Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these irresistible Spicy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters! Perfectly seasoned with a bold blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and dried thyme, these juicy chicken leg quarters bake to golden perfection, all while developing a caramelized honey-lemon glaze for a touch of sweetness. Quick to prepare with just 10 minutes of prep time, this easy recipe combines robust flavors and an irresistible crispy skin, making it a go-to meal for weeknights or entertaining guests. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner thatβs as flavorful as it is satisfying!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme to form a spice rub.
Lightly coat each chicken leg quarter with the spice rub, ensuring an even distribution on both sides.
Place the seasoned chicken leg quarters skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
In another small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice to create a glaze.
Brush the glaze over the chicken pieces, focusing on the skin side to encourage browning and caramelization.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) when measured at the thickest part of the meat.
For extra-crispy skin, switch to the broiler setting for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Calories |
2773 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.2 g | 254% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.7 g | 249% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 930 mg | 310% | |
| Sodium | 3194 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.2 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.6 g | ||
| Protein | 182.7 g | 365% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 156 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 13.5 mg | 75% | |
| Potassium | 2189 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.