Roasted Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Leg Quarters

These Roasted Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Leg Quarters are marinated in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, rosemary, and brown sugar and oven-roasted until tender. Serve with pasta, potato, or rice for a simple and delicious meal.

This recipe was originally published in December 2014. Although the content and photos have been updated, the recipe remains unchanged.  

For a simple dinner, chicken leg quarters are an excellent choice. They are juicy and tender, pairing well with a variety of sides. To maximize flavor, marinate them for at least 4 hours. You can also prep them the night before or in the morning, so when it’s time for dinner, you just need to pat them dry and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The skin will become delectable, developing a rich amber color. 

The marinade consists of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, rosemary, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper. A small amount of cayenne pepper is included to add some interest to the flavor profile without making it spicy. If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper.

Recipe highlights:

• Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. 
• Place chicken leg quarters and marinade in a large zipper bag. Refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight.  
• Pat chicken dry and place on a greased baking sheet.
• Bake at 400° F for 40 to 50 minutes.
• Refer to the recipe card below for detailed instructions and tips.

So, I have a little confession. These step-by-step photos show only three chicken leg quarters, but the recipe makes four. I simply didn’t get enough chicken to do the photo reshoot. My bad!!  

Anyway, these chicken quarters go well with this Orzo Roni or this Quick and Easy Thyme Baby Potatoes. Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even couscous would also be great! You can also serve them with buttered and salted pasta for a really easy but tasty side. 

This dish is easy to make for a weeknight dinner the entire family would enjoy. One thing is for sure: you can’t beat chicken legs and thighs for affordability and budget-friendliness.

Recommended supplies:

(Affiliate links. The products I recommend are either what I use, are on my wish list, or come highly rated.)

• I have a larger version of this warp-resistant, non-stick baking pan. I have been very happy with it.
• Balsamic vinegar for the marinade.
• Mini whisk is ideal for little whisking jobs. I use it all the time.

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Roasted Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Leg Quarters

Author: Thao | In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Oven Baked/Roasted Cuisine:American Courses:Main Dish Recipe Keys: High Protein

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 50 minutesRest time:4 hours Total time:4 hours 55 minutesServings:4 Servings

Description

These Roasted Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Leg Quarters are marinated in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, rosemary, and brown sugar and oven-roasted until tender. Serve with pasta, potato, or rice for a simple and delicious meal.
 

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tsp. finely chopped rosemary  (sprig of rosemary approx. 10-inch long)
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (add for some heat)
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 4 whole chicken leg quarters

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients, except for the chicken, in a bowl. 
2. Place chicken in a large zipper bag. Pour marinade into the bag. Seal the bag and work the marinade into the chicken pieces with your hands. Lay flat on a tray and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Flip over the bag halfway through for even marination.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
4. Remove the chicken from the bag. Pat the excess juices dry with paper towels. Do not remove the garlic and rosemary bits. 
5. Place on a prepared sheet pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until juices run clear and have an internal temperature of 165° F. 

Note:

• The small amount of cayenne adds a depth of flavor but not heat. Add more for a little bit of spice.

Keywords:Roasted Chicken, Balsamic Rosemary Chicken, Chicken Leg Quarters, Baked Chicken, Oven Roasted Chicken

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