Chicken leg quarters are one of the most versatile and affordable cuts of chicken available. They consist of the thigh, drumstick, and a portion of the back, making them perfect for a variety of cooking methods and recipes. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways you can cook with chicken leg quarters, from classic comfort food to international cuisine.
The Benefits of Cooking with Chicken Leg Quarters
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s discuss the benefits of cooking with chicken leg quarters. Here are a few reasons why they’re a great choice:
- Affordability: Chicken leg quarters are generally cheaper than other cuts of chicken, making them a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
- Versatility: As mentioned earlier, chicken leg quarters can be cooked in a variety of ways, from grilling and roasting to slow cooking and braising.
- Flavor: The dark meat in chicken leg quarters is rich in flavor and tender when cooked properly.
- Nutrition: Chicken leg quarters are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Classic Comfort Food Recipes
Chicken leg quarters are a staple in many comfort food recipes. Here are a few classic dishes you can make using this cut of chicken:
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. To make fried chicken using chicken leg quarters, you’ll need:
- 2-3 chicken leg quarters
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken leg quarter into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
- Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken leg quarters until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels and serve hot.
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for cold winter nights. To make chicken and dumplings using chicken leg quarters, you’ll need:
- 2-3 chicken leg quarters
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chicken leg quarters, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.
- To make the dumplings, mix together the flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add warm water to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Add the dumplings to the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and fluffy.
International Cuisine Recipes
Chicken leg quarters can also be used to make a variety of international dishes. Here are a few recipes to try:
Korean-Style BBQ Chicken
Korean-Style BBQ Chicken is a spicy, sweet, and savory dish that’s perfect for adventurous eaters. To make Korean-Style BBQ Chicken using chicken leg quarters, you’ll need:
- 2-3 chicken leg quarters
- 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Add the chicken leg quarters to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Indian-Style Chicken Curry
Indian-Style Chicken Curry is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions. To make Indian-Style Chicken Curry using chicken leg quarters, you’ll need:
- 2-3 chicken leg quarters
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the chicken leg quarters to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Slow Cooker Recipes
Chicken leg quarters are perfect for slow cooker recipes, as they become tender and fall-apart with long, slow cooking. Here are a few slow cooker recipes to try:
Chicken Tacos
Chicken Tacos are a fun and easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknights. To make Chicken Tacos using chicken leg quarters, you’ll need:
- 2-3 chicken leg quarters
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 6 tacos shells
- Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other taco toppings you like
Instructions:
- Place the chicken leg quarters in the slow cooker.
- Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies over the top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top of the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and serve in tacos shells with your favorite toppings.
Chicken and Rice
Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make in the slow cooker. To make Chicken and Rice using chicken leg quarters, you’ll need:
- 2-3 chicken leg quarters
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the chicken leg quarters in the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the top of the chicken.
- Add the uncooked rice to the slow cooker.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the rice.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Conclusion
Chicken leg quarters are a versatile and affordable cut of chicken that can be used in a variety of recipes. From classic comfort food to international cuisine, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend warrior, chicken leg quarters are a great choice for any meal. So next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up a few chicken leg quarters and get creative in the kitchen!
What are chicken leg quarters and how do they differ from other chicken cuts?
Chicken leg quarters are a type of chicken cut that includes the thigh, drumstick, and a portion of the back. They are considered a more affordable and flavorful alternative to other chicken cuts, such as breasts or tenderloins. One of the main advantages of using chicken leg quarters is that they are often less prone to drying out than other cuts, making them ideal for slow-cooking methods.
Compared to other chicken cuts, leg quarters have a higher fat content, which makes them more tender and juicy. They also have a more robust flavor profile, which is enhanced by the bone and cartilage. This makes them a great choice for a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, roasting, and braising.
What are some popular cooking methods for chicken leg quarters?
Chicken leg quarters can be cooked using a variety of methods, including grilling, roasting, braising, and slow-cooking. Grilling is a great way to add a smoky flavor to the chicken, while roasting brings out the natural flavors of the meat. Braising is a moist-heat cooking method that involves cooking the chicken in liquid, resulting in tender and fall-off-the-bone meat.
Slow-cooking is another popular method for cooking chicken leg quarters. This involves cooking the chicken in a crock pot or oven at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This method is great for busy people, as it allows for hands-off cooking and results in tender and flavorful meat.
How do I prepare chicken leg quarters for cooking?
To prepare chicken leg quarters for cooking, start by rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat or cartilage, and season the chicken with your desired herbs and spices. You can also marinate the chicken in your favorite sauce or seasoning mixture to add extra flavor.
It’s also important to note that chicken leg quarters can be cooked with or without the skin. If you choose to cook with the skin, make sure to score it lightly to allow for even cooking. If you choose to cook without the skin, you can remove it before or after cooking.
Can I cook chicken leg quarters from frozen?
Yes, you can cook chicken leg quarters from frozen, but it’s not always the best option. Cooking frozen chicken can result in a less tender and less flavorful final product. However, if you’re short on time or forgot to thaw your chicken, it’s still possible to cook it from frozen.
To cook frozen chicken leg quarters, simply increase the cooking time by about 50%. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s also important to note that cooking frozen chicken can result in a higher risk of foodborne illness, so make sure to handle and cook the chicken safely.
How do I know when chicken leg quarters are cooked through?
To ensure that your chicken leg quarters are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). You can insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding any bones or fat.
In addition to using a thermometer, you can also check for visual cues to determine if the chicken is cooked through. Look for clear juices when you cut into the thickest part of the thigh, and make sure the chicken is no longer pink. You can also check for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat – if it slides in easily, the chicken is cooked through.
Can I use chicken leg quarters in a variety of cuisines?
Yes, chicken leg quarters are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cuisines. They are a staple in many international cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, Chinese, and Korean cooking. You can use chicken leg quarters to make a variety of dishes, such as chicken fajitas, chicken tikka masala, Korean-style BBQ chicken, and more.
One of the advantages of using chicken leg quarters is that they can absorb a wide range of flavors, making them a great choice for experimenting with different cuisines. You can marinate them in your favorite sauce or seasoning mixture, or use them in a variety of sauces and braising liquids.
Are chicken leg quarters a healthy cooking option?
Chicken leg quarters can be a healthy cooking option, depending on how they are prepared and cooked. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are relatively low in calories. However, they can be high in fat and sodium, especially if they are cooked with a lot of oil or salt.
To make chicken leg quarters a healthier option, try baking or grilling them instead of frying. You can also remove the skin to reduce the fat content, and use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of salt. Additionally, choose organic or free-range chicken whenever possible to reduce your exposure to antibiotics and hormones.