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Introduction:

When it comes to affordable, versatile, and delicious meal options, chicken quarters are a standout choice. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals for yourself, chicken quarters offer a range of benefits that make them a go-to ingredient in any kitchen. Here’s why chicken quarters should be a staple in your meal planning and how they can help you keep both your taste buds and your wallet happy.

5 Reasons Why You Should Make This:

1. Budget-Friendly

Cost-Effective Protein: Chicken quarters—comprised of the leg and thigh—are often significantly cheaper than other cuts of chicken like breasts or boneless, skinless thighs. They provide a cost-effective source of high-quality protein that helps stretch your food budget further.

Bulk Purchasing: You can usually buy chicken quarters in bulk or family packs, which further reduces the cost per serving. These bulk packs are ideal for meal prepping or freezing, allowing you to take advantage of lower prices and have convenient meals on hand.

2. Versatile Cooking Options

Flavorful and Juicy: Chicken quarters are known for their rich flavor and moist texture, thanks to the higher fat content compared to chicken breasts. This makes them forgiving in cooking, as they stay juicy and tender even with longer cooking times.

Diverse Recipes: The versatility of chicken quarters means you can use them in a variety of recipes. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, slow-cooking, or baking, chicken quarters adapt well to different flavors and seasonings. From classic roasted chicken to spicy barbecued quarters or hearty stews, the possibilities are endless.

3. Simple Preparation

Ease of Cooking: Chicken quarters are relatively simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights. You can season them with your favorite spices or marinate them overnight for added flavor. They require minimal preparation and can be cooked in one pan or dish, reducing cleanup time.

Cooking Efficiency: Because chicken quarters include both the thigh and the drumstick, they offer a complete meal in one cut. This eliminates the need to buy multiple different cuts or prepare additional sides, streamlining your cooking process.

4. Nutritional Benefits

Balanced Nutrients: Chicken quarters are a good source of protein, essential vitamins (like B vitamins), and minerals (such as iron and zinc). The dark meat in quarters is particularly rich in iron, which is important for energy and overall health.

Satiating: The higher fat content in chicken quarters helps keep you fuller for longer, which can be beneficial for managing hunger and reducing the need for extra snacks between meals.

5. Family-Friendly

Kid Approved: Chicken quarters are often a hit with kids due to their rich flavor and satisfying texture. They are easy to eat, especially if you’re serving them as part of a casual family meal.

Adaptable for All Ages: Whether you’re making a simple roasted chicken dinner or a more elaborate dish, chicken quarters can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. They can be seasoned mildly for younger palates or spiced up for adults.

Additional Recipe Ideas:

To get you started with chicken quarters, here are a few recipe ideas that showcase their versatility:

• Oven-Roasted Chicken Quarters: Season with your favorite herbs and spices, roast until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
• BBQ Chicken Quarters: Brush with barbecue sauce and grill for a smoky, sweet flavor.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Quarters: Cook with vegetables and broth for a comforting, one-pot meal.
• Baked Chicken Quarters with Potatoes: Roast with potatoes and onions for an easy, complete dinner.

Compound butters are a fantastic way to elevate a dish, adding rich, nuanced flavors with minimal effort. This garlic citrus and herb compound butter, with bright lemon and orange zest, is perfect for spreading on bread, melting over vegetables, or adding a finishing touch to grilled meats. It combines the fragrant notes of fresh herbs with the tangy brightness of citrus, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.

We are going to get the party started with dry brining the chicken using truffle salt. Truffle salt is optional and you can use kosher salt if that’s all you have.

Dry brining is a fantastic technique to enhance the flavor and texture of chicken, particularly for cuts like quarters. By applying salt and letting the chicken rest, you draw out moisture that is then reabsorbed along with the salt and any added seasonings. This process helps the chicken become juicy and flavorful with crispy skin when cooked. Here’s a straightforward guide to preparing dry-brined chicken quarters that are sure to impress.

Tips for Success:

• Avoid Over-Brining: Don’t brine the chicken for too long, as the meat can become too salty. 8 to 12 hours is usually perfect.
• Dry Skin: Ensure the skin is as dry as possible before cooking for the crispiest results.
• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste or add your favorite herbs and spices.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken quarters dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the brine adhere better and ensures crispy skin.

2. Make the Dry Brine:

• In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar (if using), black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. OR just keep it simple like I am today with the truffle salt.

3. Apply the Brine:

• Rub the dry brine mixture all over the chicken quarters, making sure to get some under the skin if possible. This ensures the flavor penetrates the meat more deeply.

4. Brine the Chicken:

• Place the seasoned chicken quarters on a rack set over a baking sheet or in a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 4 hours, but ideally 8 to 12 hours. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour will add some flavor.

Next, we are going to make this delicious citrus and herb compound butter. In a mixing bowl add 2 sticks of softened butter along with diced herbs and the zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon. Season with AP or salt and pepper and chicken bouillon powder.

With the remaining produce, build your birds nest. We need onions, orange slices, lemon slices, and fresh herbs. Place a wire rack over this mixture and then place your dry brined chicken on the wire rack. Season the chicken skin with Lemon Bae seasoning and place the compound butter UNDER the chicken skin.

Roasting chicken is a classic and beloved method for preparing this versatile protein, but using compound butter under the skin takes the dish to a whole new level. This technique enhances the flavor, texture, and overall experience of your roast chicken in several remarkable ways. Here’s why you should consider incorporating compound butter under the skin for your next roast chicken.

1. Enhanced Flavor Infusion

Deep Flavor Penetration: When you place compound butter under the chicken’s skin, the flavors infuse directly into the meat as it cooks. This method ensures that every bite is packed with the rich, aromatic flavors of the butter and its accompanying herbs, spices, and citrus.

Customizable Flavors: Compound butters can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you prefer garlic and herbs, citrus and rosemary, or spicy and smoky flavors, you can create a butter mixture that complements your preferences. The butter’s flavors melt and permeate the meat, making the entire chicken flavorful, not just the surface.

2. Moist and Tender Meat

Juicy Results: One of the primary benefits of using compound butter under the skin is its ability to keep the chicken moist. As the butter melts during roasting, it bastes the meat from within, helping to retain moisture and preventing the chicken from drying out. This results in tender, juicy meat that is flavorful from the inside out.

Even Cooking: The fat in the butter also helps to distribute heat more evenly, contributing to a more uniform cooking process. This can help prevent overcooking and ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender throughout.

3. Crispy, Flavorful Skin

Golden Brown and Crispy: The butter under the skin helps to achieve a beautifully golden-brown, crispy skin. As the butter melts and cooks, it creates a deliciously crispy layer on the surface, enhancing both texture and flavor.

Flavorful Crispiness: The compound butter often contains herbs and spices that meld into the skin, creating a flavorful crust that adds depth to each bite. This crispy layer is not only visually appealing but also adds an extra layer of taste and satisfaction.

4. Simple and Impressive Technique

Ease of Preparation: Preparing compound butter and placing it under the skin is surprisingly simple. Mix your butter with desired herbs and spices, then gently lift the skin of the chicken and spread the mixture underneath. This technique is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but also impressive enough for special occasions.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact: While the technique itself is straightforward, the results are impressive. You’ll achieve a roast chicken that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen, with minimal additional effort on your part.

5. Versatility and Customization

Endless Variations: The possibilities for compound butter are nearly endless. You can create a variety of flavors to suit different cuisines or preferences, such as:

• Garlic Herb Butter: A blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
• Citrus Butter: Lemon and orange zest with a touch of dill or basil.
• Spicy Butter: A mixture of chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Adapt to Your Taste: Adjust the ingredients in your compound butter to fit the season or the side dishes you plan to serve. The ability to customize your butter allows you to pair your roast chicken with a wide range of flavors and accompaniments.

Roast the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken quarters on a rack set over a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the quarters.
• Baste the chicken towards the end with the remaining compound butter

Rest and Serve:

• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to re-distribute, keeping the meat moist.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful, citrus-infused chicken quarters.

Tips for Success

• Even Butter Distribution: Ensure the citrus butter is evenly spread under the skin to maximize flavor infusion.
• Crispy Skin: Drying the chicken skin before applying the butter helps achieve a crispy texture during roasting.
• Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest after roasting is crucial for juicy, tender meat.

Making gravy from the pan drippings of roasted chicken is a wonderful way to enhance your meal with a rich, savory flavor. The drippings from the roasting pan carry the concentrated flavors of the chicken, making them an ideal base for a delicious, homemade gravy. Here’s a simple and foolproof method to turn those flavorful drippings into a smooth and savory gravy.

For the gravy, melt 2 tbsps of butter and add the seasoned flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes and then add in 2 cups of the pan drippings and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat immediately to a simmer and then add the cream and soy sauce. Season to taste and serve.

This recipe for roasted chicken quarters with citrus butter under the skin combines the best of both worlds: succulent, juicy meat and crispy, flavorful skin. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s sure to delight your family and guests. Enjoy!

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