Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress, look no further than Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom. Tender, juicy chicken legs are baked to perfection and smothered in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce that makes every bite melt in your mouth. The rich, earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs beautifully with the golden-brown chicken, creating a dish that’s cozy, filling, and downright delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

This dish combines the best of comfort food with a bit of elegance. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Comforting and Hearty: The tender chicken legs paired with the creamy mushroom sauce make for a deeply satisfying meal that’ll leave you feeling full and happy.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: It’s made with simple, everyday ingredients—no fancy or hard-to-find items—yet the flavor is out of this world.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once you’ve got everything in the oven, it’s mostly hands-off. The oven does all the work, leaving you with more time to relax or prepare a side dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious and make for great meals throughout the week.

Ingredients in Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

This recipe is straightforward, but the flavors are rich and satisfying. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Chicken Legs:

• Chicken legs (drumsticks): The star of the dish. Skin-on, bone-in legs give you that crispy skin and tender meat that’s hard to resist.
• Olive oil: To help crisp up the chicken while baking and enhance the flavor.
• Garlic powder: For a savory base that complements the mushrooms and chicken.
• Onion powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor to the chicken.
• Paprika: A little smoky heat to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
• Salt & pepper: To taste. These basic seasonings are key to making the chicken really shine.

For the Cream of Mushroom Sauce:

• Cream of mushroom soup: The base of the sauce. It’s creamy, savory, and full of flavor. You can use low-fat or regular depending on your preference.
• Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms sliced thinly for extra texture and earthy flavor.
• Chicken broth: To thin out the soup and give it a more saucy texture.
• Heavy cream: To make the sauce extra rich and creamy.
• Onion: A bit of finely chopped onion for added depth.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic to bring in an aromatic base.
• Fresh thyme: For a touch of fresh, earthy flavor to complement the mushrooms.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Legs:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub each leg with olive oil, then season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Make the Cream of Mushroom Sauce:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender and their moisture has evaporated.
3. Make the Sauce: Add the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything together, then simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken legs on the baking sheet. Make sure each leg is well-coated.
2. Bake: Bake the chicken and sauce for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce will bubble and thicken as it cooks.
3. Optional Step for Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken and serve it hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 530mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 40g
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 2%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

These Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom are perfect for a hearty dinner. Here are some great serving suggestions:

• With Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up all that creamy mushroom goodness.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich mushroom sauce. You can even spoon some sauce over the potatoes for extra flavor.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted carrots, asparagus, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• On Their Own: These chicken legs are flavorful enough to stand alone. Just spoon the sauce over the chicken and enjoy as-is!

Additional Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauce while simmering for a more complex flavor profile.
• Vegetable Variation: You can add other vegetables to the mushroom sauce, like spinach or peas, for added texture and color.
• Make Ahead: You can prep everything ahead of time, then bake the chicken when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using cold chicken from the fridge.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of legs?
A1: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be shorter. Bake the chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes or until they reach 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken with the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the chicken legs with the mushroom sauce. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q5: What other vegetables can I add to the sauce?
A5: You can add carrots, peas, spinach, or even some bell peppers to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

Q6: Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?
A6: Fresh mushrooms give the best texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, canned mushrooms will work as a substitute.

Q7: Can I use a different cream-based soup for the sauce?
A7: Yes! You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Q8: Can I use boneless chicken legs?
A8: Boneless chicken legs will cook faster, so be sure to check the internal temperature after about 30-35 minutes of baking.

Q9: What if I don’t have thyme?
A9: You can substitute thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different but equally delicious flavor.

Q10: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes, you can. Just season the chicken and pour the mushroom sauce over it, then cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

These Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom are the epitome of comfort food. With their tender chicken and creamy, flavorful mushroom sauce, they make for a perfect weeknight meal or a special dinner for loved ones. Simple yet satisfying, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Print