Description
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg