You know that moment when comfort food calls your name after a long day? This is that recipe—the cozy, savory, can’t-wait-to-dig-in kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering smells and your soul with warmth. Whether you’re curled up for a quiet night in or feeding a hungry crowd, these baked chicken legs in cream of mushroom sauce bring all the flavor without any fuss.
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Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Tender, juicy chicken with a golden baked finish, smothered in creamy, savory mushroom sauce—it’s everything you love about home-cooked meals wrapped in one easy, crowd-pleasing package.
So, grab a baking dish and let’s make something amazing together.
Why You’ll Love Baked Legs With Cream of Mushroom
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, want a little kick? Add some garlic powder or smoked paprika. Want to go extra creamy? Stir in some sour cream or grated cheese.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Baked Legs With Cream of Mushroom
Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s simple, yet it delivers bold, comforting flavors in every bite. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Legs: These are the juicy, flavorful base of the dish. Baked to golden perfection, they soak up all the creamy sauce like a dream.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This shortcut ingredient adds creaminess and earthy depth without the need for hours of slow simmering.
Onions: They caramelize slightly as they bake, adding a sweet and savory layer to the flavor profile.
Garlic: A little goes a long way! Garlic brings that warm, home-cooked aroma we all crave.
Seasonings: Think salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or parsley. These seasonings bring balance and a little extra love to every bite.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your chicken that perfect roasted texture.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with your seasonings and a little broth or water to thin it out slightly. This helps everything bake evenly and prevents dryness.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Use a baking dish large enough to fit your chicken legs in a single layer. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Dish: Place the chicken legs in the dish and pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the top. Spoon some sauce directly over each leg to make sure they’re well-coated.
Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for about 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully golden. Baste halfway through for extra moistness!
Finishing Touches: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful bites.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite sides. Every bite is creamy, comforting, and utterly satisfying.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Baked Legs With Cream of Mushroom
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the creamy chicken.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up that rich mushroom sauce. Bonus points if it’s warm and buttery.
Creamy Accompaniments: Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles are perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted green beans, asparagus, or steamed broccoli round out the meal with some color and crunch.
As a Standalone: Honestly? It’s rich and hearty enough to stand on its own. Just garnish with some chopped parsley and you’re good to go.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Mix your sauce and seasonings ahead of time and refrigerate. You’ll thank yourself later when dinner comes together in minutes.
Spice It Up: Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Dietary Adjustments: Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup or a homemade version for a cleaner option.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the chicken juicy.
Double the Batch: Feeding a crowd? This recipe doubles easily—just use a larger dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use boneless chicken instead of legs?
A1: Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts work well—just keep an eye on the cook time, as they may bake faster.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble everything in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Totally. Cool it completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Oven is best—350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. Or microwave in short bursts.
Q6: Can I use homemade mushroom sauce?
A6: Of course! If you have the time, homemade always adds a lovely touch. Just keep the consistency creamy.
Q7: Can I add veggies to the dish?
A7: Yes! Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even green beans before baking for a complete one-dish meal.
Q8: What herbs go best with this dish?
A8: Thyme, parsley, or rosemary pair beautifully with the creamy mushroom flavor.
Q9: Can I make it dairy-free?
A9: Use a dairy-free mushroom soup alternative or make your own with coconut milk and mushrooms.
Q10: Does this recipe work in a slow cooker?
A10: Sure does! Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4. The sauce will be extra rich and the chicken super tender.
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about this dish—it’s creamy, cozy, and made with love (and pantry staples). Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, Baked Legs With Cream of Mushroom is that reliable, tasty go-to you’ll want in your regular rotation.
Print
Baked Legs With Cream of Mushroom
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce are an easy, cozy comfort food perfect for a weeknight dinner. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these oven-baked chicken legs are finished with a creamy mushroom sauce for the ultimate savory touch. Great for homemade recipes, easy dinner ideas, and high-protein recipes dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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1/4 cup flour (gluten-free if desired)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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2 lb chicken legs (about 3-4 large legs)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional for Serving:
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Cream of mushroom sauce (homemade or canned)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix coating: In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper.
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Prepare chicken: Rub chicken legs with olive oil to coat them evenly.
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Dredge: Dip each chicken leg into the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
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Bake: Place the coated legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
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Serve: Spoon warm cream of mushroom sauce over the baked legs before serving, if desired.
Notes
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Make it a full meal by serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies.
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For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.
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Use store-bought cream of mushroom or make your own with mushrooms, garlic, cream, and broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: baked chicken legs, chicken with cream of mushroom, easy dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, homemade recipes, gluten-free chicken recipes
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg