Name: Crockpot Chicken Leg Quarters: Easy & Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 255 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 4-6 Chicken Leg Quarters; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary; 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 1 medium Onion, sliced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 cup Chicken Broth; Optional: 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening the sauce); Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Crockpot chicken leg quarters: the answer to effortless, flavorful dinners! Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of perfectly cooked chicken, practically falling off the bone. No slaving over a hot stove, no complicated techniques – just simple ingredients and the magic of slow cooking. This is the promise of this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe.

Chicken leg quarters have long been a budget-friendly staple in many households, offering a delicious and economical way to feed a family. While often grilled or roasted, using a crockpot unlocks a new level of tenderness and flavor infusion. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly moist and succulent, while also giving the seasonings ample time to penetrate deep within.

What makes crockpot chicken leg quarters so beloved? It's the perfect combination of convenience and taste. The "set it and forget it" nature of the crockpot means you can prepare the dish in the morning and have a complete meal ready by evening. The rich, savory flavor, combined with the melt-in-your-mouth texture, is simply irresistible. Plus, the versatility of this dish allows you to customize the seasonings to your liking, making it a family favorite that can be adapted to suit any palate. Get ready to experience the easiest and most delicious chicken you've ever had!

Ingredients:

4-6 Chicken Leg Quarters
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
1 medium Onion, sliced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Chicken Broth
Optional: 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening the sauce)
Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken:

First things first, let's get those chicken leg quarters ready. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is super important because it helps the seasoning stick better and allows the skin to crisp up a bit (as much as it can in a crockpot!).
Now, in a small bowl, we're going to mix up our spice rub. Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Sprinkle that glorious spice mixture all over the chicken leg quarters. Make sure you get every nook and cranny! I like to use my hands to really rub it in there. Don't be shy! The more seasoning, the more flavor.

Searing the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):

This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for added flavor and a nicer appearance. Searing the chicken before putting it in the crockpot gives it a beautiful color and helps to lock in the juices.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot before you add the chicken.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken leg quarters in the hot skillet, skin-side down. Don't overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches.
Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it's nicely browned. You're not trying to cook it all the way through, just get a good sear on the outside.
Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Building the Crockpot:

Now, let's get our crockpot ready. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the crockpot. This will act as a bed for the chicken and prevent it from sticking. Plus, the onions will become wonderfully sweet and tender as they cook.
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the onions.
Place the seared (or unseared, if you skipped that step) chicken leg quarters on top of the onion and garlic mixture. Arrange them in a single layer if possible.
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. You want the broth to come about halfway up the sides of the chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist and create a delicious sauce.

Cooking Process:

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it's fall-off-the-bone tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I always recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and set aside.

Making the Gravy (Optional):

If you want to thicken the sauce into a gravy, this step is for you. The sauce is already delicious as is, but a little gravy never hurt anyone!

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry.
Turn the crockpot to high.
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine it with the cooking liquid.
Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps from forming.

Serving:

Place the cooked chicken leg quarters on a serving platter.
Spoon the sauce (or gravy, if you made it) over the chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy! This chicken is fantastic with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a little heat.
Add vegetables! Toss in some carrots, potatoes, or celery along with the onions for a complete meal in one pot.
Use different herbs! Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or chili powder would all be delicious.
Make it saucier! Add a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to the crockpot for a richer, tomato-based sauce.
Crisp the skin! For extra crispy skin, after the chicken is cooked, place it on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Bone-in, skin-on thighs work too! If you don't have leg quarters, you can easily substitute bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The cooking time will be similar.
Low Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce or eliminate the added salt. The other spices will still provide plenty of flavor.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover crockpot chicken leg quarters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on size and skin consumption)
Protein: 30-40 grams
Fat: 20-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

Enjoy this easy and delicious crockpot chicken leg quarters recipe! It's a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Chicken Leg Quarters recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers incredible flavor, unparalleled tenderness, and ultimate convenience, all with minimal effort. Forget slaving over a hot stove or constantly monitoring the oven; this recipe allows you to simply set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other things. The chicken emerges fall-off-the-bone tender, infused with the savory goodness of the seasonings, and practically begging to be devoured. But the real magic lies in its versatility. While the basic recipe is fantastic as is, there are countless ways to customize it to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Prefer a sweeter flavor profile? A drizzle of honey or maple syrup before cooking will create a delightful caramelized glaze. You can even experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika, to create your own signature flavor blend. Beyond the flavor variations, consider the endless serving possibilities. These succulent chicken leg quarters are perfect served alongside classic comfort food sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, creamy coleslaw, or buttery corn on the cob. For a lighter meal, pair them with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. They're also fantastic shredded and used in tacos, quesadillas, or even chicken salad sandwiches. Imagine pulling apart that tender chicken and mixing it with your favorite barbecue sauce for the ultimate pulled chicken sliders! The possibilities are truly endless. And let's not forget the sheer practicality of this recipe. It's an incredibly budget-friendly way to feed a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Simply double or triple the recipe to make a large batch, and you'll have delicious and satisfying meals ready to go whenever you need them. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day. I truly believe that this Crockpot Chicken Leg Quarters recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple, delicious, and versatile meal option. It's perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you want a comforting and satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked chicken leg quarters. I'm confident that you'll be amazed by the results. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Once you've tried this recipe, please share your thoughts, variations, and serving suggestions in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with a particular side dish that you loved? Your feedback is invaluable and helps inspire other home cooks to try this amazing recipe. Happy cooking!