Savor the rich flavors of tender chicken legs baked to perfection, smothered in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce. This classic dish, Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom, is a heartwarming meal that's perfect for any day of the week. With straightforward instructions and common kitchen ingredients, this recipe promises a deliciously satisfying experience.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken legs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Sear Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken, sear until golden on all sides. Transfer to baking dish.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir in condensed soup, broth, and cream. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Bake: Pour sauce over chicken in the baking dish. Cover with foil, bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup or make the sauce from scratch with gluten-free flour.
Vegan Variation: Substitute chicken with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream and vegan mushroom soup.
Spicier Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mushroom sauce for added heat.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce and sear the chicken up to a day in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding liquid if necessary.
Keyword Baked Chicken Legs, Comfort Food, Cream of Mushroom, Family Dinner, Oven-Baked Chicken