Tiger Chicken
+1 photo

Tiger Chicken

4 servings
This tiger chicken technique is the best way to roast chicken leg quarters, a very popular cut of chicken. The skin is crispy; the meat is tender, succulent, and beautifully seasoned. Along with the fastest, best, tastiest pan sauce ever, this is an exceptional way to prepare chicken.

Ingredients

  • kosher salt
    1 ½ tsp
  • ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • garlic powder
    ½ tsp
  • chipotle chili powder
    ¼ tsp
  • baking soda
    ¼ tsp
  • chicken leg quarter sections
    4
  • all-purpose flour
    2 tbsp
  • chicken bone broth
    1 ⅓ c
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • cayenne
    1 pinch
  • any fresh herb
    1 sprig

Directions

  1. 1

    For seasoning salt, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, and baking soda in a small bowl. Stir together thoroughly, and set aside.

  2. 2

    For tiger cut chicken, lay a leg quarter, skin side up, on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, begin halfway up the chicken leg, and make cuts through the skin to the bone, every 1/4 -inch. Make these parallel cuts all the way to the end of the thigh. Repeat with remaining leg quarters.

  3. 3

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and place the chicken, skin side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle surface with 1/2 of the seasoning salt. Turn legs over and sprinkle the remaining seasoning salt on the skin side, distributing it evenly over the entire surface.

  4. 4

    Refrigerate chicken legs on the baking sheet, uncovered, to dry out overnight.

  5. 5

    Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (235 degrees C). Set a rack in the upper center of the oven.

  6. 6

    Roast chicken in the preheated oven until skin is crispy, chicken is no longer pink at the bone, and juices run clear, about 45 minutes. An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

  7. 7

    Remove chicken to a plate; keep chicken warm while preparing a pan gravy.

  8. 8

    Scrape drippings from the parchment into a small skillet, and place over medium-high heat. Add flour, and stir continually with a whisk until flour begins to smell like baked pie crust, about 2 minutes.

  9. 9

    Pour in chicken broth; whisk continuously, and bring sauce to a simmer to thicken. Adjust thickness by adding a little broth to thin, or by simmering a bit longer to thicken. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss in a sprig of any fresh herb and whisk for a minute more.

  10. 10

    Add a spoonful of pan sauce to a plate and add chicken on top to serve.

    Step 10
Tiger Chicken
+1

Tiger Chicken

5.0(7)545 min4 servings149 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 7 ratings

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5.0(7 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Ready for perfectly roasted chicken leg quarters with an irresistible crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat? This "Tiger Chicken" technique delivers restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen, making a very popular cut of chicken truly exceptional.

Why This Tiger Chicken Works

The secret to this recipe's standout success lies in a clever technique that guarantees that coveted crispy skin while keeping the meat perfectly tender and succulent. The unique seasoning blend, featuring a touch of baking soda, is key to achieving that beautiful golden-brown crispness. Plus, you’ll create the fastest, best, tastiest pan sauce ever, elevating every bite.

What to Expect

Prepare your senses for a truly satisfying dinner experience. You'll enjoy chicken leg quarters with intensely flavorful, beautifully seasoned meat, perfectly contrasted by a crackling, golden-brown skin. The rich, savory pan sauce, built right in the roasting pan, brings everything together for an unforgettable meal. While the active cooking and prep are efficient, be aware of a longer total time investment that allows for incredible depth of flavor to develop, ensuring a truly special dish.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by modifying the amount of chipotle chili powder or adding extra cayenne to taste. To personalize your dish, consider experimenting with different fresh herbs as a garnish—chopped parsley, chives, or rosemary would all complement the rich chicken beautifully. For a deeper flavor, ensure you use a high-quality chicken bone broth for the pan sauce.

Serving & Context

This Tiger Chicken is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests at a casual gathering. Serve it alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, a creamy mashed potato, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions