There’s something incredibly comforting about baked chicken legs, especially when they’re coated in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce that just melts into the meat. Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom takes classic baked chicken to the next level, making it juicy, tender, and oh-so-delicious. Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly roasted chicken, topped with a creamy, savory mushroom sauce that adds layers of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, and trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your regular dinner rotation. So, let’s dive right into this cozy, hearty recipe!

Why You’ll Love Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

Name: Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-484640H17M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: **For the Chicken Legs:**; – 2 pounds chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs), skin-on; – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; – 2 tablespoons olive oil; **For the Cream of Mushroom Sauce:**; – 1 tablespoon butter; – 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well); – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 cup chicken broth; – 1/2 cup heavy cream; – 1 teaspoon dried thyme; – 1 teaspoon paprika; – Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This recipe isn’t just about making a great meal—it’s about creating a moment to savor. Here’s why it’s such a keeper:

Versatile: Perfect for a family dinner, special occasion, or a quick weeknight meal.
Budget-Friendly: With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s from a five-star restaurant.
Quick and Easy: You can have a delicious meal in no time with minimal effort. Simply prep, bake, and enjoy!
Customizable: Want to add a little extra flavor? You can swap in different mushrooms or add fresh herbs to elevate the taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: This creamy, savory dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The rich flavors and tender chicken will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients in Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, savory dish:

Chicken Legs: These are perfect for baking because they stay juicy and tender. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven while the meat stays moist.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The base of the sauce, which gives it that creamy texture and earthy flavor. You can use a store-bought version or make your own.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms give the sauce a wonderful depth of flavor. Use button mushrooms, cremini, or any variety you prefer.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic kick to the dish.
Onion Powder: For a subtle sweetness that complements the mushrooms.
Thyme or Rosemary: Fresh herbs bring a lovely fragrance and earthy notes to the dish.
Olive Oil: Used to coat the chicken and give it a nice crispness as it bakes.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, ensuring the chicken and sauce are perfectly seasoned.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started and create this creamy masterpiece!

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake and a golden, crispy finish on the chicken.

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Rub them with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The seasoning will help the skin crisp up nicely and add flavor to the chicken.

Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with a little bit of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) to thin it out slightly. Add in the sliced mushrooms, thyme or rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together so the mushrooms are well coated in the creamy soup mixture.

Bake the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken legs in a baking dish and pour the mushroom mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is covered. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Uncover and Crisp the Chicken: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes to allow the chicken skin to crisp up. You want it to be golden brown and delicious!

Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and serve with the creamy mushroom sauce spooned over the top. You can enjoy this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Note: These values are approximate.

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, creating the perfect meal for any occasion:

Serve with mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy mushroom sauce.
Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts, complement the richness of the dish.
A side of rice or couscous is a great way to round out the meal.
For a lighter option, serve with a crisp salad to balance the creamy texture of the chicken.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make this dish even more delicious:

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the mushroom sauce before baking.
If you like a stronger mushroom flavor, feel free to use more mushrooms in the sauce or even sauté them beforehand.
To make the chicken even juicier, consider marinating it in some olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before baking.
If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use chicken breasts or thighs instead of legs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of legs?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since boneless chicken cooks faster.

2. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mushrooms will work wonderfully in this dish and add extra flavor to the sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!

4. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can use any type of mushroom you prefer, like cremini, shiitake, or portobello.

5. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, a little shredded cheese on top of the chicken towards the end of baking would be a delicious addition!

6. How do I make sure the chicken skin stays crispy?
To ensure the chicken skin crisps up, be sure to uncover the dish for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

7. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for about 4-6 hours for a more tender result.

8. Can I use a different type of soup for the sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if you prefer those flavors.

9. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy skin.

10. What can I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables are great sides to pair with this creamy baked chicken.

Conclusion

Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom is comfort food at its finest. Tender, juicy chicken legs paired with a creamy, mushroom-packed sauce—it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a winner. Try it out, and watch everyone go back for seconds!