Crockpot Chicken Leg Quarters: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Crockpot chicken leg quarters: the answer to effortless, flavorful dinners! Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of perfectly cooked chicken, practically falling off the bone. No slaving over a hot stove, no complicated techniques – just pure, delicious comfort food waiting to be devoured.

Chicken leg quarters have long been a budget-friendly staple in households around the world. Their versatility and rich flavor make them a go-to choice for everything from simple weeknight meals to festive gatherings. But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave that home-cooked taste without the hours of preparation. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in!

What makes crockpot chicken leg quarters so irresistible? It’s the combination of tender, juicy meat, infused with your favorite seasonings, and the sheer convenience of a hands-off cooking method. The slow, gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a depth of taste that’s simply unmatched. Plus, the skin becomes wonderfully crisp (depending on your chosen method!), offering a delightful textural contrast to the succulent meat. Whether you’re a busy parent, a seasoned chef, or simply someone who appreciates a good meal without the fuss, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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 cup Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Cold Water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning (even though we’re using a crockpot!).
2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt. This is our dry rub, and it’s going to infuse the chicken with amazing flavor.
3. Now, generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken leg quarters, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Don’t be shy! The more seasoning, the better the flavor.
4. Next, chop the onion into small pieces. I prefer a fine dice, but you can adjust the size to your liking. Mince the garlic cloves as well. These aromatics will create a flavorful base for our sauce.

Searing the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended):

While this step is optional, I highly recommend searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. Searing adds a beautiful color and locks in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the chicken leg quarters without overcrowding. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
2. Carefully place the seasoned chicken leg quarters in the hot skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. The goal is not to cook the chicken through, but to develop a nice crust.
3. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Building the Crockpot Base:

1. In the same skillet (don’t wash it yet!), add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step helps to release the natural sweetness of the onion and garlic, adding depth of flavor to the sauce.
2. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add richness to the sauce.
3. Bring the chicken broth to a simmer, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Slow Cooking the Chicken:

1. Pour the chicken broth mixture into the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a flavorful and moist environment for the chicken to cook in.
2. Arrange the seared (or unseared, if you skipped the searing step) chicken leg quarters in the crockpot, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, you can layer them slightly.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Thickening the Sauce (Optional):

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can easily thicken it using a cornstarch slurry. This step is completely optional, but it can add a nice velvety texture to the sauce.

1. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry.
2. Carefully remove the chicken leg quarters from the crockpot and set aside.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine it with the chicken broth.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Return the chicken leg quarters to the crockpot and cook for another 5-10 minutes to allow them to heat through.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Carefully remove the chicken leg quarters from the crockpot and place them on a serving platter.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is nicely coated.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

This crockpot chicken leg quarters recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken and gravy.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is a great way to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans are a simple and elegant side dish.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a perfect summer side dish.
• Salad: A fresh green salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dry rub for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some chopped carrots, potatoes, or celery to the crockpot along with the chicken for a complete meal.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or sage, to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Add a touch of sweetness: Stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a hint of sweetness.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce at the end of the cooking time for a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Bone-in chicken thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for the leg quarters. Cooking time will remain the same.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover crockpot chicken leg quarters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm in a skillet over medium heat. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This crockpot chicken leg quarters recipe is truly a game-changer. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about achieving that fall-off-the-bone tenderness and deeply savory flavor that usually requires hours of babysitting a grill or oven. Trust me, once you taste the results, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic. The simplicity of the preparation combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes this a must-try for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or even potlucks where you want to impress without breaking a sweat. But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. While I’ve outlined my go-to method, feel free to experiment with different spice blends and sauces to create your own signature version. Craving a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the rub. Prefer a sweeter profile? A touch of brown sugar or honey will do the trick. You can even swap out the chicken broth for apple cider for a slightly tangy and fruity twist, especially during the fall months. As for serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! For a classic comfort meal, serve these succulent chicken leg quarters with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed green beans. The gravy created in the crockpot is absolutely divine drizzled over the potatoes. Alternatively, shred the chicken and use it to make flavorful tacos or quesadillas. Add some salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a fiesta-worthy feast. Another great option is to serve the chicken over rice or quinoa, topped with your favorite vegetables. Think broccoli, bell peppers, and onions – all cooked to perfection in a stir-fry style. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, consider serving the chicken with a fresh salad. The juicy, flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. You can even add some grilled corn or black beans for extra flavor and texture. And don’t forget about sandwiches! Shredded chicken leg quarters make an excellent filling for sandwiches or sliders. Add some coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and pickles for a truly satisfying meal. Beyond the main course, the leftover chicken (if you have any!) is fantastic in soups, stews, and even chicken pot pie. The possibilities are truly endless, making this recipe a gift that keeps on giving. I truly believe that this crockpot chicken leg quarters recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love the results. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know how your crockpot chicken leg quarters turned out!

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