Creamy Baked Chicken Legs

Ingredients

• 6-8 chicken legs (drumsticks or thighs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite herbs)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Season the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional):

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken legs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

1. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using spinach, you can stir it into the sauce.

1. Bake:

• Place the seared chicken legs in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

1. Serve:

• Once done, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips

• Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the dish for extra flavor.

Enjoy your creamy baked chicken legs!