Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

One-Pan Delight: Creamy Baked Chicken Legs with Mushroom Heaven

This recipe isn't just about convenience – it's about creating a mouthwatering and comforting dish of Baked Chicken Legs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce in a single pan! Forget about spending hours in the kitchen and mountains of dirty dishes. This recipe is your weeknight lifesaver, offering effortless preparation and maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Why This One-Pan Wonder Deserves a Spot on Your Dinner Menu:

• Effortless Elegance: This recipe is the epitome of easy cooking. With a short list of ingredients and a straightforward process, it allows you to whip up a delicious meal without breaking a sweat. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a satisfying homemade dinner without the hassle.
• A Symphony of Flavors: The combination of tender and juicy chicken legs, a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, and a savory seasoned rice base creates a flavorful symphony that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
• One-Pan Magic: This recipe is all about minimizing cleanup. Everything cooks together beautifully in a single baking dish, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Leg Adventure:

• The Savory Base:
• ½ cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 1 package dry onion soup mix
• The Star of the Show:
• 4 pounds skinless, bone-in chicken legs (or a combination of chicken pieces, like thighs or breasts)
• The Earthy Delights:
• 6 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms (or 6 ounces canned, drained mushrooms)
• The Creamy Embrace:
• 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
• 10 ounces whole milk

Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Chicken Leg Bliss:

1. Preheat for Perfection: Get your oven ready for baking by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the chicken cooks through evenly and the rice becomes fluffy.
2. Building the Flavorful Foundation: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice in a single layer. Sprinkle half of the onion soup mix over the rice and gently stir it in to coat the grains. This seasoned rice layer will not only add flavor to the dish but also absorb the delicious pan drippings as the chicken bakes.
3. Layering the Stars: Carefully arrange the chicken pieces on top of the seasoned rice layer. Scatter the sliced mushrooms evenly around the chicken, creating a vibrant and visually appealing medley.
4. Creating the Creamy Dream: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and well combined. This creamy concoction will envelop the chicken and rice during baking, infusing them with rich flavor and a delightful texture.
5. Flavor Boost: Pour the prepared creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken and rice in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half of the onion soup mix over the top, adding an extra layer of savory goodness.
6. Baking to Golden Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps in moisture and promotes even cooking for the chicken and rice. Bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 ½ hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. You can check for doneness by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh and ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Dinner is Served! Once the baking time is complete, remove the pan from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

Now you can plate your delicious Baked Chicken Legs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and well-rounded meal.

Here are some tips to add to your Creamy Baked Chicken Legs with Mushroom Heaven recipe:

• For a richer sauce: You can substitute heavy cream for the whole milk in the creamy sauce mixture. This will create a thicker and more decadent sauce.
• Dietary variations:
• Gluten-free: If you need a gluten-free option, ensure the chosen onion soup mix is labeled gluten-free and use certified gluten-free chicken broth instead of cream of chicken soup. You can also explore gluten-free flour alternatives for a seasoned rice base.
• Dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond milk or cashew milk in the creamy sauce. You can also find dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitutes.
• Spice it up: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the creamy sauce mixture for a touch of spice.
• Veggie Boost: Feel free to add more vegetables to the mix! Chopped carrots, peas, or broccoli florets can be incorporated with the mushrooms for added color, nutrients, and flavor.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Crispy Skin Option: If you prefer crispy chicken skin, remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.