If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish that’s easy to prepare, this Creamy Baked Chicken Legs with Tomatoes and Cheese is perfect for you. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken legs with a rich cream and egg mixture, topped with juicy tomatoes and melted cheese for a savory, comforting meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to serve at a family gathering. With minimal prep time and just 25 minutes in the oven, this dish is a quick and satisfying option that will please everyone at the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 sheet (baking sheet or parchment paper for the tray)
- 1 + 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml cream
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 150 g cheese (your choice of mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
How to Make It:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking sheet or dish and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken legs: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp curry powder. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken legs, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the egg and cream mixture: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Add 200 ml of cream and 1 tsp of salt, and continue whisking until well combined. This mixture will coat the chicken and help create a rich, creamy texture when baked.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken legs onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly to ensure proper cooking. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the chicken legs, making sure each leg is well covered.
- Add the tomatoes and cheese: Slice the tomatoes and place them on top of the chicken legs, layering a few slices on each leg. Then, generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the entire dish, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F). The chicken should be cooked through, and the cheese should be melted and slightly golden on top. To check for doneness, the internal temperature of the chicken legs should reach 75°C (165°F) when tested with a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbling and golden, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This creamy baked chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 1 chicken leg with toppings):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 400-450 kcal |
Protein | 30-35 g |
Fat | 25-30 g |
Carbohydrates | 5-7 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sodium | 800-900 mg |
Calcium | 15% of daily recommended intake |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and the specific cheese used.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs? Yes, chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may cook a bit faster than legs.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or a combination of cheeses will all taste great in this dish. Choose the cheese based on your preference for flavor and meltability.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to this dish. Simply slice them and layer them alongside the tomatoes before baking.
- How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F). Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken leg, and the juices should run clear when it’s done.
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Baked Chicken Legs:
- Season generously:
Don’t skimp on the seasoning for the chicken legs. The combination of salt, paprika, pepper, and curry gives the chicken a delicious flavor, which is balanced by the cream and cheese. - Use room temperature ingredients:
Let your cream and eggs come to room temperature before mixing them. This helps them blend more smoothly and ensures even cooking when poured over the chicken. - Check the cheese:
Keep an eye on the cheese as it bakes. If it starts browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking to prevent it from burning while the chicken finishes cooking. - Let the chicken rest:
After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy bite every time. - Add a crispy finish:
If you like a crispy topping, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to achieve a golden-brown crust on the cheese.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
If you have leftovers, store the chicken legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. - Freezing:
You can freeze the baked chicken legs after they’ve cooled. Wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warm. - Reheating:
When reheating the chicken, it’s best to do so in the oven to retain its crispy texture. The microwave can be used for quicker reheating, but it may result in a softer texture.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Baked Chicken Legs with Tomatoes and Cheese is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness. With tender chicken legs, a rich cream and egg mixture, and juicy tomatoes topped with melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is simple to make and delivers big on flavor. It’s versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese to suit your taste. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite sides, and watch as it becomes a regular feature in your meal rotation!
PrintCreamy Baked Chicken Legs with Tomatoes and Cheese
- Author: Olivia
- Total Time: 55mins
Description
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish that’s easy to prepare, this Creamy Baked Chicken Legs with Tomatoes and Cheese is perfect for you. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken legs with a rich cream and egg mixture, topped with juicy tomatoes and melted cheese for a savory, comforting meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to serve at a family gathering. With minimal prep time and just 25 minutes in the oven, this dish is a quick and satisfying option that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 sheet (baking sheet or parchment paper for the tray)
- 1 + 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 3 eggs
- 200 ml cream
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 150 g cheese (your choice of mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking sheet or dish and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken legs: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp curry powder. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken legs, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the egg and cream mixture: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Add 200 ml of cream and 1 tsp of salt, and continue whisking until well combined. This mixture will coat the chicken and help create a rich, creamy texture when baked.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken legs onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly to ensure proper cooking. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the chicken legs, making sure each leg is well covered.
- Add the tomatoes and cheese: Slice the tomatoes and place them on top of the chicken legs, layering a few slices on each leg. Then, generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the entire dish, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F). The chicken should be cooked through, and the cheese should be melted and slightly golden on top. To check for doneness, the internal temperature of the chicken legs should reach 75°C (165°F) when tested with a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbling and golden, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This creamy baked chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 45mins