Table Of Content show

Delicious Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters with Onion Gravy

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting and satisfying weeknight meal, look no further! Roasted chicken leg quarters with a rich buttery onion gravy not only make a hearty dish but also bring warmth to any dinner table. These quarters are juicy, flavorful, and absolutely mouthwatering.

There’s something so satisfying about using chicken leg quarters in cooking. They remain budget-friendly and provide both the juicy thigh and the tender drumstick. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, or you can batch-cook them for delicious lunches throughout the week.

This dish is simple yet incredible, featuring roasted chicken cooked in a buttery sauce with onions. Serve these quarters over a bed of rice or alongside fluffy garlic mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal!

Why Roasted Chicken Quarters Are the Perfect Weeknight Dinner 🍗

In just under an hour, you’ll have succulent chicken ready to serve, drizzled with a rich, buttery onion gravy that will have your taste buds dancing. If easy yet delectable is what you’re after, these roasted chicken leg quarters will hit the spot!

Packed with Flavor: Just a handful of ingredients come together to produce incredible flavors. This recipe is certainly going to become one of your go-to chicken dishes.
Super Simple: Season the chicken, toss it in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. It doesn’t get much easier than this for dinner!
Cost-Effective: You can often find chicken leg quarters at a very reasonable price, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option.
Versatile: Roasted chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides—think salads, roasted vegetables, or your favorite rice dish!

Ingredients You Need

NOTE: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.

All of the ingredients for roasted chicken leg quarters in bowls on a countertop.

Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Quarters: These are the entire leg quarters (thighs and drumsticks) commonly found in grocery stores.
Unsalted Butter: This will help crisp the chicken skin while enhancing its flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds a delightful depth; however, feel free to use any type of onion you have on hand.
Better than Bouillon (Chicken Flavor): This ingredient elevates the flavors and contributes to the scrumptious gravy.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper will bring everything together. If you like, fresh herbs such as rosemary or Italian seasoning would work beautifully as well!

How to Make Chicken Leg Quarters

Roasting chicken is a breeze, so let’s get started!

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry using paper towels, including underneath the skin to ensure it’s crispy. If necessary, trim off any excess fat or skin.
Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with sliced onions, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and a dash of black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
Roast the Chicken: Transfer the seasoned mixture into a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish and roast uncovered for 20 minutes, until it turns a lovely golden brown.
Add the Broth and Butter: At this stage, prepare your broth by mixing water with the Better Than Bouillon. Once 20 minutes have passed, remove the chicken from the oven. Pour the broth mixture around the chicken, allowing it to soak into the onions. Dot sliced butter among the chicken quarters and sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon of paprika.
Finish Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (an internal temperature of 170°F/77°C) and the onions are tender, swimming in a light gravy.

Chef’s Tip: Pair your delicious roast chicken with your choice of sides—mashed potatoes or rice work wonderfully. Don’t forget to spoon that rich buttery onion sauce from the pan over the chicken for an unforgettable meal!

Recipe Tips and Variations

Crispy Chicken Skin: This method helps achieve crispy skin. If you’re aiming for extra crispiness, consider broiling the chicken for a few minutes at the end.
Using a Whole Chicken: Feel free to cut a whole chicken into quarters for this recipe. Just ensure you cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer for accurate results. For dark meat, I recommend cooking until it reaches 170-175°F (77-80°C) for the juiciest texture.
Air Frying Option: For a healthier twist, you can air fry the chicken quarters. Season as per the recipe and air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about roasted chicken is its versatility! Here are some serving ideas:

Serve the chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes.
Pair with roasted vegetables for a wholesome touch.
Enjoy with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Use it to make delicious chicken sandwiches.
Leftovers can be shredded and used in tacos or wraps.

A roasted chicken quarter on a pile of mashed potatoes for serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Got leftovers? Store any remaining roasted chicken leg quarters in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: The best way to reheat your chicken is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For an extra touch, broil it briefly to restore some crispness to the skin.