Today, we’re making Lime & Butter Chicken. If you haven’t tried this recipe before, you’re in for an exciting experience. Chicken leg quarters are favoured in many Asian countries due to their tender texture and juicy flavor. Chicken leg quarter includes both the thigh and the drumstick.

Many people around the world prefer chicken leg quarters over chicken breasts because they contain more connective tissue and fat. This creates a richer and more luxurious taste compared to other parts of the chicken. When cooked with the skin on, the skin crisps up, while the thighs and drumsticks retain their moisture, this enhances their flavor. A popular recipe featuring chicken leg quarters is Chicken Adobo from Filipino cuisine.

Ingredients

Chicken Leg Quarters, Paprika powder, Lime juice, Salt, Date Syrup, Butter.

We’re grilling medium- to large-sized chicken leg quarters. The cooking process will reduce the size of the chicken leg quarters by 1/3rd. This will result in crispy skin and succulent chicken. Paprika powder adds a touch of heat; you can substitute it with chili powder or cayenne pepper. Lime juice is practically the star of the show; it adds a burst of citrus flavors that make the Chicken Leg quarters stand out in a very unique way.

Date syrup is the wild card in this recipe; you may have never heard of it. This syrup is popular in the Middle East; it is made with real dates and typically contains no added sugar, relying on the dates’ natural sugars. You can find date syrup in many Middle Eastern supermarkets and online. A great substitute for date syrup would be Honey, Maple syrup, or Pomegranate syrup. Butter, along with the date syrup, will take this recipe to the next level. The flavors are very unusual and quite addictive. Lime & Butter Chicken Quarters performed exceptionally well in terms of sensational flavors.

Instructions

Rinse the chicken and pat them dry. Slice the tops of the chicken leg quarters with a knife; this will help the flavors penetrate the chicken’s flesh. Preheat the grill pan on medium-low heat. Slice the limes.

Add butter to the grill pan. Place the chicken quarters on the pan, skin side down first, and add a gentle shake of salt. Grill the chicken for 4 minutes, or until the skin is browned. Flip the chicken and sprinkle a pinch of salt on it. Add more oil and butter if necessary. Grill for another 4 minutes. Repeat this process three times without adding more salt. The Chicken will take 12 minutes per side to ensure that it is properly cooked. Press down the parts to evenly brown them. Grilling the chicken for a few more minutes on each side enhances the flavor and creates a delicious brown crust. This is a powerful technique, especially when cooking the chicken on the stove-top.

When you press down on the chicken with tongs, it ensures that the surface of the chicken is in contact with the hot pan. During this process, make sure to watch the chicken carefully, avoid burning the skin. During this step, it is essential that the chicken has no raw spots. The skin should have a deep brown color. You may notice that some fat is rendering out, this is a very good sign.

While the Chicken is grilling, squeeze the lime juice into a bowl. Add paprika powder and date syrup to the bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken leg quarters, then flip the chicken to ensure the meat is in contact with the citrusy marinade. After two minutes, remove the chicken leg quarters onto a plate. Let it rest for 2 minutes, then serve.

The Lime & Butter Chicken recipe is ready to eat and enjoy. Serve immediately. This dish has a touch of Arabic and Latin American culture; it is a fusion recipe that pairs well with side dishes from both cuisines.

What to Serve with Chicken Leg Quarters?

Think of fresh and vibrant flavors that are perfect for a warm afternoon or a cool night. You can serve this dish with a Tomato Salsa, Rocket & Red Pepper salad, which would also be phenomenal, as it uses a tangy Italian salad dressing. This creamy corn salad is also a winner for imparting incredible flavors to this meal.

How to Store Chicken Leg Quarters?

Store the chicken leg quarters in a Tupperware in the fridge. Eat within two to three days. Freezing will ensure that you have access to quick and easy protein for up to three months. Defrost on counter-top or in the oven.

Lime & Butter Chicken Quarters

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Arabic, Fusion dish, Latin American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Calories: 387kcal

Author: thetastejournal.com

Ingredients

Protein

▢ 4 Chicken Leg Quarters

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Wash the Chicken Leg Quarters, then pat dry. Make three incisions alongside the top of the skin.
Grill the chicken: Preheat the pan on medium-low heat. Add the Butter. Place the chicken on the pan with the skin side and cook for four minutes until brown. Sprinkle some salt on the side facing up, flip the chicken leg quarters. Grill the other side. Repeat three times for a total time of 12 minutes per side until the chicken leg quarters are cooked. Cover with a foil or a grill pan lid to prevent the butter from splashing onto the stove.
Make the marinade: Squeeze the lime juice into a bowl. Add paprika powder and date syrup and mix well. Drizzle the marinade onto the chicken leg quarters, flip the chicken a few times to absorb the citrusy flavours. The heat of the grill pan will help the marinade penetrate the flesh of the chicken. Thereafter, rest for two minutes and serve.