Golden, crispy chicken legs nestled in a silky mushroom cream sauce—this recipe delivers pure comfort with a gourmet feel. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress guests without fuss, these baked chicken legs strike the perfect balance of hearty and elegant.

The cream of mushroom sauce is rich and savory, clinging to every bite of chicken and pooling perfectly over mashed potatoes or rice. Earthy mushrooms, a touch of garlic, and a splash of cream make this dish a cozy, weeknight staple that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

What Kind of Mushrooms Should I Use?

You can use white button mushrooms, cremini, or even a blend of wild mushrooms if you’re feeling fancy. Cremini mushrooms are a go-to favorite—they bring a deeper, richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and juicy chicken.

If you love a more rustic texture, slice your mushrooms thick. For a smoother sauce, finely chop them so they melt into the cream.

Ingredients for the Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce

Chicken Legs (Bone-In, Skin-On) – These provide juicy, tender meat and crisp, golden skin that holds up beautifully in the oven.

Mushrooms – Essential for building the base of the sauce. Their earthy flavor brings depth and umami.

Garlic – Adds warmth and savory depth to the sauce. Fresh minced garlic is ideal.

Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce rich, smooth, and indulgent.

Chicken Broth – Enhances the savory profile and helps balance the richness of the cream.

Butter & Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and sauté the mushrooms, adding flavor and helping achieve that golden color.

Thyme or Parsley – Fresh herbs for garnish and an added layer of flavor.

Salt & Pepper – Always essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.

How To Make the Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully when seared.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a mix of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken legs, skin-side down first, until golden brown—about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and start browning. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Nestle the seared chicken legs into the sauce, skin side up. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle. Spoon that luscious sauce generously over the chicken when plating.

How to Serve and Store This Chicken Dish

This dish shines when served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice—something to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. Add a side of roasted green beans or a simple salad to keep things balanced.

To store, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container with the sauce. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes! Boneless thighs work well and will cook faster. Just adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the full dish, cool it, and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or on the stove until warmed through.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.

Do I need to cover the chicken while baking?

Nope! Keeping it uncovered allows the skin to crisp while the sauce thickens.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but note that the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Stir well when reheating to bring it back together.

What herbs go best with this recipe?

Thyme, parsley, or even a touch of rosemary pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and cream sauce.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed these Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce, here are more cozy meals to explore next:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a citrusy, cheesy pasta combo.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta that melts in your mouth.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a veggie-packed dinner.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes if you’re craving something one-pan and comforting.
Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a nostalgic, kid-friendly favorite.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the mushrooms? Try it with cream cheese? Maybe added spinach?

I love seeing how these recipes get reinvented in your kitchens. And if you want to explore even more cozy meals, check out my daily recipe updates over on Pinterest: Life with Nina.

Baked Chicken Legs with Cream of Mushroom Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked, Skillet
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This cozy dish of baked chicken legs with cream of mushroom sauce is hearty, savory, and simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests. The golden, crispy skin and the rich, garlicky mushroom cream sauce make this a comfort food dream come true.