Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken legs with a creamy, savory mushroom sauce. This recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner and is relatively simple to prepare. The combination of baked chicken with the earthy taste of mushrooms and a creamy sauce makes for a delightful meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup flour (gluten-free flour can be used)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ 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
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Chicken Legs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix together ¼ cup of flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Dredge the chicken legs in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken legs and sear them on all sides until they are golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the chicken legs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they are soft and start to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. If the skillet seems dry, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 4: Make the Mushroom Sauce
Add 1 cup of chicken stock to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken with the Sauce
Place the seared chicken legs back into the skillet with the mushrooms and sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Add Cream and Finish Baking
Remove the skillet from the oven and pour ½ cup of heavy cream over the chicken and mushrooms. Gently stir to combine. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Note:
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken legs. Searing in batches might be necessary depending on the size of your skillet.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. A side salad or some crusty bread would also complement this dish well.
Tips:
- Browning the Chicken: Ensure that the chicken is well-browned before baking, as this adds flavor to the dish.
- Mushroom Variety: You can use different types of mushrooms for varied flavors and textures.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick after baking, you can thin it out with a little more chicken stock or cream.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (varies based on the size of the chicken legs and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 20-25g per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on the chicken stock and added salt
Conclusion
Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom is a delightful dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with the rich flavors of mushrooms and cream. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy dinner at home and is sure to impress your family and guests. Enjoy the tender chicken and creamy mushroom sauce in every bite!
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