Spicy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms
This Spicy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms brings a flavorful twist inspired by a classic dish. It's zesty and robust, made healthier with a reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and using budget-friendly chicken leg quarters. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick while watching their calorie intake. Pair it with a side of fluffy rice and a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the heat and create a complete meal.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken leg quarters
5 (cut in half, skin removed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne powder
1 teaspoon (or more to taste)
onion powder
1 teaspoon
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
mushrooms
1 pound (sliced)
fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can
water
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with olive oil.
3
Prepare the chicken by removing the skin and cutting each leg quarter into thighs and drumsticks.
4
Arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the baking pan, ensuring there is space between each piece for even cooking.
5
In a medium bowl, combine salt, cayenne powder, onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, cream of chicken soup, and water. Mix well until all ingredients are blended into a smooth sauce.
6
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
7
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce should be bubbling and thickened.
8
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
9
Serve the spicy chicken and mushrooms with steamed rice and a cucumber salad to cool the palate.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms?
It is a flavorful and robust dish featuring chicken leg quarters baked in a zesty, spiced cream of chicken sauce with mushrooms.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 5 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What size baking pan is required?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is needed for this recipe.
How should the chicken leg quarters be prepared?
Remove the skin and cut each leg quarter into separate thigh and drumstick pieces.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses salt, cayenne powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and turmeric.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the cayenne powder, which can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, you can use more or less than the suggested 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder to suit your taste.
What kind of soup is used for the base?
The recipe calls for one 10 3/4 ounce can of fat-free cream of chicken soup.
How much water should I add to the sauce?
Use one 10 3/4 ounce can of water, which is the same volume as the soup can.
Do the mushrooms need to be cooked before baking?
No, the sliced mushrooms are mixed directly into the sauce and cook in the oven with the chicken.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Should I cover the pan with foil while baking?
No, the chicken should be baked uncovered so the sauce can thicken and the chicken can cook properly.
Why should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Resting for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
What are the recommended side dishes?
It is best served with fluffy steamed rice and a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the heat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of leg quarters?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time; ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it uses skinless chicken and fat-free soup to keep the calorie and fat content lower.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the spices, garlic, soup, and water together in a bowl until well blended before adding the mushrooms.
Does the recipe use fresh or powdered garlic?
It uses both garlic powder and fresh minced garlic for a robust flavor profile.
What does turmeric add to this dish?
Turmeric provides a subtle earthy flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful golden color.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, chicken leg quarters are generally an economical cut of meat, making this a cost-effective meal.
Can I use regular cream of chicken soup?
Yes, but using regular soup will increase the overall fat and calorie content of the dish.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Lightly spray the baking pan with olive oil before arranging the chicken pieces.
What type of oil is recommended for greasing the pan?
Olive oil spray is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use frozen mushrooms?
Fresh sliced mushrooms are preferred, but frozen can be used if they are thawed and drained first.
How should the chicken be arranged in the pan?
Arrange the pieces evenly with enough space between them to ensure even cooking.
What should the sauce look like when finished?
The sauce should be bubbling and noticeably thickened after baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Standard cream of chicken soup usually contains flour; use a certified gluten-free soup if you require a gluten-free meal.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time, then assemble and bake when you are ready to eat.