Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

## **Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom**

### **1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.

While the oven is heating up, rinse and pat your chicken legs dry with paper towels. This will help ensure the skin crisps up nicely when baking. Season the chicken legs with **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **dried thyme** (if using).

### **2. Brown the Chicken Legs**
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken legs and brown them on all sides for about **5-7 minutes**. You don’t need to cook them all the way through; just give them a nice golden color.

### **3. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce**
While the chicken is browning, mix the sauce. In a bowl, combine the **cream of mushroom soup**, **sour cream** (if using), and **chicken broth**. Stir until smooth. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the browned chicken legs in the skillet or baking dish, making sure the chicken is well-coated.

### **4. Bake the Chicken**
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about **45-50 minutes**, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of **165°F (74°C)**. For crispy skin, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the chicken to crisp up.

### **5. Garnish and Serve**
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a pop of color and a fresh flavor.

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## **Serving Suggestions for Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom**

This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

– **Mashed Potatoes**: The creamy mushroom sauce is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes for a rich and comforting side.
– **Rice**: Serve the chicken over white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
– **Steamed Vegetables**: Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy, colorful addition to the plate.
– **Garlic Bread**: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the mushroom sauce and rounding out the meal.

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## **Tips for Perfect Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom**

– **Crispier Skin**: For extra crispy skin, make sure to brown the chicken well before baking. You can also remove the foil during the last part of baking to allow the skin to crisp up.
– **Use Bone-In Chicken**: Bone-in chicken legs (drumsticks or thighs) are best for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender as they bake.
– **Customize the Sauce**: If you prefer a stronger mushroom flavor, you can sauté some fresh mushrooms and add them to the sauce mixture. You can also use **cream of chicken soup** if you don’t have cream of mushroom on hand.
– **Make Ahead**: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply brown the chicken and make the sauce, then refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
– **Add Cheese**: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

**Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom** is the epitome of comfort food—tender, juicy chicken legs with a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for any meal. It’s simple to make, doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, and comes together in less than an hour. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or making a special dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

The combination of creamy mushroom soup and perfectly baked chicken creates a rich, flavorful experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. And because it’s so easy to prepare, it’s a great recipe to add to your regular dinner rotation.

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**So, if you’re ready to create a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will love, give this baked legs with cream of mushroom recipe a try—you won’t regret it!**

Happy cooking! 🍗🍄