Place each marinated leg quarter skin-side down on your grill grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden-brown.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Close the lid and let cook for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Rest Before Serving: Remove from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step ensures those juices redistribute throughout each piece of deliciousness!
Now you have perfectly grilled chicken leg quarters ready to impress! Serve them alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw or grilled veggies.
Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering or simply treat yourself on a quiet weekday evening!
You Must Know
- Grilled chicken leg quarters are juicy and flavorful, perfect for summer BBQs.
- Marinate them in advance to enhance their taste and tenderness.
- The sizzle on the grill creates an irresistible aroma that draws everyone outside to feast!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken leg quarters for at least four hours. Grill them skin-side down first, then flip halfway through cooking for even browning and crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the spice blend with your favorites, like a smoky paprika or spicy chili powder. Adding fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken leg quarters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly grilled chicken leg quarters, ensure they’re at room temperature before grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer; it should reach 165 degrees for safety.
- Don’t skip resting time after grilling; it keeps the juices intact!
Cooking these grilled chicken leg quarters always reminds me of my dad’s backyard barbecues, where he taught me to never rush good food.
FAQ
How long should I marinate grilled chicken leg quarters?
Marinate for at least four hours or overnight for best flavor absorption.
Can I grill frozen chicken leg quarters?
It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking and better seasoning adherence.
What is the ideal internal temperature for grilled chicken?
Grilled chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safety.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, these marinated chicken leg quarters are the ultimate choice for your next barbecue or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken leg quarters (about 2.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chopped herbs to create the marinade.
- Add chicken leg quarters to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Grill chicken skin-side down for about 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden-brown.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Barbecue
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg quarter (180g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
