Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken filling the kitchen. The golden, crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken make this a meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

this Recipe

This dish has been a beloved family tradition for generations. I remember coming home from school to the buttery scent wafting through the house, knowing that a comforting, home-cooked meal was waiting. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Butter Baked Chicken

This Butter Baked Chicken is the ultimate combination of rich flavor, crispy texture, and effortless preparation. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s been a family favorite for years.

First, it’s amazingly simple. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it only takes minutes to prep.

It’s also comfort food at its best. The buttery, creamy sauce seeps into every bite, making the chicken incredibly moist and full of flavor. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s great for any occasion. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or serving guests, this dish never fails to impress.

And let’s not forget the leftovers! If you happen to have any, they reheat beautifully, making for an easy lunch the next day.

Now, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this dish so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that rich, creamy, and crispy finish.

Chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well for a leaner option, but if you prefer extra juiciness, go for chicken thighs. They stay moist and tender during baking.

Butter – The star of the show! Real unsalted butter creates that signature golden-brown crust and adds deep, rich flavor. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe.

Milk and heavy cream – A blend of milk and cream gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture. You can use just milk for a lighter version, but the cream adds that extra indulgence.

Flour and seasonings – A simple coating of flour, salt, pepper, and paprika helps create a light, crispy crust on the chicken. Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra layer of flavor.

Chicken broth – This enhances the sauce, adding a depth of savory goodness. If you don’t have broth, water with a bit of bouillon can work in a pinch.

Before you start, make sure you have a baking dish large enough to fit all the chicken pieces without crowding. This helps them cook evenly and ensures that crispy, golden crust.

How To Make Butter Baked Chicken

This Butter Baked Chicken is as easy as it gets! Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on the table.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Next, prepare your chicken coating. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and slightly bubbling, add the coated chicken pieces. Let them sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they develop a light golden crust. This step isn’t mandatory, but it adds a beautiful color and locks in extra flavor.

Transfer the chicken to your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, cream, and chicken broth, then pour it over the chicken. The sauce will thicken as it bakes, creating that luscious, buttery texture.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fork-tender.

Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to settle. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that creamy, buttery goodness!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing and reheating this Butter Baked Chicken is simple.

Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to spoon some of the sauce over the chicken before storing—it helps keep the meat tender.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, but the oven method keeps the chicken crispier.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! You can tweak it to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Make it gluten-free – Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. It won’t be quite as crispy, but the flavor is just as delicious.

Try different seasonings – While salt, pepper, and paprika are the classics, you can experiment with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a new twist.

Use bone-in chicken – If you prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken, go for it! Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it cooks through.

Add cheese – For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. It creates a golden, cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible.

Make it dairy-free – Use olive oil instead of butter and swap the milk and cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but still rich and satisfying.

No matter how you customize it, this Butter Baked Chicken is always a winner. Try it tonight and see why it’s been a staple in our home for years!

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