- Oven temperature at 350°F: Bake chicken uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Oven temperature at 375°F: Bake chicken uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes.
- Oven temperature at 400°F: Bake chicken uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes.
Here’s a recipe for one of the most underutilized cuts of meat: the inexpensive but delectable chicken leg quarter. The quarter, which is frequently passed over in favor of the thigh or breast, has a substantial amount of meat and, when baked, a deliciously crispy skin and an incredibly tender and moist interior.
What’s the secret to getting super-juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin?
Q: Why choose chicken legs, chicken thighs, or chicken leg quarters?
A: The first reason is that it is less expensive than white meat, which is a huge plus for families trying to save money. The price of dark meat is typically up to 50% less than the price of white meat, allowing me to spend that money on more exciting food purchases like artisanal dark chocolate. Due to the fact that it frequently cooks on the bone, in the skin, and with the fat, it is incredibly moist and flavorful. Dark meat is almost impossible to dry out, unlike white meat, which can easily become overcooked and overly dry if you’re not careful. Reason 3: It’s adaptable; you can use dark meat cuts in almost any chicken dish. Reason 4: It’s delicious! Dark meat, in my opinion, has more flavor than white meat and goes so well with a variety of tastes.
Q: What’s the difference among the various cuts of chicken?
A: A chicken leg technically includes both the thigh and the drumstick (the lower portion of the leg, often referred to as just a chicken leg). Of course you can get both of those separately as well. So what is a chicken leg quarter? It’s the full leg (thigh and drumette) plus a portion of the back. (Check out this awesome breakdown of chicken cuts with photos on chicken.org).
How Long To Bake Chicken Leg Quarters At 400?
Baking chicken leg quarters will take about 30-35 minutes, but it is best to use a meat thermometer, as the cooking time will vary a bit depending on chicken leg size.
FAQ
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
Option #1: Preheat the oven to 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit before baking the chicken legs. Although the skin won’t be crispy at a lower temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit, it will still be juicy and delicious.
How long does chicken drumsticks and thighs take to cook?
Cooking time for chicken thighs and drumsticks should be between 40 and 45 minutes. The whole legs will take approximately an hour.
How long does it take for chicken legs to bake at 400?
Average-sized bone-in chicken legs typically take 40 to 45 minutes to cook in a preheated 400° F oven, though the time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and how hot your oven is. After 35 minutes of baking, I always advise you to quickly check to make sure the legs aren’t browning too quickly.
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 375?
Chicken thighs must be baked at 375°F (190°C) or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C), whichever comes first. The temperature in the oven is just right for the chicken to cook uniformly and turn golden brown.
