Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C). Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.

2 . Stage

Stir together smoked paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

3 . Stage

Pat chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Gently lift the skin and sprinkle in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning blend, using a fingertip to spread the seasoning around under the skin. Brush both sides of each leg quarter with melted butter.

4 . Stage

Evenly sprinkle remaining spice mixture on both sides of each quarter and set cut side up onto the prepared sheet pan.

5 . Stage

Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Turn the quarters cut side down using tongs and continue baking until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 20 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

6 . Stage

Turn on the broiler and broil each side of the chicken leg quarters until skin is nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Test for a final internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

7 . Stage

Transfer chicken leg quarters to a serving plate. Tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.