Oven-Fried Chicken Leg Quarters

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/19/22
Whole chicken legs
Diana Rattray
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Marinate: 2 hrs
Total: 3 hrs
Servings: 4 servings

​These whole chicken legs make a delicious and economical meal, and removing the skin from the legs makes them relatively low in fat. The seasoned coating turns out so crispy, you won't miss the skin. Serve with your favorite vegetable side dishes or potatoes and a salad.

Ingredients

  • 4 whole chicken legs

  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

  • 3 tablespoons hot sauce, such as Frank's or Texas Pete

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the pan

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, for drizzling over the chicken

Steps to Make It

  1. Remove the skin from the chicken legs and cut away any visible fat. Using a small sharp knife, prick the chicken pieces in several places.

  2. Put the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large covered container or heavy-duty food storage bag. Add the chicken legs to the container or bag and turn to coat thoroughly. Cover or seal and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

  3. Heat the oven to 425 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet (such as a jelly roll pan or a 13 x 9-inch pan) with nonstick or regular foil. Grease the pan generously with butter, about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons. The butter helps to crisp the coating on the chicken.

  4. Put the flour, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a wide shallow bowl. Mix to blend thoroughly.

  5. Take each chicken leg out of the buttermilk mixture and let excess drip off. Coat with the flour mixture and place in the prepared pan. Repeat with the remaining chicken legs then drizzle each leg with some of the melted butter. 

  6. Bake for 25 minutes, then turn the chicken pieces. Bake for 20 minutes longer. The chicken juices should run clear when pricked with a fork. If using a food thermometer, the chicken should register at least 165 F.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
340 Calories
14g Fat
30g Carbs
22g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 340
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 7g 34%
Cholesterol 105mg 35%
Sodium 828mg 36%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 22g
Vitamin C 4mg 22%
Calcium 127mg 10%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 442mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)