Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken filling the kitchen. The rich scent of butter, combined with the savory aroma of perfectly seasoned chicken, makes this dish feel like a warm hug on a plate.

I grew up eating this meal on Sunday evenings, gathered around the table with family, soaking up every last bit of buttery goodness with crusty bread. It’s a simple recipe with a big payoff—crispy, golden-brown chicken that’s unbelievably tender inside.

Why You'll Love This Butter Baked Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s as effortless as it is delicious. Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, and here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without any complicated steps.

It’s also budget-friendly. This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients, making it perfect for feeding a hungry family without stretching your wallet.

Then there’s the flavor and texture—juicy chicken encased in a crispy, buttery coating that melts in your mouth. The butter not only adds richness but also helps create a golden crust that’s hard to resist.

Best of all, this dish is versatile. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete meal. It’s also perfect for meal prep since leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken comes from a few carefully chosen ingredients that work together to create the perfect dish.

Chicken breasts or thighs are the star of this dish. While you can use either, thighs tend to stay juicier due to their higher fat content. If you prefer white meat, opt for chicken breasts but be mindful of cooking time to avoid dryness.

Butter plays a crucial role in this recipe, adding richness and helping the chicken achieve that perfect golden crust. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the dish.

All-purpose flour and seasoning mix create the flavorful coating. A combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika gives the chicken a deliciously seasoned crust. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Milk or heavy cream adds a bit of moisture, ensuring the chicken remains tender as it bakes. If you’re looking for a richer taste, go with heavy cream, but milk works just as well for a lighter option.

A shallow baking dish is ideal for this recipe, allowing the chicken to bake evenly while soaking up all the buttery goodness.

How To Make This Butter Baked Chicken

Making Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is as simple as it gets. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure a perfectly crispy and tender result every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, melt butter in a large baking dish, ensuring the bottom is fully coated. This step sets the foundation for a beautifully golden crust.

Next, prepare the chicken by seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then, dredge each piece in flour, ensuring an even coating. This flour layer helps create the crispy outer texture when baked.

Once coated, dip the chicken into milk or heavy cream, allowing a thin layer to cling to the surface. This step adds moisture and helps the breading develop its signature tenderness inside.

Carefully place the chicken into the buttered baking dish, making sure not to overcrowd the pieces. Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. The butter will bubble up around the chicken, creating a crisp, flavorful coating.

When the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and juicy.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken stores well and tastes just as good the next day.

For refrigeration, place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes rather than using the microwave.

If you’d like to freeze it, allow the chicken to cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to switch things up based on your preferences or dietary needs.

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. It will still create a crispy coating without compromising flavor.

Want to add a bit of spice? Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into the flour mixture for a little heat.

If you prefer a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and swap heavy cream for low-fat milk. The result will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Experimenting with different seasonings is another great way to customize this dish. Try adding Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even grated Parmesan for an extra punch of flavor.

However you decide to make it, this Butter Baked Chicken is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite!

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