7 Delicious Things You Can Make With Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken leg quarters are an underappreciated gem that offers home cooks an affordable and flavorful alternative to popular chicken breast. Comprised of the thigh and drumstick leg quarters contain juicy dark meat that is packed with natural umami flavors.

I love cooking with chicken leg quarters because they are budget-friendly easy to prepare and endlessly versatile. Whether roasted, braised, grilled or fried, chicken leg quarters transform humble ingredients into comforting, hearty meals.

In this article, I’ll share 7 delicious ways to put chicken leg quarters to use in your home kitchen, along with tips to get the most out of this flavorful and economical cut of chicken.

Before diving into recipes, let’s overview some key advantages of cooking with chicken leg quarters:

• Cost effective – Leg quarters are often the most budget-friendly cut of chicken available Buying them in bulk when on sale can help lower the weekly food budget

• Juicy and flavorful – With higher fat content and connective tissue compared to breast meat, leg quarters stay tender and moist during cooking. Their dark meat offers richer, deeper flavor.

• Hardy and forgiving – Chicken leg quarters hold up well to a variety of cooking methods. Overcooking impacts texture less than with delicate breast meat.

• Versatile – Leg quarters work great in everything from weeknight skillet meals to low and slow braises. Their hearty texture also makes them perfect for shredding.

• Nutritious – Don’t be fooled by their affordability – leg quarters provide many of the same nutrients as pricier cuts, including protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins.

Now let’s explore some of my favorite ways to cook with this underrated chicken cut!

1. Oven Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters

Nothing beats a simple roast chicken, and leg quarters take beautifully to high heat roasting. Crispy seasoned skin gives way to tender, juicy meat. Roasting tips:

• Pat leg quarters dry before seasoning to help crisping. Rub with oil, salt, pepper and desired herbs/spices.

• Use a high oven temp (400°F+) to achieve crispy skin. Position a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet to elevate.

• Roast for 45-60 minutes until chicken is browned and juices run clear (165°F). Broil at end to finish skin.

Serve roasted quarters with your favorite sauces and sides for an easy, comforting meal.

2. Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

The smoky char of the grill pairs perfectly with chicken leg quarters. Quick marinades infuse flavor before getting a nice char. Grilling tips:

• Keep marinades acidic (lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt) for food safety when marinating raw chicken.

• Use indirect heat, keeping chicken off direct flame. This allows even cooking without burning.

• Grill over med-high heat for 25-35 minutes, turning every 5-10 minutes until done.

Grilled leg quarters are amazing in sandwiches, salads and more. The smoky flavor takes these humble quarters up a notch!

3. Braised Chicken Leg Quarters

For fall-off-the-bone tender chicken swimming in rich sauce, braising is the way to go. Low, slow cooking tenderizes while building deep flavor. Braising tips:

• Brown leg quarters first to develop fond (browned bits) before adding liquid.

• Use acidic braising liquids like wine, tomatoes or broth. They’ll tenderize and balance flavor.

• Braise covered on low heat for 1-2 hours until very tender before uncovering to reduce sauce.

Braised chicken leg quarters pair perfectly with noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious braising liquid.

4. Chicken Leg Quarter Soup

Shredding cooked leg quarters is a simple way to stretch them into hearty, budget friendly soups and stews. Try them in classics like chicken noodle soup, chicken tortilla soup or chicken and dumplings. Soup tips:

• Poach or roast quarters first until cooked through and shred with two forks.

• For deeper flavor, sauté aromatics, roast bones/wings and simmer before adding shredded chicken.

• Hand torn pieces and shreds of chicken give soup more textural appeal than diced meat.

Transform chicken leg quarters into soothing, soul-warming soups perfect for chilly nights.

5. Fried Chicken Leg Quarters

Fried chicken is hard to beat when you’re craving comfort food. Leg quarters are ideal for frying with their rich dark meat and ample skin. Frying tips:

• Buttermilk or egg soak helps seasoning adhere and contributes to crispy coating.

• Use a thermometer – aim for 350°F oil to avoid burning. Don’t overcrowd pan.

• Let oil drain off and chicken rest before serving for ideal texture.

Your homemade fried chicken leg quarters will be miles better than takeout. Serve with biscuits, coleslaw and pickles for a true Southern feast.

6. Chicken Salad with Leg Quarters

Chicken salad is a classic way to use up leftover roasted or grilled chicken. Using flavorful leg quarters makes for an amazing chicken salad. Salad tips:

• Allow cooked quarters to cool before chopping/shredding to prevent mushy texture.

• Keep simple with just mayo, salt, and pepper or get creative with grapes, pecans, celery, etc.

• Chill before serving over greens, in a sandwich or wrapped in lettuce cups.

Turn leftover leg quarters into a protein-packed, customizable chicken salad perfect for lunches or light dinners.

7. Shredded Chicken Leg Quarters Tacos

Tacos are a great way to transform shredded leg quarters into an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. Top with your favorite taco fixings. Taco tips:

• Braise seasoned leg quarters until fall-apart tender before shredding into bite-size pieces.

• Keep shredded chicken moist with a little of the cooking liquid.

• Set out taco bar style with warmed tortillas, salsa, cheese, lettuce, etc. and let guests build their own.

With bold Mexican flavors, these tacos will become a go-to way to use up leftover chicken leg quarters.

Enjoy the Versatility of Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken leg quarters offer versatility, convenience and value. With so many possibilities from crispy roasted chicken dinners to hearty braises and tacos, ordinary chicken quarters transform into extraordinary meals.

Next time you spot family packs of leg quarters on sale at the market, stock up. Then explore the many delicious ways to cook with this flavorful, budget-friendly cut of chicken. With a little creativity in the kitchen, chicken leg quarters can really stretch your grocery budget while providing nourishing family meals.

What’s your favorite way to cook with chicken leg quarters? Share your top recipes and tips in the comments!

Chicken leg quarters, consisting of a drumstick, thigh, and sometimes a portion of the backbone, can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be cooked whole, or the drumstick and thigh can be separated for different cooking methods.