Baked Chicken Legs (Creamy and Spicy)

Baked Chicken Legs (Creamy and Spicy) — A creamy baked chicken boasting robust flavors smothered in a cream sauce with just 10 minutes of prep time. Perfect for busy weeknight meals or gatherings!

This easy-to-prepare creamy baked chicken legs recipe boasting tasty herbs, onion, garlic, and, of course, cream requires very little work. Satisfying and delicious for a weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.

Browning the chicken first gives an extra flavor boost and adds richness to the finished sauce. But most of the preparation takes place in the oven for an easy-peasy main dish.

Versatile Baked Chicken Legs

Browning and baking the chicken gives you an even brown color. However, feel free to cook your chicken legs on the stovetop if you don’t want to heat up the oven. Spice the chicken and add your favorite poultry spices, or use salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for simplicity.

Or you can cook the chicken in the oven from start to finish. Whatever works best for you.

What You Need to Bake Delicious Creamy Chicken Legs

1. Chicken Drumsticks – I love how juicy and forgiving the legs and thighs are. But you can use a whole chicken or just the breast. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. Oil – Olive or canola oil to sear the chicken legs. If doing it all in the oven, smear it all over the chicken before seasoning so they brown better in the oven.
3. Seasonings – Creole seasoning, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, and Italian herbs mix and match for a savory dish.
4. Spicy Cream Sauce – Milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, smoked paprika, white pepper, parsley, and a pinch of salt deliver a decadent cream sauce that pairs great with more than just chicken. Try it on your pork chops and see for yourself.

How to Bake Creamy Chicken Legs

• Preheat oven to 450℉ (230℃).
• Prep Chicken – Rinse chicken legs, season them with seasoned salt and pepper, and set aside.
• Brown – Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-proof skillet over medium until hot. Then add the chicken and brown, turning once or twice to ensure even brownness.
• Alternate Browing – Or place oiled and seasoned chicken legs on a rack and bake them in a 450℉ (230℃) oven for about 15 minutes.
• Saute Aromatics – Remove chicken and set aside. Drain excess oil, leaving a couple of tablespoons in the pan. Add onions, followed with the minced garlic, and stir for about 5 minutes.
• The Sauce – Add milk, cream, tomato sauce, paprika, white pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
• Bake – Place the chicken back into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
• Serve – Adjust the sauce’s thickness and seasoning with broth and salt according to preference. Serve hot with rice or potatoes and your favorite veggies.

What Goes With Baked Chicken Legs

Serve these creamy and spicy baked chicken legs with roasted veggies like carrots or green beans and a side of rice or pasta, and voila—you have a lovely dinner!

Watch How to Make It

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”3ZyAjbES” upload-date=”2019-09-07T22:00:59.000Z” name=”Creamy Baked Chicken Legs” description=”Baked Chicken Legs(Creamy and Spicy) — a creamy baked chicken that has robust flavors and a creamy sauce with just 10 minutes prep time. Perfect for busy weeknight meals or gatherings!”]