BAKED LEGS WITH CREAM OF MUSHROOM

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Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey to the heart of French cuisine? Our Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom recipe combines the comforting flavors of tender chicken and creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a sophisticated taste that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, with the earthy mushrooms and rich cream complementing the savory chicken. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that requires minimal effort and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs by using gluten-free flour if desired.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Small mixing bowl
• Large plate
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking tongs
• Wooden spoon or spatula

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

How To Make Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom

1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Dredge the chicken legs in this seasoned flour mixture on a large plate.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken legs skin side down and brown them for about 4 minutes until the skin turns a nice golden color.
4. Flip the chicken legs over and brown the other side for about 3 minutes.
5. Remove the browned chicken legs and set them aside. Remove any parts of olive oil that have become too dark from browning the chicken with the flour mixture.
6. In the same, now empty skillet, add the mushrooms and minced garlic. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and sauté them together on medium heat for 2 minutes.
7. Add the chicken stock to the skillet, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and stir.
8. Place the chicken legs back in the pan.
9. Bring the chicken stock to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to simmer on low-medium.
10. Simmer the chicken legs for 25-30 minutes, until they are completely cooked through and the juices run clear when the chicken is cut in the middle.
11. Remove the cooked chicken legs to a plate and keep them warm.
12. Turn the heat under the skillet to medium-high, and simmer the mushroom sauce for about 4 minutes until it is reduced by about a third.
13. Stir in the 1/2 cup heavy cream into the mushroom sauce and simmer for another 2 minutes on low-medium heat, constantly stirring and scraping from the bottom of the skillet until the sauce thickens.
14. Add the chicken legs back to the skillet to warm them up.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to brown the chicken legs properly to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken legs to ensure even cooking.
• Simmer the sauce slowly to prevent the cream from curdling.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For a burst of freshness, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley just before serving.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for legs if preferred.
• For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauce.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 450 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 9g | Fat: 32g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than legs.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes, allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

We hope you feel inspired to try this delightful Baked Legs with Cream of Mushroom recipe. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us and let us know how it turned out. Bon appétit!

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