Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of crispy bread crumbs, savory parmesan cheese, and flavorful seasonings make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

History

The recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters has been a favorite in households for generations. It is a simple and affordable dish that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. The crispy coating and juicy chicken make it a popular choice for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts or thighs, skinned and trimmed of fat
Skim or low-fat milk
0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs (or crushed croutons, desired flavor / crushed french fried onions)
0.33 cup parmesan cheese
1 tbsp dried parsley flakes, crumbled
0.25 tsp Tony's seasoning
vegetable oil spray
(Add vegetables if desired)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Place the chicken pieces in a shallow bowl or pan and cover them with milk. Let them soak for 15 minutes or longer in the refrigerator.
In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese, parsley flakes, and Tony's seasoning.
Dip each soaked chicken piece in the breading mixture, coating it on all sides.
Set the coated pieces on a greased baking pan, preferably non-stick. Lightly spray the chicken with vegetable oil spray.
Place the baking pan in the oven for 45 minutes.

Variations

For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mixture. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly, it is important to soak the chicken pieces in milk before breading them. This helps to tenderize the meat and adds a subtle flavor. Additionally, spraying the chicken with vegetable oil before baking helps to achieve a crispy and golden brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters can be served with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The crispy coating and juicy chicken pair well with a variety of side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the chicken leg quarters in the oven helps to achieve a crispy and golden brown crust without the need for frying. This cooking technique is healthier and easier than traditional frying methods, making it a convenient option for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can substitute the parmesan cheese with cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese of your choice. You can also use panko bread crumbs for a lighter and crispier coating.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken leg quarters in advance by breading them and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it easy to have a delicious meal ready to go for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle the chicken with a homemade sauce or gravy for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Fats

With only 6 grams of fat per serving, Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are a healthier alternative to fried chicken. The use of skim or low-fat milk and minimal oil spray helps to keep the fat content low without sacrificing flavor.

Proteins

Each serving of Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters provides a generous amount of protein, with approximately 25 grams per serving. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making this dish a nutritious option for a post-workout meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the parmesan cheese and vitamin A from the parsley flakes. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and wheat (bread crumbs), which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are a nutritious and delicious meal option that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a wholesome choice for a satisfying dinner.

Summary

Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With a crispy coating, juicy chicken, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and gold, and there was a chill in the air that hinted at the coming winter. I had just come back from visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was an amazing cook and always had the most delicious recipes to share.

As I was leafing through my recipe binder, filled with notes and clippings from magazines and newspapers, I stumbled upon a handwritten card that simply read "Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters." I remembered Margaret telling me about this recipe, how it was a family favorite passed down through generations. She had learned it from her grandmother, who in turn learned it from her own mother. The thought of making a dish that had such a rich history behind it filled me with excitement.

I quickly gathered the ingredients - chicken leg quarters, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The simplicity of the recipe appealed to me, as did the promise of juicy, flavorful chicken that would be perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

I preheated the oven and got to work. I washed and pat dry the chicken leg quarters, then drizzled them with olive oil and rubbed them with minced garlic. A sprinkle of paprika, salt, and pepper added a burst of flavor, while the lemon juice lent a touch of brightness to the dish.

As I placed the chicken in the oven, the savory aroma filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I set the timer and went about preparing some side dishes - buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

When the timer finally went off, I opened the oven door to reveal the most mouthwatering sight. The chicken leg quarters were golden brown and glistening with juices, the skin crispy and crackling. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into them.

As I sat down to dinner that evening, I savored every bite of the tender, succulent chicken. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the meat juicy and flavorful. I couldn't believe how such a simple recipe could yield such incredible results.

From that day on, Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time, it never failed to impress.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding a dash of herbs or a splash of white wine for a different twist. But the basic elements remained the same - the chicken leg quarters, the olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. These simple ingredients combined to create a dish that was both comforting and delicious.

I often think back to that crisp autumn day when I first discovered the recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken Leg Quarters. It reminds me of the joy of cooking, of sharing meals with loved ones, and of the power of a good recipe to bring people together.

And so, whenever I make this dish, I think of my dear friend Margaret and her grandmother, and I am grateful for the gift of their recipe. It has brought me countless moments of joy and connection, and for that, I will always be thankful.