Juicy Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe: Backyard BBQ Star
Succulent chicken leg quarters sizzle with mouthwatering flavor on the grill, promising a delectable meal that will make taste buds dance.
Marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, these chicken leg quarters become a culinary masterpiece that elevates any backyard gathering.
Tender meat with crispy skin awaits those who master this simple yet impressive technique.
The secret lies in carefully selecting ingredients and understanding grilling temperatures.
Marinades infuse deep, rich flavors into every bite of these protein-packed quarters.
Each piece develops a perfect golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy, tender meat inside.
Summer cookouts and weekend gatherings will never be the same once you unleash this incredible grilled chicken recipe.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 5
Everything Needed For Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
For Marinade and Seasoning:
Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a beautiful golden crust while preventing the chicken from sticking to the grill.
Garlic Powder: Adds a robust, aromatic essence that penetrates the meat with a warm, earthy flavor.
Paprika: Brings a mild, sweet pepper warmth and provides a rich reddish color to the chicken's exterior.
Salt: Enhances the natural chicken flavors and helps tenderize the meat during marination.
Black Pepper: Introduces a sharp, spicy kick that complements the chicken's richness.
For Protein Base:
Chicken Leg Quarters: A juicy, flavorful cut with both dark and white meat that grills beautifully and remains tender when prepared correctly.
For Preparation Tools:
Paper Towels: Essential for ensuring the chicken's surface is completely dry, which helps achieve a perfect crispy exterior when grilling.
Zip-Top Bag: Creates an excellent sealed environment for marinating, allowing even flavor distribution and easy cleanup.
Tools For Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters Success
Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients or preparing dry rub.
Zip-Top Bag: Essential for marinating chicken and keeping flavors sealed.
Paper Towels: Used to pat chicken dry before seasoning.
Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure marinade and dry rub ingredients.
Grill or Grilling Tongs: Crucial for cooking and flipping chicken leg quarters evenly.
Brush: Great for applying olive oil and evenly coating chicken with seasoning.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing chicken.
Steps To Grill Chicken Leg Quarters Like A Pro
Prepare Chicken Wash and dry chicken leg quarters thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Marinate or Season Choose between marinating for 1-4 hours in a flavor-packed mixture or coating with a quick dry rub and olive oil.
Fire Up the Grill Preheat grill to medium-high heat, creating zones of direct and indirect cooking areas.
Position Chicken Place chicken on the cooler side of the grill, skin side up, to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Grill with Precision Cook chicken for 35-45 minutes, turning occasionally and moving between heat zones to achieve golden crispy skin and internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest and Serve Remove chicken from grill, let rest for 5-10 minutes to lock in juices, then plate and enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken leg quarters.
Juicy Tips For Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
Moisture Magic: Pat chicken leg quarters completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
Marinating Mastery: For maximum tenderness, let chicken marinate between 1-4 hours in the refrigerator, allowing herbs and spices to penetrate deep into the meat.
Temperature Trick: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat.
Skin Perfection: For extra crispy skin, start grilling over direct high heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking, preventing burning while achieving a beautiful golden crunch.
Dietary Flexibility: Swap out traditional herbs with gluten-free seasonings for those with dietary restrictions, or use chicken bone-in for a more flavorful protein option that works with keto and paleo diets.
Serve Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters With Style
Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange grilled chicken leg quarters on a large wooden board with colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a stunning presentation that captures everyone's attention.
Picnic Perfect Pairing: Serve the chicken alongside creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, and homemade cornbread for a classic summer meal that screams backyard barbecue vibes.
Protein-Packed Salad Topper: Slice the grilled chicken and layer over a crisp mixed green salad with crumbled feta, sliced almonds, and a light vinaigrette for a protein-rich lunch option that feels fresh and satisfying.
Global Comfort Plate: Create a Mediterranean-inspired plate by serving the chicken with herbed tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a simple cucumber salad for a delicious cross-cultural dining experience.
Best Way To Store Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store marinated or seasoned chicken leg quarters in an airtight container at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination and maintain freshness for up to 2 days.
Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual chicken leg quarters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to store for maximum 3 months. Label bags with date and contents for easy tracking.
Leftover Handling: Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours of grilling. Keep in sealed containers and consume within 3-4 days. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Advance Preparation: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours before cooking for deeper flavor infusion. Prepare dry rub ingredients in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for convenient, quick seasoning.
Succulent grilled chicken leg quarters bring Mediterranean flavors to backyard barbecues. Marinated in herbs and olive oil, these juicy chicken pieces offer a simple yet delicious meal perfect for summer gatherings. You’ll savor each tender, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
4 chicken leg quarters (thigh & drumstick attached)
2 tsps kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
2 tbsps olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp honey or brown sugar
Instructions
Moisture Preparation: Completely dry chicken leg quarters with clean paper towels to enhance seasoning absorption and ensure uniform cooking.
Marinade Creation: Whisk selected marinade ingredients in a non-reactive bowl to develop a flavor-rich liquid coating for the chicken.
Marination Process: Transfer chicken into a sealed plastic bag, pour marinade thoroughly, and refrigerate for 1-4 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
Temperature Equalization: Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to promote consistent cooking.
Seasoning Application: If not marinating, brush chicken with olive oil, then generously apply dry rub mixture, massaging seasonings into the skin and meat for maximum flavor infusion.
Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium-high, establishing distinct direct and indirect temperature zones for optimal cooking technique.
Cooking Technique: Position chicken leg quarters over indirect heat, rotating periodically to prevent burning and ensure gradual, thorough cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin turns crispy and golden-brown.
Notes
Moisture Management: Blot chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess water, ensuring seasoning sticks perfectly and promotes even cooking.
Marination Magic: Allow chicken to marinate between 1-4 hours for deep flavor penetration, but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent meat texture breakdown.
Temperature Control: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling, helping achieve uniform cooking and preventing cold spots.
Grill Zone Strategy: Create dual heat zones on grill – direct and indirect – to prevent burning while ensuring chicken cooks evenly and develops crispy golden-brown skin.
Nutritional Analysis, Dietary Accommodations, Food Writing and Blogging,
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.
Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY
Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.
Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.
Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.
Olivia Bennett
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Nutritional Analysis, Dietary Accommodations, Food Writing and Blogging,
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY
Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.
Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.