Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom

Elevate your dinner table with a comforting and flavorful dish – Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom. This hearty recipe combines tender chicken legs with a creamy mushroom sauce for a meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal any night of the week. Join us as we explore the steps to creating this savory delight.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup flour (you can use gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 lb chicken legs (about 3-4 large chicken legs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 oz mushrooms (each sliced in half)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken legs in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken legs and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, about 5-6 minutes. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
5. Return the chicken legs to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer with the mushrooms.
6. In a small bowl, mix the chicken stock and salt. Pour the mixture over the chicken legs and mushrooms.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken legs to a serving platter.
10. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
11. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken legs and serve hot.

Cook Notes and Variations

• For added flavor, you can season the chicken legs with your favorite herbs and spices before dredging them in the flour mixture.
• Feel free to customize the mushroom sauce by adding onions, shallots, or fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this recipe:

• Replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low carb alternative.
• Use heavy cream in place of the chicken stock for a richer, keto-friendly sauce.
• Omit the flour dredge and simply season the chicken legs with salt and pepper before cooking.
• Increase the amount of mushrooms and garlic to add more flavor and bulk to the dish without adding extra carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken legs? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken legs in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as boneless thighs may cook faster than chicken legs.
2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken legs and mushroom sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
4. What can I serve with baked chicken legs with cream of mushroom? This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a green salad.

Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, savory mushroom sauce, and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.