Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken: The Comforting Winter Recipe You Need

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I’ve got an awesome recipe for you that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance: Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken Leg Quarters.

You heard that right – juicy, flavorful oven roasted chicken bursting with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. It’s a mouthwatering dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Why Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken Leg Quarters?

Let’s talk about why this recipe is a winner.

First off, it’s all about those flavors that blend like a dream. Imagine tangy lemon meeting the savory goodness of garlic, and the mix of fresh herbs – it’s a match made in food heaven!

Plus, oven-roasting brings out the best in these chicken leg quarters, making them tender and oh-so-juicy.

Essential Ingredients

Let’s dig into the heart of this flavor-packed roast chicken recipe, where a handful of simple yet magical ingredients transform chicken leg quarters into a delicious home cooked meal.

Chicken Leg Quarters: The perfect balance of dark meat. They’re not just tasty; they’re the star of our dish. Their juiciness and tenderness after roasting is unbeatable.

Lemon Juice: This ingredient adds refreshing tang to our chicken. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the secret ingredient here, infusing each bite with a burst of citrusy brightness. You can also add a few slices of lemon on top of your chicken while roasting.

Garlic: The hero ingredient that elevates just about any dish. Minced or pressed, garlic matches effortlessly with the lemon, creating a beautiful blend of flavors.

Which Herbs to Use for Roast Chicken

Rosemary and Thyme: These aromatic herbs are like the finishing touch to a masterpiece. Sprigs of rosemary and fragrant thyme, when added to the marinade, infuse the chicken with earthy and pine-like notes, enhancing its overall depth and aroma.

It’s incredible how a few simple ingredients like chicken leg quarters, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, and garlic come together to create a harmony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Of course, we are going to add a mix of great seasonings to enhance the flavor even more. For now, I just wanted to touch on some of the fresh ingredients that bring the bulk of the flavor profile.

When you combine these ingredients and roast them to perfection, they transform into a sensational Lemon garlic roast chicken that’s sure to impress!

How to Prepare Roast Chicken

Preparing Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s pretty simple! Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to get your roast chicken ready:

Cleaning the Chicken Leg Quarters:

I know this is a debated idea, but if you clean your chicken keep reading.

Start by rinsing the chicken leg quarters under water. I also let the chicken soak in water with a little bit of vinegar and lemon juice.

Once they’re done soaking, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that crispy skin we all love.

How to Make the Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade

Time to whip up this delicious marinade!

Take a bowl and mix all of the following ingredients:

• Minced Garlic
• Lemon Juice
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Black Pepper
• Lemon Juice
• Lemon Pepper
• Chopped Rosemary
• Fresh Thyme
• Olive Oil

Give all of these ingredients a good stir until it becomes a fragrant, aromatic blend.

Marinating the Chicken

Place your cleaned and dried chicken leg quarters in a large Ziplock bag, large bowl, or wide shallow dish. Pour the lemon garlic marinade all over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated generously.

For optimal flavor infusion, cover the bag or dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. Better yet, if you can let it sit in the lemon garlic marinade overnight, you’ll be rewarded with a chicken bursting with flavor.

Bringing out the Marinated Chicken

When you’re ready to start cooking, take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Allowing it to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking.

Preparation for Roasting

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

While your oven is heating up, arrange the marinated chicken leg quarters on the tray, making sure there’s a bit of space between each piece for the heat to circulate evenly. If you want, you can also top the chicken with a few slices of lemon to ensure that citrus flavor really stands out.

I also added a mix of chopped vegetables to the bottom of my pan to make a full meal in one go!

How to Roast Chicken in the Oven

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part – roasting those marinated Lemon Garlic Chicken Leg Quarters to golden perfection in the oven. Follow these steps for juicy, flavorful results:

1. Preheating Your Oven: It’s crucial to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before the chicken enters the scene. This ensures an even cooking temperature that helps achieve that coveted crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
2. Prepare for Roasting: Once the oven is preheated and ready to go, it’s showtime! Take the baking tray out, where the chicken is sitting in the lemon garlic marinade. Ensure the chicken pieces are arranged evenly on the tray, allowing space between them to allow the hot air to circulate for even cooking.
3. Into the Oven They Go: Carefully place the tray with the marinated chicken leg quarters in the center of the preheated oven. Let the roasting begin! Close the oven door and resist the urge to peek too often – we don’t want to let the heat escape! If you are like me and just have to see the progress, just turn the oven light on.
4. How Long to Roast Chicken: Roast the chicken leg quarters for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on their size. During this time, the chicken will undergo a mouthwatering transformation. The lemony-garlicky aroma will fill your kitchen, and the skin will start to turn a beautiful golden hue.
5. Checking for Doneness: As the timer approaches the 45-minute mark, it’s time to check the chicken for readiness. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (without touching the bone) – it should register 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked.
6. Golden Brown and Ready to Serve: Once your lemon garlic roast chicken leg quarters have reached the ideal internal temperature and have a beautiful golden crust, it’s time to take them out of the oven. Carefully remove the tray and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in those juicy flavors.

What Goes with Lemon Garlic Chicken

Once your lemon garlic roast chicken is done, take them out and garnish with some lemon slices and maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor.

Pairing this roast chicken recipe with the right sides can elevate your dish to extraordinary levels. There’s a ton of options to consider alongside this flavorful dish, each enhancing its taste in unique ways.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These mini-cabbages develop a delightful crispiness and a hint of sweetness when roasted alongside the chicken. Their earthy flavor and caramelized edges perfectly complement the tanginess of the lemon and garlic.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Whether it’s golden-brown wedges, fluffy mashed potatoes, or crispy roasted whole spuds, potatoes are the epitome of comfort. They’re also great for absorbing the flavorful juices from the chicken.

Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, honey-glazed carrots add a burst of color and natural sweetness to your plate. Their caramelized finish harmonizes beautifully with the tangy zest of the Lemon Garlic Chicken.

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. The acidity of the dressing complements the dish’s flavors amazingly.

Sauteed Asparagus: Vibrant, tender-crisp asparagus spears bring a burst of freshness and vibrant green color to the plate. Their mild flavor pairs wonderfully with the zesty lemon and garlic, offering a healthy and elegant side option.

With these delightful side options, you have an array of choices to enhance and complement the flavors of your Lemon Garlic Chicken.

Whether you’re aiming for comforting classics or lighter, healthier alternatives, these sides are sure to make your meal complete and comforting.

Shop Ingredients and Learn More!

You’ve just nailed making oven roasted lemon garlic chicken right at home. It’s a dish that’s simple yet impressive – perfect for fall and winter family dinners or when you want to show off your cooking skills to friends or special someone.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase using the links that I provided. This helps support me in making more recipes to share with you all.