Chicken leg quarters are widely popular and offer a tasty and affordable option for meat lovers. If you’re planning to order a quarter chicken, it’s essential to know what exactly makes up the meal.
A quarter chicken usually consists of the drumstick, thigh, and a portion of the back. It’s worth noting that these cuts are what makeup chicken leg quarters. The cuts are also referred to as a hindquarter or a thigh quarter.
Most restaurants have a specific way of serving a quarter chicken. In this post, we’ll look at what to expect when ordering a quarter chicken and some of the sides that typically come with it.
What To Expect When Ordering a Quarter Chicken
When you order a quarter chicken, you’ll receive a plate with two distinct pieces of chicken- a drumstick and a thigh. The cuts usually have skin on them and are seasoned with different herbs and spices, depending on the restaurant.
If you’re dining in a restaurant, some establishments may offer a boneless option or have the boned chicken quartered to make it easier to eat. This option is particularly helpful if you’re dining with children or elderly people who may struggle with the bone-in variant.
One of the things to keep in mind when ordering chicken leg quarters is that they are made up of dark meat. This means that they contain more fat than white meat such as chicken breasts. However, dark meat is also more flavorful and juicy, making it an ideal option for people who love savory and succulent meals.
Sides Served with a Quarter Chicken
A quarter chicken is rarely served as a standalone meal but comes with a variety of sides to complete the meal. The sides are usually carb-based, with the intent to provide a well-rounded meal that satisfies your hunger and offers adequate nutrients.
Some of the most common sides served with a quarter chicken include:
1. Fries or Chips
Fries or chips are a common accompaniment to chicken leg quarters. They’re usually fried potatoes and can be salted or seasoned with different herbs and spices. Depending on the restaurant, you may be offered sweet potato fries as a healthier alternative.
2. Rice, Couscous, or Quinoa
Rice, Couscous, and Quinoa are popular carb-based side dishes that complement chicken leg quarters. They’re usually cooked with different spices or flavors to add variety and improve the taste.
3. Steamed Vegetables
Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, and carrots are an excellent option for people who want to add vegetables to their meal. They’re usually plain and steamed, making them healthier and an ideal choice for people on a diet.
4. Salad
A simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers is an excellent way to balance the richness of the chicken leg quarters while staying healthy. Dressings such as vinaigrette or Caesar can be added to add flavor and bring out the taste of the salad.
The Bottom Line
A quarter chicken with all the sides is a robust meal that satisfies your hunger and offers a taste of different flavors. Always take some time to look at the menu to find out what comes with your meal, especially if you have any dietary restrictions.
In summary, a quarter chicken is made up of a drumstick, thigh, and a portion of the back. It’s usually served bone-in but can be quartered for a boneless option. Additionally, it’s typically accompanied by carb-based sides like fries or chips, rice, couscous, or quinoa, and steamed vegetables or salad.
FAQ
What does a 1 4 chicken include?
A 1/4 chicken typically refers to a chicken leg quarter, which includes both a thigh and drumstick attached to a small piece of the back. This cut of chicken is often preferred because it is meaty and flavorful and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as roasted, grilled, or braised. When purchasing a 1/4 chicken, it is important to select a high-quality cut that is fresh and has not been compromised in any way. You may find this cut of chicken sold as a whole leg quarter or packaged individually. Leg quarters are versatile and can be used in a range of chicken dishes, including stews, soups, and curries. Additionally, they are often more affordable than other cuts of chicken, so they can be a great option for those on a budget. a 1/4 chicken is a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal and provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
How many pieces are in a quarter chicken?
When you break down a whole chicken into quarters, you will end up with 4 pieces, as the name suggests. The process of quartering a chicken involves cutting the chicken into four parts, separating the light meat from the dark meat. Two of the pieces you’ll get will be a front leg and the corresponding breast quarter. The other two pieces will be a hind leg and the opposite corresponding breast quarter.
Quartering the chicken can be done at home or by a butcher. If you’re doing it at home, you’ll need to make sure you have a sharp knife and a steady hand. First, remove the wings from the bird by pulling them away from the body and cutting through the joint where they connect. Then, cut through the backbone of the chicken with a sharp knife or kitchen shears, splitting the chicken into two equal halves. You’ll now want to slice through the cartilage that connects the two breast halves, removing the breast quarters from the ribcage. Finally, locate the joint in the chicken’s leg and cut through it to separate the leg quarter from the rest of the bird. Repeat the process on the other side of the chicken, and you’ll end up with four equally-sized quarters.
When you quarter a chicken, you will get 4 pieces, including a front leg with the corresponding breast quarter, a hind leg with the opposite corresponding breast quarter. While the process can be a bit time-consuming, quartering your own chicken can be a great way to save money and ensure you’re using all parts of the bird.
