Sep 05 2026
RestaurantsPhil's BBQQuarter Chicken Dinner Recipe

Quarter Chicken Dinner Recipe

Inspired by Phil's BBQ
Time1h 15m
Serves4

Make Quarter Chicken Dinner Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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BBQ Quarter Chicken

Method

BBQ Quarter Chicken

  1. 1

    Prep chicken

    Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Tuck loose skin where possible and trim any excess fat. Place the pieces in a large bowl or baking tray so they are ready for seasoning.

  2. 2

    Make rub

    In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar until a paste forms. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of this mixture if you want to brush under the skin; otherwise use it all on the skin and meat.

  3. 3

    Season chicken

    Rub the seasoning paste evenly over each chicken quarter, coating skin and exposed meat. If you reserved a small amount, gently loosen the skin at the thigh and spread a little of the paste under the skin for more flavor. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours covered).

  4. 4

    Preheat grill or oven

    For grill: prepare for two-zone cooking and preheat to medium-high (about 375–425°F / 190–220°C). For oven: preheat to 400°F (205°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil; place a wire rack on the sheet.

  5. 5

    Cook chicken

    Grill: Place chicken skin-side down over direct heat for 4–6 minutes to crisp the skin, then move to indirect heat, cover, and cook for 25–35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Oven: place chicken skin-side up on the rack and roast 35–45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Times will vary by size—use an instant-read thermometer.

  6. 6

    Apply BBQ sauce

    In the last 8–10 minutes of cooking, mix the prepared BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar to loosen and brighten it. Brush a generous layer of sauce onto the chicken, return to heat (covered if using a grill) and cook another 4–5 minutes. Repeat one more time for a sticky glaze, watching closely to prevent burning.

  7. 7

    Rest and finish

    Remove chicken from heat and let rest 5–8 minutes so juices redistribute. Brush one final thin coat of reserved sauce if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Simple BBQ Sides (optional)

  1. 8

    Roast baby potatoes

    Toss potatoes with 1 tbs olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the same oven as chicken for 25–30 minutes at 400°F (205°C) until tender and golden, turning once halfway through.

  2. 9

    Grill corn

    If using corn, brush each ear with melted butter and place on the grill over medium heat. Turn every 2–3 minutes for 10–12 minutes until charred in spots and tender. Alternatively roast in oven wrapped in foil for 20–25 minutes.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Arrange a quarter chicken on each plate with roasted potatoes and a corn ear. Sprinkle potatoes with chopped parsley, add a lemon wedge, and pass extra BBQ sauce at the table.

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