Juicy & Flavorful Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe

Succulent chicken leg quarters sizzle with a smoky charm that beckons hungry souls to the grill.

These juicy pieces promise a delightful culinary adventure right in your backyard.

Marinating brings out deep, complex flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Tender meat infused with zesty seasonings creates a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

Rich, golden-brown skin crackles with each turn, promising a crispy exterior that gives way to incredibly moist meat inside.

Perfectly charred and seasoned, these leg quarters elevate simple grilling into an art form.

Let the aroma of grilled perfection inspire you to fire up those coals and create something extraordinary.

Tips To Get Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters Just Right

• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate chicken leg quarters for at least an hour, but no more than 4 hours, to ensure deep flavor penetration without breaking down the meat's texture.
• Achieve Perfect Dryness: Always pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help create a crispy exterior and promote better browning when grilling.
• Create Versatile Seasoning: Develop a custom dry rub with herbs and spices that complement the chicken, allowing you to adapt the recipe to different cuisine styles or dietary preferences.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken, and always wash hands thoroughly to maintain food safety during preparation.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling, which helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents tough, unevenly cooked sections.

Keep Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters Fresh This Way

• Refrigerate leftover grilled chicken leg quarters in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Properly stored chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and juicy texture.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing in the container to prevent moisture loss.
• For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 4 months – just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag to protect against freezer burn.
• When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve the meat's tenderness and prevent drying out.

Food That Goes With Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich chicken flavors, complementing the grilled meat's smoky essence with its bright, acidic profile.
• Serve alongside Roasted Summer Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus create a colorful, nutritious side that echoes the charred notes of the chicken leg quarters.
• Match with Herbal Chimichurri Sauce: Fresh parsley, garlic, and olive oil-based sauce adds a vibrant, tangy kick that elevates the grilled chicken's robust taste.
• Complement with Chilled Citrus Salad: Light, refreshing orange and lemon segments provide a bright contrast to the meat's deep, savory grilled character.

Ways To Switch Up Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

• Zesty Citrus Fusion: Swap the original marinade with a blend of orange juice, lime zest, garlic, and fresh cilantro to infuse bright, tangy flavors into the chicken.
• Smoky Paprika Blend: Replace the dry rub with a mix of smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, and cracked black pepper for a deep, rich spice profile that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Create a marinade using Greek yogurt, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic to add a creamy, herbaceous dimension to the chicken leg quarters.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Develop a marinade with soy sauce, honey, ginger, sesame oil, and green onions to introduce a sweet and savory Asian-style flavor that transforms the grilled chicken.

FAQs About Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

• What's the best way to ensure my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken, which guarantees it’s safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• Can I grill chicken leg quarters with the skin on?

Absolutely! Keeping the skin on helps lock in moisture and adds extra flavor during grilling. Just make sure to score the skin lightly to help render the fat and create a crispy exterior.

• How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill grates?

Preheat your grill and clean the grates thoroughly. Brush the chicken with a thin layer of oil and ensure the grill is well-oiled before placing the chicken quarters on it. This helps create a non-stick surface and beautiful grill marks.

• Is marinating really necessary for chicken leg quarters?

While not mandatory, marinating can significantly enhance flavor and tenderness. The acidic components in marinades help break down proteins, making the meat more juicy and flavorful, especially for typically tougher cuts like leg quarters.

What Makes Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters Tasty

• Unlock Effortless Flavor: The recipe offers a simple marinade or dry rub technique that transforms basic chicken leg quarters into a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep work.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Enjoyment: Marinating takes just 1-4 hours, making this dish perfect for both spontaneous dinners and planned meals, giving you flexibility in meal preparation.
• Grill Master's Dream: This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly, requiring only basic kitchen skills like patting chicken dry, mixing marinade, or applying a dry rub, ensuring even novice cooks can create a delicious grilled chicken dish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Chicken leg quarters are budget-friendly, feed multiple people, and appeal to both adults and kids, making it an ideal option for family gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or weekend barbecues.

All The Ingredients For Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

• Chicken Leg Quarters: Juicy, flavorful cut with both thigh and drumstick, perfect for grilling with good meat-to-bone ratio. Look for fresh, plump quarters without discoloration.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize chicken and add bright, zesty flavors. Extra virgin olive oil provides richer taste.
• Garlic, Herbs: Introduces aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean seasonings. Fresh herbs offer more intense flavor than dried.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing natural chicken flavors. Kosher salt recommended for better distribution.
• Dry Rub Spices: Creates complex flavor profile with warming and savory notes. Choose high-quality spice blends or mix your own.

How To Make Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat the chicken leg quarters thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy exterior when grilling.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Choose between two delicious preparation methods:

• Fresh garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer chicken to a sealed zip-top bag and refrigerate for 1-4 hours. This allows flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Brush chicken with olive oil, then generously coat with the dry rub mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Preheat Grill

Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high temperature, around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill Chicken

Place chicken leg quarters on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 10-12 minutes without moving, allowing beautiful grill marks to form.

Step 5: Flip and Finish

Carefully turn chicken quarters using tongs. Continue grilling for another 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and succulent meat.

Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken leg quarters bring Mediterranean flavors to summer dinner tables, promising juicy meat with crispy skin. Herb-infused marinades and perfect grill marks create an irresistible meal that will delight friends and family at any backyard gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken leg quarters (thigh & drumstick attached)

Dry Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken leg quarters with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence and even cooking.
2. Prepare marinade by whisking selected ingredients in a non-reactive mixing bowl, creating a flavor-enhancing liquid coating.
3. Transfer chicken leg quarters into a resealable plastic bag, carefully pour marinade over the meat, and seal tightly to prevent leakage.
4. Refrigerate marinating chicken for 1-4 hours, allowing herbs and spices to penetrate deeply into the meat, developing rich, complex flavors.
5. When ready to grill, remove chicken from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes to promote even cooking.
6. If skipping marinade, generously brush chicken leg quarters with high-quality olive oil, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Apply dry rub mixture evenly across all surfaces of the chicken, massaging the seasonings into the skin and meat for maximum flavor infusion.
8. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, creating distinct temperature zones for direct and indirect cooking methods.
9. Place chicken leg quarters on the grill, positioning them over indirect heat to prevent burning and promote gradual, thorough cooking.
10. Grill chicken, rotating occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Notes

• Moisture removal is key to achieving a crispy, golden-brown skin that seals in juicy flavors and promotes better caramelization during grilling.
• Marinating provides an opportunity to infuse deep, complex flavors into the chicken, with recommended times ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours for optimal taste absorption without breaking down meat texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining succulent, tender meat.
• For alternative dietary needs, swap traditional marinades with yogurt-based or herb-infused options that cater to different taste preferences and dietary restrictions like gluten-free or low-sodium diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg