If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely must try this Baked Chicken Legs in Cream of Mushroom Sauce Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken legs with a luscious, creamy mushroom sauce that’s both rich and inviting. This dish is effortlessly impressive and perfect for any weeknight or weekend meal when you want something satisfying but easy to pull together. The mushroom sauce wraps each piece of chicken in a flavorful blanket, making every bite a pure delight that your family and friends will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing a unique twist to the texture, taste, and color of this dish. Let’s break down the essentials:
- 6 chicken legs (drumsticks): These provide juicy, flavorful meat and a great base for the creamy sauce to cling to.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp up the chicken skin and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: The star ingredient that creates a creamy, luscious sauce with classic mushroom flavor.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the sauce slightly for a velvety texture.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional): Offers a fragrant, herbal note to elevate the flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness when serving.
How to Make Baked Chicken Legs in Cream of Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your chicken won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken legs dry—I promise, this little step makes a big difference by helping the skin crisp up beautifully. Then rub them with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning base locks in flavor and sets you up for a tasty bake.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Place the seasoned legs in a single layer in your baking dish. This even arrangement ensures each piece cooks uniformly and gets lovely exposure to the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and your choice of dried thyme or rosemary (if using). This blend creates a silky sauce that’s both rich and herbaceous.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken legs. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture. Bake for 40 minutes—this steams the chicken gently and infuses all those flavors into every bite.
Step 6: Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes. This step crisps up the chicken skin and thickens the sauce slightly. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy results.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce generously over the chicken, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs in Cream of Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful, vibrant addition that brightens the creamy sauce visually and flavor-wise. You can also sprinkle a little extra black pepper on top for a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with comforting sides like mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles—these help soak up every last bit of that heavenly mushroom sauce. For an extra veggie boost, steamed green beans or roasted carrots work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or buttery mashed cauliflower for a twist. You could also add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions directly into the baking dish before adding the sauce for even more flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Separate chicken legs with sauce into single servings and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of milk before reheating keeps the sauce creamy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of legs?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs work wonderfully with this recipe and will have a slightly different but equally delicious texture and flavor.
Is it okay to use a different type of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can switch to a cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if you prefer, but the classic mushroom version offers the best traditional taste match.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk and look for a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup to keep this recipe allergy-friendly.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F. The skin should also be golden and slightly crisp.
Can I add fresh mushrooms to the recipe?
Definitely! Slicing and sautéing fresh mushrooms before adding them to the sauce adds extra texture and enhances the mushroom flavor immensely.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Legs in Cream of Mushroom Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you feel right at home with every bite. It’s simple enough for day-to-day dinner but special enough to share with loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it becomes a go-to comfort meal in your kitchen!
Print
Baked Chicken Legs in Cream of Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This comforting recipe features tender baked chicken legs smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce made from a classic cream of mushroom soup base. Seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and optional herbs, then baked to golden perfection, it offers a simple yet flavorful family-friendly main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Rub them all over with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Arrange in Dish: Place the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish for even cooking.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and dried herbs if using, creating a creamy sauce to pour over the chicken.
- Cover and Bake: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken legs. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the top is golden and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Spoon the mushroom sauce over the baked chicken before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious mushroom sauce.
- Add sliced mushrooms or onions to the baking dish before cooking for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make this recipe gluten-free.
