Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly. A properly preheated oven is essential for achieving that crispy skin!
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture helps the skin to crisp up beautifully during baking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This blend of spices is what gives the chicken its delicious flavor.
Next, pour the olive oil over the spice mixture and mix well. The oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken and enhances the cooking process.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the chicken leg quarters on the sheet, skin side up. This allows the skin to become crispy, while the parchment paper keeps things tidy.
Take the spice mixture and pour it over the chicken. Use your hands to rub the spices into the chicken, ensuring all surfaces are covered. This will help lock in flavor.
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F. The chicken should be golden brown and the skin crispy!
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
Serve your Baked Chicken Leg Quarters with your choice of sides and enjoy the delightful flavors you’ve created!
