Baked legs with cream of mushroom

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Legs

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin get crispy while baking. Rub the chicken legs with olive oil or melted butter and season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Be sure to coat them evenly on all sides.

2. Prepare the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with chicken broth (or water) to thin it out slightly. Add sour cream to make the sauce extra creamy (optional). Stir everything together until well combined.

3. Assemble the Dish

Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the chicken legs, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce. The sauce will help keep the chicken moist while baking, and it will infuse the chicken with rich flavor.

4. Bake the Chicken

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through while staying tender and juicy. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the chicken skin to get golden and crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C), remove it from the oven. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve the baked chicken legs with your choice of side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or a green vegetable, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s full of flavor.

Why This Dish is So Special

• Simple and Flavorful: The combination of the chicken and creamy mushroom sauce is a classic comfort food duo that never goes out of style. The mushrooms add an earthy depth, while the creamy sauce brings richness and moisture to the chicken.
• Minimal Prep Time: This recipe requires very little hands-on time, making it a great choice for busy evenings. Simply season the chicken, prepare the sauce, and bake—then relax while dinner cooks itself.
• Tender Chicken: The chicken legs cook perfectly in the oven, staying tender and juicy thanks to the mushroom sauce. The skin becomes golden and crisp while the inside remains moist and flavorful.
• Affordable and Versatile: Chicken legs are a budget-friendly option, and the dish can easily be adapted with different seasonings or sauces to suit your preferences. You can also use this method with other cuts of chicken like thighs or breasts.

Customizations and Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to personalize it to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: You can mix in some vegetables like sliced carrots, onions, or bell peppers with the chicken to make the dish even heartier. Just place them in the baking dish with the chicken and let them cook in the sauce.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be added to the sauce to elevate the flavor and bring extra depth to the dish.
• Different Sauces: For a twist, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with other creamy soups like cream of chicken or even a homemade cream sauce. You can also try adding a bit of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine to the sauce for added complexity.
• Cheese: For an extra creamy touch, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) on top of the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a cheesy crust.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to arrange the chicken legs in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam rather than bake.
2. Check the Chicken’s Temperature: Always check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving to ensure it’s fully cooked.
3. Customize the Sauce: You can add additional flavor by seasoning the sauce with your favorite spices or herbs. A dash of garlic or a sprinkle of dried thyme can enhance the flavor even further.
4. Rest the Chicken: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even juicier.

Final Thoughts

Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom is a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its simple ingredients, easy prep, and rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is bound to be a family favorite. The tender chicken and creamy sauce come together to create a satisfying and hearty meal that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for your family, this recipe is sure to please.

So grab your chicken legs, prepare the creamy mushroom sauce, and enjoy this delicious, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for any occasion!