Clean and pat dry the chicken leg quarters with a kitchen towel and set them aside.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat an oven-proof skillet on a medium flame, add olive oil, and once the oil is heated sear the chicken leg quarters on both sides for 5-6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
To the same skillet add butter, once the butter is melted add the chopped shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the chicken broth and check for seasonings and allow the chicken broth to simmer for a couple of minutes.
Transfer the chicken back to the skillet and arrange the garlic cloves, lemon slices, fresh thyme over and bake the chicken for 20 - 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Once done, serve the chicken over mashed potatoes and greens to enjoy.
Notes
Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces such as leg quarters, thighs or drumsticks.
Before braising, sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a little oil. This step adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Simmer gently; do not let it boil vigorously to maintain tenderness.
Use fresh lemon slices rather than adding lemon juice. The whole lemon imparts flavor.