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Marinating Chicken for Baking or Grilling

Chicken leg quarters (comprising the leg and thigh) are a budget-friendly protein option, often available at attractive prices ranging from $0.99 to $1.49 with coupons or special deals. Marinate them and bake or grill for the best flavor and taste.

Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography / Unsplash

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Marinating Chicken Legs, Thighs or other pieces for Baking or Grilling

Chicken leg quarters (comprising the leg and thigh) are a budget-friendly protein option, often available at attractive prices ranging from $0.99 to $1.49 with coupons or special deals.

This guide will walk you through preparing and marinating chicken leg quarters for delicious baked or grilled meals.

1. Preparing the Chicken:

  • Separating the Leg and Thigh:
    • Once home, place the chicken leg quarters on a clean cutting board.
    • Using a sharp knife, cut through the joint to separate the thigh from the leg.
    • Leave the skin on for optimal flavor and moisture retention.
  • Trimming and Sizing:
    • Trim any excess or loose skin.
    • If the thighs are particularly large, you can cut them into two pieces for more even cooking.
    • Leaving the skin on will help maintain moisture and allows the marinade to adhere better.

2. Preparing the Marinade:

  • Spice Blend:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the following spices:
      • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color and subtle flavor)
      • 2 teaspoons cumin powder (optional, for earthy warmth)
      • 1 tablespoon coriander powder (optional, for citrusy and nutty notes)
      • 1 tablespoon paprika (for color and mild smoky flavor)
      • 1 teaspoon black pepper (for a bit of heat)
      • 1 teaspoon hot chili powder (optional, adjust to your preferred spice level)
      • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
    • Add 2 tablespoons of minced, chopped, or crushed garlic.
    • Add 2 inches of minced, chopped, or crushed ginger.
    • Add 2 tablespoons of your preferred cooking oil (canola, olive, or sunflower are good choices).
    • Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar (apple cider, rice, or white vinegar).
  • Mixing and Tasting:
    • Wearing food-safe gloves, thoroughly mix the marinade until well combined.
    • Taste the marinade before adding the chicken and adjust the salt or other spices as needed.

3. Marinating the Chicken:

  • Coating the Chicken:
    • Add the prepared chicken pieces to the marinade bowl.
    • Mix well, ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
  • Marinating Time:
    • For immediate cooking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
    • For future use, spread the marinated chicken on a tray and freeze with proper labeling.

4. Cooking Instructions:

  • Baking:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Place the marinated chicken in a semi-deep baking dish.
    • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
    • Bake for 1 hour.
    • Check the chicken for doneness. If needed, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to brown the skin.
  • Grilling:
    • The marinated chicken can be grilled over medium heat until cooked through.
  • Broiling (Optional):
    • For a golden-brown, grilled finish, broil the baked chicken for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

5. Serving:

  • Serve the cooked chicken with your favorite sides, such as salad, vegetables, or rice.

Tips:

  • Marinating for longer periods (several hours or overnight) will enhance the flavor.
  • Adjust the spice levels to your preference.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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