Introduction
Welcome to our blog post on cast iron chicken leg quarters! In this article, we will share a delicious and easy recipe for cooking chicken leg quarters in a cast iron skillet. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 4 chicken leg quarters
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 teaspoons of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the glaze:
– ¼ cup of honey
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the chicken leg quarters with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken skin side down for about 5 minutes, until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
5. Flip the chicken leg quarters and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the glaze by whisking together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
7. After the chicken has cooked for 20 minutes, brush the glaze over the chicken leg quarters and return them to the oven for the remaining cooking time.
8. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve the cast iron chicken leg quarters with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success
– Make sure to pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels before seasoning them. This will help achieve a crispy skin.
– Don’t overcrowd the cast iron skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
– Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more or less paprika, garlic powder, or dried thyme as desired.
– If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use a regular oven-safe skillet or a baking dish.
– For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the glaze.
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious and easy recipe for cast iron chicken leg quarters. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend barbecue. The combination of crispy skin and tender meat, along with the flavorful glaze, will have everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your cast iron skillet and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!