Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom
This comforting dish combines tender, juicy baked chicken legs with a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 6-8 chicken drumsticks (or thighs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinner sauce)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole.
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional):
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken legs for 2-3 minutes per side to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth (if using), onion, and minced garlic.
- Assemble:
- Arrange the chicken legs in the prepared baking dish. Pour the mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Legs
- Crispier skin: If you prefer crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Add mushrooms: For extra texture and flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms and mix them into the sauce before baking.
- Make it hearty: Add potatoes or carrots to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
This Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom recipe is hearty, creamy, and utterly satisfying—a cozy dinner your family will love! 🍗🍄