Description
Tender and flavorful baked chicken legs smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. This easy one-dish recipe combines seasoned drumsticks with a rich cream of mushroom sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or casual family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken legs: Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub them evenly with olive oil, then season all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the cream of mushroom sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until smooth. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency for better coating.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken legs evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken, ensuring each leg is well coated to keep it moist and flavorful during baking.
- Bake the chicken legs: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth or simmer the sauce briefly before pouring.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be added for extra flavor.
- For a crispier skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
