If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, look no further than our Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce recipe. This dish features tender chicken legs baked to perfection and smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the perfect dinner option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Join us as we explore the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering dish and learn how to elevate your dinner game.
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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken legs in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken legs and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken legs from the skillet and transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Deglaze the skillet with chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the salt and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken legs in the baking dish, covering them evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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. Try adding smoked paprika, dried thyme, or Italian seasoning for a delicious twist.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce before baking.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the mushroom sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the chicken legs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken legs? A: Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken legs in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may cook faster than chicken legs.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken legs and mushroom sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the dish and bake according to the instructions.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover chicken legs and mushroom sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make a few simple substitutions to create a version of Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce that fits your dietary needs:
- Replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb option.
- Use heavy cream or coconut cream instead of milk to reduce the carb content of the sauce.
- Omit the flour altogether and thicken the sauce with xanthan gum or a keto-friendly thickener.
With these substitutions, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce while staying within your dietary goals.
Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With its tender chicken, savory mushroom sauce, and rich creaminess, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
