Catalan chicken quarters combine smoky grilled chicken, spicy chorizo, olives, tomatoes, garlic, and warming spices into a rich Spanish-inspired barbecue recipe packed with bold Mediterranean flavor. The chicken develops crispy golden skin on the grill while the tomato and chorizo sauce creates smoky savory richness with subtle spice and depth.
This barbecue chicken recipe remains popular because it transforms simple chicken quarters into a comforting grilled dish with rich Spanish flavor. Chorizo, olives, garlic, wine, and tomatoes simmer together into a thick sauce that pairs perfectly with juicy grilled chicken.
Why Catalan chicken quarters stay juicy on the grill
The popularity of Catalan chicken quarters continues to grow because chicken leg quarters remain tender and flavorful during grilling while absorbing smoky barbecue flavor from the grill. Cooking the chicken slowly while turning regularly also helps create crispy skin without drying the meat.
Another reason this grilled chicken recipe works so well is the balance between smoky barbecue flavor and rich tomato sauce. Chorizo adds spicy depth while olives and red wine bring extra Mediterranean character to the dish.
Spanish-style tomato sauce adds smoky richness
The thick tomato sauce gives these Catalan chicken quarters their signature flavor. Tomatoes, garlic, onion, olives, red wine, and spicy chorizo combine into a rich savory sauce with smoky and slightly spicy notes.
If you enjoy Mediterranean barbecue recipes, you may also like our Chicken & Chorizo Kebabs With Chimichurri, another flavorful grilled chicken recipe packed with smoky Spanish-inspired flavor.
Texture plays an important role in this recipe. The chicken skin becomes crispy and lightly charred while the inside remains juicy and tender. The thick sauce also creates rich contrast against the smoky grilled meat.
The spice blend of cumin, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and black pepper adds warmth and depth without overpowering the chicken itself. Allowing the rub to rest on the chicken before grilling also helps build stronger flavor.
Perfect chicken recipe for outdoor dinners and barbecue nights
These Catalan chicken quarters work perfectly for outdoor dinners, summer cookouts, and family barbecue meals because the sauce can simmer while the chicken grills slowly over the barbecue.
The chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or fresh salads. Extra sauce spooned over the chicken before serving also adds even deeper smoky Mediterranean flavor.
Proper food handling remains important whenever preparing poultry and grilled chicken dishes. Chicken should always be cooked fully and handled carefully during preparation and grilling. For additional poultry preparation and grilling safety guidance, visit the FDA.
Ultimately, Catalan chicken quarters deliver smoky grilled chicken, rich tomato sauce, spicy chorizo flavor, and Mediterranean barbecue character in a comforting recipe perfect for outdoor grilling and family dinners.
Catalan Chicken Quarters
Equipment
- Barbecue grill
- Bowls
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 1 onion chopped
- 172 g chorizo chopped
- 1 can tomatoes drained and chopped
- 120 ml red wine
- 114 g olives chopped
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the seasoning mixture over the chicken and under the skin.
- Cover and refrigerate briefly.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
- Cook the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the chorizo, tomatoes, and red wine.
- Simmer the sauce over low heat.
- Preheat the barbecue grill over medium heat.
- Place the chicken quarters onto the grill.
- Cook while turning regularly until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
- Add the olives to the sauce and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve the chicken quarters topped with the tomato and chorizo sauce.