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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through evenly and the mushroom sauce becomes rich and bubbly.
2. Prepare the Chicken Legs:
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy while baking.
- Rub the chicken legs with olive oil to help with browning and crisping.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly on all sides.
3. Make the Mushroom Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with chicken broth (or water) and stir until smooth. This creates a creamy, pourable sauce that will cover the chicken.
- If you like a bit more flavor, you can also add dried thyme or fresh herbs like rosemary for extra seasoning.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Place the seasoned chicken legs in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the cream of mushroom sauce over the chicken, making sure it covers the legs evenly. This sauce will help keep the chicken moist and add flavor as it bakes.
5. Bake the Chicken:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that the skin becomes crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or any herbs of your choice for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the chicken legs with the creamy mushroom sauce spooned over the top.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mushroom sauce is perfect for smothering over a serving of buttery mashed potatoes.
- Rice: Serve with steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a great side dish to complement the flavors of the chicken.
- Side Salad: A simple side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.
Tips for Success
🌟 Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken legs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking after removing the foil. This will give the skin a nice, crispy finish.
🌟 Customize the Sauce: Feel free to get creative with the mushroom sauce. You can add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
🌟 Bone-in Chicken: While chicken legs are the traditional choice for this dish, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature.
🌟 One-Pan Meal: If you’re short on time, add your favorite vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers) to the baking dish along with the chicken. The vegetables will cook in the mushroom sauce, making for an easy and complete meal.
Why This Dish Works So Well
Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The chicken legs stay tender and juicy, absorbing the rich, creamy sauce, while the seasoning provides a nice depth of flavor. The cream of mushroom soup serves as a simple, flavorful base that adds a comforting, creamy touch without being overwhelming.
This dish works well for busy families, beginner cooks, or anyone looking for a satisfying, no-fuss meal. It’s versatile enough to serve for a casual weeknight dinner, but it’s delicious enough to serve to guests. The creamy mushroom sauce is rich and savory, but not overly heavy, making it an ideal option for many occasions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food, Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom is the dish to make. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or serving it to guests, this recipe offers all the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade, hearty meal.
So, next time you’re looking for a simple, delicious dinner, grab a few chicken legs, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and let your oven work its magic. Dinner has never been this easy or comforting!
Enjoy your meal! 🍗🍄🥔
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