Description
This baked chicken quarters recipe features a vibrant paprika citrus lacquer, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken with golden, crispy skin. It’s an easy, healthy, and hearty family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters (about 2.5–3 lbs / 1.1–1.4 kg total)
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 large orange, fresh (zest and juice)
- 1 lemon, fresh (zest and juice)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep The Chicken: Pat 4 chicken quarters thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season all sides generously with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- Whisk The Paprika Citrus Lacquer: In a medium bowl, combine 3 Tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, the zest and juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon, and 1 Tbsp honey. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Marinate The Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken quarters in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the prepared paprika citrus lacquer over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Arrange For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard 13×18 inch (half-sheet) baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the foil. Arrange the marinated chicken quarters, skin-side up, on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Bake To Perfection: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the skin is beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F (80-82°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
- Rest And Serve: Carefully remove the baked chicken quarters from the oven. Let them rest on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Marinating for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours enhances flavor. Using a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet promotes extra crispy skin and easy cleanup. Resting the chicken for 5-10 minutes ensures juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken quarter
- Calories: 550 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg