This Lemon Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken Leg Recipe is so delicious and incredibly easy to make. The chicken is juicy, tender, and loaded with lemon garlic butter flavor. If you are looking for an easy and quick dinner idea, look no further than these chicken legs with lemon and garlic butter! This chicken recipe is so mind-blowingly good that you will keep coming back!
Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
What I love about this chicken leg recipe is its simplicity. You season and marinate the chicken in a zip-loc bag to avoid any bowls to wash, and it cooks in just one pan. However, do not underestimate the flavors of this chicken. These lemon garlic roasted chicken legs are loaded with delicious fresh flavors. They are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and full of flavor. These chicken quarters are also naturally keto, paleo, whole30, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
I am so excited about today’s recipe. I’ve made a ton of chicken leg quarter recipes Like The Most Flavorful Baked Chicken Leg Quarters which is one of my most popular recipes and now this Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken is, by far, one of my favorites.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:
Chicken Leg Quarters: Chicken leg quarters, sometimes called chicken quarters or hindquarters, are whole chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks). Chicken leg quarters are one of the most economical cuts of chicken and also one of the most flavorful. They go on sale frequently, making this recipe a budget-friendly meal.
Lemon: I use the juice and zest of one lemon and a second one for roasting with the chicken.
Oil: I use avocado oil but any oil of your choice works as well
Garlic: using fresh minced garlic is best
Salt and black pepper: I use kosher salt
Paprika: the paprika will give the chicken a smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
Unsalted Butter: The butter in combination with the garlic and citrus makes a flavorful sauce.
How to make Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Start by rinsing the chicken leg quarters in cold water. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Make sure to dry the skin as much as possible.
Next, place the chicken into a gallon-sized bag and add oil, salt, black pepper, the juice of one lemon, zest, and fresh minced garlic. Marinade for 30 minutes tops. Marinating your chicken is a really simple way to both infuse flavor and tenderize your chicken without a ton of effort on your part.
Preheat the oven to 400°F
After the marinated time, transfer the chicken to a roasting pan. Cut a few lemon slices and place them around the chicken and some unsalted butter. Sprinkle some smoked paprika on the chicken legs and place them in the preheated oven.
Bake the chicken leg quarters for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat is 165°F. Use a meat thermometer (instant-read thermometer) to check the temperature! As the chicken legs roast, the butter melts and combines with the natural juices from the chicken, along with the flavors of garlic, lemon, and paprika. The result is a rich, buttery sauce with bright citrus notes from the lemon juice and zest. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over the chicken just before serving, adding extra moisture and a boost of flavor to each bite.
I paired this chicken with steamed broccoli and small potatoes. It also pairs beautifully with side dishes like mashed potatoes or rice, where it soaks in, making each spoonful taste incredible. If you love sauces with a bold yet balanced taste, this one will become a new favorite!
Below you will find a convenient printable recipe card. ↓
Give this recipe a try, and then leave a comment below to let me know how it turns out. I hope that your family enjoys it as much as we do!
Lemon Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
Ingredients
- 2 chicken leg quarters Up to 4 chicken legs
- 2 lemons juice and zest
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 Garlic cloves minced
- Salt and Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the chicken leg quarters in cold water. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Make sure to dry the skin as much as possible.
- Next, place the chicken into a gallon-sized bag and add oil, salt, black pepper, the juice of one lemon, zest, and fresh minced garlic. Marinade for 30 minutes tops. Marinating your chicken is a really simple way to both infuse flavor and tenderize your chicken without a ton of effort on your part.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F
- After the marinated time, transfer the chicken to a roasting pan. Cut a few lemon slices and place them around the chicken and some unsalted butter. Sprinkle some smoked paprika on the chicken legs and place them in the preheated oven.
- Bake the chicken leg quarters for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat is 165°F. Use a meat thermometer (instant-read thermometer) to check the temperature! As the chicken legs roast, the butter melts and combines with the natural juices from the chicken, along with the flavors of garlic, lemon, and paprika. The result is a rich, buttery sauce with bright citrus notes from the lemon juice and zest. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over the chicken just before serving, adding extra moisture and a boost of flavor to each bite.
- I paired this chicken with steamed broccoli and small potatoes. It also pairs beautifully with side dishes like mashed potatoes or rice, where it soaks in, making each spoonful taste incredible. If you love sauces with a bold yet balanced taste, this one will become a new favorite!
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Nutrition
Tell me what you think of this recipe, and if you have any questions, don’t forget to get in touch with me. I’m always happy to hear from YOU.
