Farm-to-Table Goodness: Herb & Garlic Butter Roasted Pasture-Raised Chicken Leg Quarters

There’s something special about cooking with locally sourced, pasture-raised chicken. The rich flavor, tender texture, and the knowledge that your meal supports ethical, sustainable farming make every bite more satisfying. Today, we’re focusing on chicken leg quarters—a flavorful, budget-friendly cut that’s perfect for roasting.

This recipe keeps things simple, allowing the natural taste of pasture-raised chicken to shine. A blend of butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon enhances the meat’s juiciness, while roasted sweet potatoes and a crisp green salad complete this nourishing meal.

Why Choose Pasture-Raised Chicken?

If you’ve ever compared pasture-raised chicken to conventionally raised poultry, you know the difference is undeniable. Birds that roam freely on pasture develop a deeper flavor, richer color, and healthier fat content thanks to their natural diet of grasses, bugs, and grains. Supporting local farmers who raise chickens this way ensures high-quality food while promoting animal welfare and sustainable agriculture. We are so proud at Bowers Farm to offer the highest quality pasture-raised chicken!

Herb & Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters

Ingredients:

(Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 4 Bowers Farm pasture-raised chicken leg quarters

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

  
  

For the Sides:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut however you prefer. We sliced ours.

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Mixed greens salad with the veggies and dressing that your family enjoys!

  
  

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.

3. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. When I fixed this, my butter was softened, but I think next time I'll melt it a bit more to help both mix the ingredients and more easily spread on the chicken.

4. Gently loosen the skin of each chicken quarter and rub half of the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the top.

5. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a cast-iron skillet.

   
   

Step 2: Roast the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

1. Place the chicken in the oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F (80-82°C).

2. Meanwhile, toss the sweet potato pieces in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet.

3. Add the sweet potatoes to the oven for the last 30 minutes of roasting time.

   
   

Step 3: Prepare the Salad

One day I'll be like a fancy chef who plates things so beautifully, but today I'm just a mom who tried a new recipe that everyone loved even though the picture isn't the best, hahaha!

• While the chicken and sweet potatoes are roasting, toss mixed greens with whatever goodies you can sneak in for your family! We love craisins on our salad and cucumbers! Today it's store bought, but I can't wait for fresh ones from our garden this summer!

  
  

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Cooking with local, pasture-raised chicken is about more than just better taste—it’s about making mindful choices that support your community and the environment. This simple yet flavorful herb & garlic butter roasted chicken recipe allows the high-quality meat to shine while providing a wholesome, balanced meal.

Place an order today with Bowers Farm for some of our pasture raised leg quarters—you won’t be disappointed!