Introduction
Baked legs with cream of mushroom is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken legs with a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a savory meal that’s easy to prepare yet full of flavor. The combination of the juicy chicken and the creamy mushroom sauce creates a balance that everyone will love.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with minimal preparation and a few basic ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal. You can serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a complete and hearty meal that will leave your guests or family members asking for more.
Ingredients
1/4 cup flour you can use gluten-free flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 lb chicken legs about 3-4 large chicken legs
2 tablespoons olive oil
10 oz mushrooms each sliced in half
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon olive oil if needed1 cup chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture.
This step helps the skin become crispy while baking. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
In a large oven-safe baking dish, drizzle a bit of olive oil to coat the bottom. Place the seasoned chicken legs in the dish, skin-side up.
In a separate bowl, mix the can of cream of mushroom soup with a bit of chicken broth to thin out the consistency.
Add minced garlic, chopped onions, and any additional seasoning to the mixture. Pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the chicken legs, ensuring they are well-coated.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until.
the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the chicken to crisp up.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish the baked chicken legs with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve with your preferred sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Make
Making baked legs with cream of mushroom is simple. Start by preparing the chicken legs—season them generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs.
This will enhance the flavor right from the beginning. Next, prepare the mushroom sauce by mixing the cream of mushroom soup with chicken.
broth and garlic. You want the sauce to be flavorful, so make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.
After coating the chicken legs in the seasoned sauce, bake them in the oven for the perfect amount of time.
The foil will help keep the chicken moist, while removing it towards the end ensures a crispy finish.
The combination of flavors from the chicken and the creamy sauce is what makes this dish a standout.
If you want to make this dish even more indulgent, consider adding a sprinkle of cheese over the top before the final 10-minute bake.
This will give it a golden, cheesy finish that will add to the richness.
Another key element in preparing this dish is ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked. You can always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
which should reach 165°F (74°C). This way, you avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cream of mushroom soup based on your preference for the sauce’s thickness.
You can always add more chicken broth for a thinner consistency or keep it creamy for a richer taste.
Don’t forget the sides! This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad. They complement the flavors of the chicken and sauce perfectly.
Once the chicken has rested for a few minutes after baking, serve it alongside your choice of sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to impress.
Tips
If you want to make your chicken extra crispy, try browning it in a hot skillet before transferring it to the oven. This step will give the chicken a nice golden crust before the cream of mushroom sauce is added.
Another tip is to marinate the chicken legs for a couple of hours before baking. A simple marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can infuse the chicken with extra flavor, making the dish even more delicious.
For an extra creamy texture, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream to the mushroom sauce. This will make the sauce richer and smoother, providing an indulgent finish.
If you prefer a slightly tangy twist, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the cream of mushroom mixture. It pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the chicken.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on what you have on hand. Fresh thyme, rosemary.
or sage can elevate the dish and complement the creamy sauce. Dried herbs work well too, just be sure to use less since they are more concentrated.
If you don’t have fresh garlic and onions, garlic powder and onion powder can be used as substitutes. However, fresh ingredients will give a more robust flavor to the sauce.
Lastly, if you’re looking to make a low-carb version of this dish, you can skip the potatoes and pair the baked chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
Conclusion
Baked legs with cream of mushroom is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
With the tips and tricks provided, you can customize the dish to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!