These Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce bring comfort and warmth to any dinner table. The tender chicken, paired with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s the perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it ideal for a cozy evening or a family gathering.
Not only is this dish full of flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. The chicken bakes to perfection while the creamy mushroom sauce simmers to create a deliciously thick coating. Serve it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken legs on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken legs to the skillet and spoon some sauce over them.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
This Legs Baked with Cream of Mushroom recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, known for its comforting and creamy flavors that are sure to satisfy anyone at the dinner table. It’s a perfect example of a dish that combines simplicity with indulgence, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or even special occasions. The chicken is first browned to a golden crisp and then simmered in a luscious mushroom sauce, creating an easy-to-make yet impressive dish.
Background and Origins
This dish is inspired by the classic pairing of chicken and mushrooms, a combination loved by many for its hearty, earthy flavors. The addition of heavy cream takes the sauce to the next level, transforming a simple dish into a comforting, rich meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. The recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers a maximum amount of flavor, making it accessible and satisfying for all.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: The fact that it’s a one-pan dish makes it incredibly simple to prepare and clean up after. The chicken is browned in the same skillet that the mushroom sauce is made, which not only simplifies the cooking process but also helps retain all the savory flavors from the chicken.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The turning point of this dish is the rich, creamy mushroom sauce. It is made with simple ingredients like chicken stock, heavy cream, and sautéed mushrooms, but the result is incredibly indulgent and flavorful. The mushrooms add a deep, earthy taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy base, while the heavy cream makes the sauce thick and velvety.
- Versatility: This dish can be paired with a variety of sides, which means you can easily adapt it to your preferences. It works wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, you can be sure it’ll be a hit.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: It’s the kind of dish that appeals to everyone – from picky eaters to gourmet food lovers. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a dinner party, or just a weeknight meal, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks are a budget-friendly choice and perfect for this dish. Their meat remains juicy even when baked, and the skin crisps up wonderfully when browned, adding texture and flavor.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a savory depth to the sauce. Whether you choose button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms, their umami-packed flavor makes the sauce hearty and satisfying.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream gives the sauce its indulgent richness. You can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut cream if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, but the heavy cream is what makes the dish truly luxurious.
- Chicken Stock: This forms the base of the sauce and provides a savory flavor that complements the cream and mushrooms.
Benefits of This Dish
- Nutritionally Balanced: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and when paired with mushrooms, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, this dish provides a well-rounded meal. The creamy sauce adds richness without overwhelming the dish in calories when used in moderation.
- One Pan Convenience: With minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for busy nights when you want something quick yet satisfying.
- Comforting & Filling: The creamy sauce and juicy chicken are both comforting and hearty, making it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or satisfying hearty appetites.
Meal Pairing Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the richness of the mushroom sauce perfectly.
- Steamed Rice: Both white and brown rice work wonderfully, providing a neutral base that lets the flavorful chicken and sauce shine.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add brightness and healthfulness to the dish while providing a colorful contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Crusty Bread: There’s nothing like dipping a warm, crusty bread into the mushroom sauce to elevate the meal to another level.
Storing and Reheating
This dish is great for meal prepping or making ahead. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra chicken stock or water to thin out the sauce if necessary. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together for up to two months. Just be sure to let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the flavors.
Variations
- Herbed Mushroom Sauce: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for added flavor.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double the garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
- Wine-Infused Sauce: For a more complex flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine before adding the chicken stock.
- Veggie Add-Ins: For an added nutritional boost, stir in some spinach or peas towards the end of cooking.
Conclusion
Legs Baked with Cream of Mushroom is a recipe that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With tender chicken and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, it’s the kind of meal you can prepare without stress and serve to rave reviews. The versatility in side pairings and the fact that it’s so easy to make yet tastes indulgent makes this dish a perfect addition to your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this creamy, savory meal is bound to impress. So grab your skillet and treat yourself to a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.