6 Chicken Leg Quarter Recipes That Are Perfect for Keto

Explore a Variety of Mouthwatering and Healthy Chicken Leg Quarter Recipes.

Are Chicken Leg Quarter Recipes Good for Keto?

YES! Eating a chicken leg is an excellent option for those striving to maintain a ketogenic diet. This meal contains abundant protein and minimal carbohydrates, delivering a nourishing and flavorful dish that will keep you on the path to wellness.

Chicken legs are not to be overlooked for a delicious meal. They offer a lot of flavors, just like wings. Whether you’re looking for a classic roast, spicy fry, or an instant pot recipe, chicken leg quarters provide a versatile canvas for any creative cook.

Chicken leg quarter recipes offer a fantastic combination of affordability, versatility, and convenience. Chicken leg quarter recipes are a great choice for those looking for a nutritious and tasty meal.

A photo of a white plate with two cooked chicken legs with herbs and spices.
A photo of a white plate with two cooked chicken legs with herbs and spices.

Packed with essential amino acids, they help to support our health and promote muscle growth. Plus, they only require a simple seasoning to bring out their delectable flavor.

Since they are relatively inexpensive and take a relatively short cooking time compared to other cuts of chicken, they are becoming increasingly popular for busy households who don’t have much spare time available for cooking.

This article presents multiple chicken leg quarter recipes that are both delicious and simple to prepare, making them suitable for even the most selective eaters. Grab your ingredients and start cooking – you won’t regret it!

A plate of two chicken leg quarters.
A plate of two chicken leg quarters.

Table of Contents

Pepper Chicken Leg Quarter Recipes

Top view photo of a quarter chicken leg with lemon and herbs.
Top view photo of a quarter chicken leg with lemon and herbs.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. To make bake chicken leg quarters, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, pepper, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk the ingredients until fully combined. Use the mixture to cook and enjoy your delicious chicken.
  2. To prepare, put the chicken quarters in a baking dish with the skin facing up.
  3. Ensure the lemon pepper mixture is distributed evenly over the chicken by rubbing it in thoroughly.
  4. You can enjoy the lemon pepper chicken leg quarters with your preferred side dishes, like roasted asparagus or a quinoa salad.

Nutritional Facts:

  • Calories: 361
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Sodium: 651mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 31g

Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters

A top-down view of a cast-iron skillet containing perfectly cooked chicken leg quarters seasoned with herbs and mushrooms.
A top-down view of a cast-iron skillet containing perfectly cooked chicken leg quarters seasoned with herbs and mushrooms.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Improve the taste of your chicken legs by using a delightful blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Simply combine these ingredients and relish the savory, herb-infused fragrance it creates.
  2. Spread the tasty blend evenly onto the skin of the chicken leg quarters and then put them in a baking dish.
  3. For the juiciest chicken, allow it to rest before serving.

Nutritional Facts:

On average, a 4-ounce serving of chicken leg quarter recipes with skin approximately:

  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Sodium: 400-500 mg
  • Cholesterol: 100-120 mg

Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters

A mouthwatering image of succulent chicken legs, baked to perfection, drizzled with a generous amount of garlic butter and garnished with fresh herbs.
A mouthwatering image of succulent chicken legs, baked to perfection, drizzled with a generous amount of garlic butter and garnished with fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl for a delicious result.
  2. To cook the chicken leg quarters on the grill, position them with the skin side facing downwards.
  3. Evenly coat the chicken with the garlic butter mixture using a brush.
  4. While grilling, apply the garlic butter mixture on the chicken every few minutes.

Nutritional Facts:

  • Calories: 416
  • Total Fat: 32g
  • Sodium: 384mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1g
  • Protein: 30g

Smoky Barbecue Chicken Leg Quarters

Two golden-brown chicken legs, grilled to perfection with grill marks visible, served hot and ready on a plate.
Two golden-brown chicken legs, grilled to perfection with grill marks visible, served hot and ready on a plate.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • 1 cup of barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat the grill to a high temperature without reaching its maximum setting, and get ready to enjoy delicious smoky flavors.
  2. To create a delicious barbecue sauce, start by combining olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Next, add your desired barbecue sauce and mix everything together.
  3. To cook the chicken leg quarters on the grill, position them with the crispy skin side facing down.
  4. Coat the chicken evenly with the barbecue sauce mixture by brushing it.
  5. Brush the chicken with the barbecue sauce every few minutes while grilling.

Nutritional Facts:

  • Calories: 359
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 937mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 16g
  • Protein: 29g

Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Leg Quarters

A top-down view of two raw chicken legs, seasoned with fragrant herbs and ready to be cooked to perfection.
A top-down view of two raw chicken legs, seasoned with fragrant herbs and ready to be cooked to perfection.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Before placing your chicken leg quarters in the slow cooker, season them with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to enhance their flavor. You’ll be treated to a delicious and aromatic dish that will satisfy your taste buds and please all your senses.
  2. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, and Sriracha sauce in a bowl until well-combined. Next, pour the resulting mixture over the chicken to add a scrumptious flavor.
  3. Once you have added the chicken leg quarters and the teriyaki sauce blend into the slow cooker, securely fasten the lid and choose your preferred cooking setting. For a more extended simmer, select the low setting and cook the chicken until it’s tender for approximately 6 hours and additional 2 hours if needed. For a quicker cook time, choose the high setting and let it cook for 3 hours. Once the chicken leg quarters are fully cooked, use two forks to shred the dark meat.
  4. Serve the sweet and spicy slow cooker chicken leg quarters with your favorite keto-friendly sides, such as roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Nutritional Facts:

  • Calories: 276
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Sodium: 927mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
  • Protein: 25g

Teriyaki Instant Pot Chicken Leg Quarters

An appetizing image of chicken teriyaki in a pan, with the chicken pieces coated in a savory, glossy sauce and caramelized for a mouthwatering finish.
An appetizing image of chicken teriyaki in a pan, with the chicken pieces coated in a savory, glossy sauce and caramelized for a mouthwatering finish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken leg quarters with an aromatic blend of garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a savory dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
  2. Whisk together the teriyaki sauce, chicken meat stock, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and ground ginger in a small bowl to make a tasty blend.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Instant Pot, and securely fasten the lid. Set the appliance to high for 12 minutes, allowing all of the flavors to blend together and create a sensational experience.
  4. Once the cooking process has been completed, allow the pressure to dissipate naturally for a period of 5-10 minutes before releasing the lid. To further enhance your dining experience, serve the teriyaki instant pot chicken leg quarters with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or whatever low-carb accompaniment that suits your tastes. Garnish with some freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an attractive finishing touch.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 290
  • Total Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 101mg
  • Sodium: 1752mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 19g
  • Protein: 23g

Tips for Storing Your Chicken Leg Quarter Recipes

Two chicken legs seasoned with lemon and herbs, accompanied by crispy roasted potatoes.
Two chicken legs seasoned with lemon and herbs, accompanied by crispy roasted potatoes.

To maintain the quality of your chicken leg quarters and prevent foodborne illness, it’s crucial to store any leftovers properly. Here are some guidelines for storing your chicken leg quarter recipes:

  1. Cool the chicken: Before storing the chicken leg quarters in the refrigerator or freezer, let them cool down to room temperature.
  2. Separate the dark meat from the bones: To prevent freezer burn, if you want to store chicken leg quarters for a long time, it’s a good idea to take the meat off the bones.
  3. Use airtight containers: To keep the chicken leg quarters fresh, put them in containers or freezer bags that are airtight to prevent air and moisture from getting in. It’s important to label and date the containers so you can easily identify them later.
  4. Store in the refrigerator: If you intend to consume the chicken leg quarters within the next few days, you should refrigerate them for a maximum of four days.
  5. Store in the freezer: To store chicken leg quarters for a longer period, freeze them for up to six months and ensure to thaw them properly before reheating.
  6. Reheat properly: To safely reheat your chicken leg quarters, make sure to warm them up to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Chicken Leg Quarter Recipes

If you’re new to cooking, it can be difficult to cook chicken leg quarters. Here are some mistakes to avoid when cooking chicken leg quarters that people often make:

  • Not seasoning the chicken: To enhance the taste of chicken leg quarters, it’s important to season them well with your preferred herbs and spices.
  • Overcrowding the pan: To prevent rubbery and flavorless chicken, ensure that you leave adequate space in the pan while cooking chicken leg quarters. Overcrowding the pan causes steaming instead of browning.
  • Not letting the chicken rest: To ensure that your chicken is juicy and flavorful, give it a few minutes to rest after cooking before you start cutting it. This will allow the juices to redistribute properly.
  • Not cooking the chicken thoroughly: To avoid any potential harm, cook the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
  • Cooking at the wrong temperature: To cook chicken leg quarters perfectly, make sure not to use too high of a temperature as it can make the meat dry and overcooked. On the other hand, using too low of a temperature can leave the chicken undercooked. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked just right.
Two uncooked chicken legs on a plate.
Two uncooked chicken legs on a plate.

Final Thoughts

You can obtain a good amount of protein from chicken leg quarters, they have low carbohydrate content, and there are several cooking methods you can use.

From the traditional oven-baked to the savory slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes, these chicken leg quarter recipes dishes offer an array of meal options that fit perfectly into your keto lifestyle. You will never get bored with chicken again because these delicious recipes are not only fast and easy to make, but also bursting with flavor.

An image of two chicken leg quarters cooked to perfection, with a crispy and golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy meat on the inside, ready to be served and enjoyed.
An image of two chicken leg quarters cooked to perfection, with a crispy and golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy meat on the inside, ready to be served and enjoyed.

Whether you’re looking for a classic comfort dish or an adventurous new taste experience, chicken leg quarters are an economical and delicious way to spice up your meals. With proper marination and cooking techniques, these economical cuts of chicken can be cooked up in a variety of flavors to suit any palate.

In addition to weekly meals, they are also a great option for meal prepping due to their ability to be cooked in bulk and used over the span of several days. Chicken leg quarters offer deliciousness without breaking the bank – making them a fantastic ingredient for home cooks looking to maximize both flavor and budget.