If you’re looking for the best chicken quarter marinade, look no further! Our easy homemade chicken quarter marinade is packed with flavor and will take your grilled or baked chicken to the next level. With just a few common ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a marinade that will have your family and friends begging for more.
This chicken quarter marinade recipe uses a blend of olive oil, spices like salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and cayenne, along with fresh garlic, onion, and parsley. It’s a simple yet delicious combination that adds depth and richness to the chicken.
The marinade also calls for beer, but don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand. You can easily substitute it with ginger ale, apple cider, or apple juice for a different twist. The marinade time is important for the flavors to meld together, so it’s recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, but no longer than 2 days.
Not only is this marinade perfect for grilling chicken quarters, but it can also be used for other cuts of chicken or even in different recipes like BBQ sauce or chimichurri sauce. The versatility of this marinade is endless!
Key Takeaways:
- Create a flavorful marinade for chicken quarters with common ingredients like olive oil, spices, garlic, onion, and parsley.
- Substitute beer with ginger ale, apple cider, or apple juice if needed.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for optimal flavor.
- Use the marinade for grilling chicken quarters or experimenting with other chicken cuts or recipes.
- Enjoy the versatility of this homemade chicken quarter marinade!
Grilled Chicken Quarters with Marinade
If you’re looking to add incredible flavor to your grilled chicken quarters, marinating them is the way to go! This easy and delicious recipe can be used to marinate about 5 pounds of chicken quarters, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.
To create the marinade, simply combine the following ingredients in a bowl:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup beer (or substitute with ginger ale, apple cider, or apple juice)
Pro Tip: Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Once the marinade is mixed, pour it over the chicken quarters in a zip-top bag or an airtight container. Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the marinade. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
During the marinating process, remember to turn the bag or container every few hours to ensure even distribution of the marinade. This will guarantee that every bite of your grilled chicken quarters is bursting with flavor.
Not only is this marinade perfect for chicken quarters, but it can also be used for other cuts of chicken or as a base for grilled chicken legs, baked chicken, or even incorporated into other recipes like BBQ sauce or chimichurri sauce.
Don’t forget to fire up the grill and enjoy the juicy, flavorful goodness of your marinated grilled chicken quarters!
Ingredients | Quantity |
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Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 |
Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Beer (or substitute) | 1/2 cup |
Baked Chicken Leg Quarters with Marinade
Looking for a delicious and convenient one pan meal? Try this recipe for Baked Chicken Leg Quarters with Marinade. Inspired by a maple mustard chicken legs recipe, this dish combines tender chicken leg quarters with a flavorful marinade that also adds a savory touch to the accompanying potatoes and carrots.
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By roasting the chicken leg quarters at a high temperature, you’ll achieve crispy skin and juicy meat. The marinade adds a delicious tang to the chicken while infusing the potatoes and carrots with flavor. This one pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and satisfying dish without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Italian Dressing Chicken Leg Quarters
This recipe uses Italian dressing as a marinade for the chicken leg quarters. The homemade keto Italian dressing combines olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a variety of herbs and spices. The chicken leg quarters can be marinated in a large container with the dressing poured over them or in a resealable plastic bag. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. The chicken is then baked with a cup of the marinade at 165°F internal temperature. The Italian dressing adds moisture and flavor to the chicken, resulting in juicy and delicious chicken leg quarters.
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Tips for Marinating Chicken Quarters
Marinating chicken quarters is a great way to infuse flavor and moisture into the meat. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your marinated chicken quarters turn out delicious:
- Use enough marinade: It’s important to use an adequate amount of marinade to fully coat the chicken quarters. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Remove air from zip-top bag: If using a zip-top bag to marinate the chicken, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. This allows the marinade to come into direct contact with the chicken, resulting in more flavorful meat.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour: For best results, marinate the chicken quarters for at least 1 hour. This gives the flavors time to penetrate the meat. However, if time allows, marinating the chicken overnight will result in even more flavorful and tender chicken.
- Turn the bag or container: Every few hours, turn the bag or container that holds the chicken quarters. This helps to evenly distribute the marinade, ensuring that each piece of chicken is infused with the flavors.
- Customize the marinade: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your marinade. Add different spices, herbs, or even citrus juices to customize the flavor to your liking. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite marinade for chicken quarters.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Quarters with Marinade
Chicken quarters marinated with a flavorful marinade like the ones mentioned above can be served with a variety of mouthwatering side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your marinated chicken quarter meals:
1. Mashed Cauliflower
Swap out traditional mashed potatoes and try creamy mashed cauliflower as a low-carb alternative. The subtle flavors of the cauliflower complement the juicy and flavorful chicken quarters perfectly.
2. Mashed Turnips
For a unique twist, make mashed turnips. The slightly peppery and earthy taste of turnips adds depth to the meal and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
3. Mashed Kohlrabi
Create a delightful accompaniment by making mashed kohlrabi. With its mild, slightly sweet flavor, mashed kohlrabi adds a refreshing element to the plate.
4. Low Carb Vegetables
Incorporate a medley of low-carb vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green beans, or spinach to provide color, texture, and nutritional value to your plate. These vegetables can be roasted, steamed, or sautéed and make the perfect complement to the juicy and flavorful chicken quarters.
5. Coleslaw
Add a refreshing and crunchy element to your meal by serving coleslaw alongside the marinated chicken quarters. The tangy dressing perfectly balances the richness of the chicken and adds a refreshing note to the overall flavor profile.
6. Keto Chicken Gravy
For a complete and satisfying meal, serve the marinated chicken quarters with a savory keto chicken gravy. Drizzle the rich, flavorful gravy over the chicken and pair it with your choice of low-carb vegetables or mashed alternatives for a delicious and comforting dish.
Experiment with these serving suggestions and let your taste buds guide you to discover the perfect combination that pleases your palate. The versatility of marinated chicken quarters allows for endless possibilities in serving them with different dishes, allowing you to create flavorful and well-balanced meals that will satisfy your cravings.
Conclusion
Chicken leg quarters are a versatile cut of meat that can be marinated to enhance their flavor and juiciness. Whether grilled or baked, marinating the chicken leg quarters adds depth to the taste and ensures tender meat.
The recommended marinades include a homemade chicken marinade with olive oil, spices, garlic, onion, parsley, and beer (or substitutes), an Italian dressing marinade, or a maple mustard marinade. These marinades infuse the chicken with delicious flavors, making it a standout dish.
Once marinated, the chicken leg quarters can be served with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a truly satisfying and complete meal. Consider pairing them with mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing coleslaw. The options are endless!
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different marinades and serving suggestions to find your favorite way of enjoying chicken quarter marinades. Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and delight your taste buds with the incredible flavors of marinated chicken leg quarters!
FAQ
What ingredients are used in the chicken marinade recipe?
The chicken marinade recipe uses common ingredients like olive oil, spices such as salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and cayenne, as well as fresh garlic, onion, and parsley. The marinade also calls for beer, but it can be substituted with ginger ale, apple cider, or apple juice.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The recommended marinating time for the chicken quarters is at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, and no longer than 2 days.
Can the marinade be used for other cuts of chicken?
Yes, the marinade can be used to marinate other cuts of chicken or even in other recipes like BBQ sauce or chimichurri sauce.
What is the cooking time and temperature for baked chicken leg quarters with marinade?
The baked chicken leg quarters should be roasted in the oven at 450°F for about 45-50 minutes, or until cooked through. The dish can be checked after 30 minutes and covered with aluminum foil if it’s browning too much.
How should the chicken leg quarters be marinated with Italian dressing?
The chicken leg quarters can be marinated in a large container with the Italian dressing poured over them or in a resealable plastic bag. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
How long should the chicken quarters be marinated for?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is preferred. Turning the bag or container every few hours helps to evenly distribute the marinade.
What are some serving suggestions for chicken quarters with marinade?
Some serving suggestions include mashed cauliflower, mashed turnips, mashed kohlrabi, or low carb vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green beans, or spinach. The chicken quarters can also be served with coleslaw or keto chicken gravy for a complete meal.