These broiled chicken leg quarters make a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and simple seasonings give the skin a golden crisp and the meat plenty of flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes and naturally compatible with paleo and keto eating plans.
Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters look imposing at first, but broiling turns them into a fast, satisfying dinner. The skin crisps up under the broiler while the meat stays juicy when you baste and finish under foil.
This lemon garlic version is budget-friendly, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why you’ll love these Lemon Garlic Chicken Leg Quarters
- Budget friendly – Leg quarters are one of the most economical cuts of chicken.
- Simple ingredients – You’ll only need oil, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper plus an optional herb garnish.
- Fast dinner – From start to finish this method takes about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Chicken leg quarters: Keep the leg and thigh together and leave the skin on—this yields the best texture and flavor.
- Oil: Avocado oil is suggested for its high smoke point. Melted butter, ghee, or olive oil will work as well.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, ground black pepper, fresh minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Tips & Tricks
Leg quarters combine thigh and drumstick, so they don’t always cook at the same rate. To avoid over-browning the skin while ensuring the meat reaches a safe internal temperature, baste during cooking and cover the dish with foil toward the end of the cook time to let the heat finish the thighs without burning the skin.
Tools for broiling chicken quarters
- Casserole dish, baking dish, or broiler-safe pan
- Meat thermometer (digital preferred)
- Basting brush
How to broil chicken leg quarters
- Preheat the oven to Broil (use the high broil setting if available). Position the rack one slot below the top.
- Grease the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish or roasting pan with oil or butter. Arrange chicken leg quarters skin-side up in a single layer.
- Whisk together the oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Brush the mixture over the chicken, reserving some for basting.
- Broil uncovered for 8 minutes, then flip the quarters and baste with more of the seasoned oil.
- Broil another 8 minutes, flip back skin-side up, and baste again.
- After 6 more minutes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and continue cooking 4–8 minutes more, depending on size.
- Remove when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). Let rest about 5 minutes before serving and garnish with parsley.
How long do you broil chicken leg quarters?
Total cooking time depends on size. Larger quarters can take close to 29–30 minutes; smaller pieces will finish more quickly. Start checking internal temperature at about 26 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Substitutions
- Avocado oil: Substitute melted butter, ghee, or olive oil.
- Fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though fresh brightens the flavor.
- Fresh garlic: Garlic powder works if needed—roughly 1 clove equals 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Additional seasonings: Add onion powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs to taste.
What to serve with broiled chicken quarters
This chicken pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted or grilled vegetables, mashed cauliflower or potatoes, or sautéed greens. A light vinaigrette on the side balances the richness of the meat.
How to store
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
How to reheat
To preserve crispness, reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving for 2–3 minutes will work if you’re short on time but may soften the skin.
FAQs
Expect 26–30 minutes depending on size. Use a meat thermometer and check at around 26 minutes; the chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
Both work. Broiling cooks faster and crisps skin quickly but requires attention to avoid burning. Baking is more forgiving and produces even cooking without frequent flipping.
Yes. Broiling exposes the skin to direct high heat, which crisps it while leaving the meat juicy when monitored and basted.
Baste with the seasoned oil mixture during cooking and tent the dish with foil toward the end to finish cooking without drying the meat.
More easy chicken recipes
Try other simple chicken dishes like baked or skillet chicken thighs, teriyaki thighs on a griddle, or chicken prepared in an air fryer for more fast, family-friendly options.
Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters
Equipment
- 9×9 baking dish
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
Ingredients
- 2 chicken leg quarters
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or butter/ghee/olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to Broil and place the oven rack one below the top.
- Grease a 9×9 baking dish and arrange chicken skin-side up in a single layer.
- Combine oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Brush over the chicken and reserve some for basting.
- Broil 8 minutes uncovered, flip, and baste.
- Broil 8 more minutes, flip skin-side up, and baste again.
- Cook 6 minutes, then tent with foil and cook an additional 4–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Total cook time varies with size. Check temperature frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 41 g
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