Slow Cooked Chicken Leg Quarters

There’s nothing better than tender, juicy chicken leg quarters with crispy golden skin and rich, tasty gravy. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a family dinner, slow-cooked chicken is simple and delicious. This recipe is super easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress everyone at the table.

A plate of seasoned and roasted chicken quarters garnished with parsley, with gravy, mashed potatoes, and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Chicken leg quarters are a favorite for many home cooks because they’re affordable, tasty, and can be used in lots of different recipes. They’re great any time of year, especially in the cooler months when warm, comforting meals are the best. The slow cooker keeps the meat tender and makes the flavors even better.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need an easy dinner. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—it’s fancy enough to serve guests or celebrate special occasions!

If you’re a fan of slow-cooked dishes, you should also try this Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara or Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini.

Raw chicken legs on a plate with small bowls of broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, spices, cornstarch, and water arranged around it on a white surface.

Ingredients

We’ve put together a list of ingredients to make your next grocery shopping trip easy. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Chicken leg quarters – The main ingredient provides tender, flavorful meat for the dish.
Salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken and other ingredients.
Black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
Smoked paprika – Gives the chicken a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Garlic powder – Adds a savory, garlicky taste to the seasoning mix.
Onion powder – Compliments the garlic and adds a subtle onion flavor.
Dried thyme – Provides a mild, earthy, and slightly minty aroma.
Dried oregano – Adds a hint of herbal, slightly bitter flavor to balance the dish.
Chicken broth – Forms the base for a rich, flavorful sauce.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds a tangy, savory depth to the sauce.
Cornstarch – Used as a thickener to create a silky sauce.
Water – Helps dissolve cornstarch and adjust the sauce consistency.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick step-by-step guide for making the best slow-cooked chicken. For detailed instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

Raw chicken covered with a blend of dry spices and herbs, placed on a white plate.

Step 1: Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with a paper towel for crispy skin. Mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano in a bowl. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken to coat evenly.

Raw, seasoned chicken pieces are placed in a white slow cooker, with a measuring cup of broth and a small cup of sauce nearby on a white surface.

Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken in your Crockpot. Add chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce around the chicken, not over it. Cover and cook on low until the chicken is tender.

Four seasoned, cooked chicken leg quarters on a foil-lined baking sheet, with a Crockpot slow cooker visible in the background.

Step 3: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Transfer the cooked chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil. Watch closely until the skin is golden and crispy.

Four seasoned chicken breasts cook in a white slow cooker, surrounded by a golden brown broth.

Step 4: While broiling, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add it to the Crockpot juice and whisk. Cook on high until the gravy thickens. Serve the crispy chicken with rich gravy and your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Storage

Storage – Place cooled chicken leg quarters in an airtight container alongside any remaining gravy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Want to save some for later? Freeze the chicken and gravy in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating – Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, and heat the gravy in a saucepan on the stove. You’ll have a meal that tastes just as delicious as when you first made it.

What to Serve With Slow Cooked Chicken Quarters

Not sure what to pair with this dish? Here are some tasty options to round out your meal:

Fluffy Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole or buttered rice
A side of roasted vegetables like Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots or Brussels sprouts
A crisp Kale White Bean Salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Crusty Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread for soaking up that incredible gravy

A plate with a baked chicken leg, mashed potatoes, and brown gravy, with a gravy boat, salt and pepper shakers, and parsley in the background.

Wendys Tips

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up in the broiler.
Don’t skip the broiling step! It adds that irresistible, golden, crispy texture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Double the seasoning mix and save some for next time; it goes great on other cuts of chicken too.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Keep in mind that boneless chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long does it take to cook chicken leg quarters in a slow cooker?

It takes about 6 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high, but times may vary based on your slow cooker model.