There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken filling the kitchen on a cozy evening. The scent of golden, crispy chicken mingling with the buttery, creamy sauce creates an irresistible anticipation for dinner. This dish is comfort food at its finest—tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious butter sauce that melts in your mouth with every bite.
I remember watching my mom make this dish on Sundays, her hands moving effortlessly as she seasoned the chicken and poured the velvety sauce over the top. It was a family favorite, a recipe passed down through generations, bringing warmth and love to our dinner table time and time again.
Why You'll Love This Butter Baked Chicken
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is pure comfort in every bite.
First, this recipe is incredibly simple. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Not only is it easy, but it’s also budget-friendly. Chicken breasts, butter, and a few simple seasonings come together to create a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Plus, it’s a family favorite. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the crispy, buttery coating on this tender chicken. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a meal that brings everyone to the table.
Best of all, the creamy, buttery sauce is absolutely irresistible. The way it thickens and caramelizes in the oven makes every bite rich and decadent, making this recipe a true standout.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Butter Baked Chicken lies in its simplicity. Just a few key ingredients work together to create a dish packed with flavor.
Start with chicken breasts. I recommend using boneless, skinless breasts, but if you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well. The key is to use evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Next, the butter. Real, unsalted butter is best for this recipe. It melts down into a rich sauce that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful while helping to develop that beautiful golden crust.
A key ingredient in this dish is evaporated milk. It gives the sauce a velvety, creamy texture without being overly heavy. If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute half-and-half, though the consistency will be slightly different.
For an added layer of flavor, seasoned flour is used to coat the chicken before baking. A mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika helps create that perfect crispy crust while sealing in the juices.
Finally, chicken broth is poured over the chicken to enhance the sauce, infusing it with even more depth and richness as it bakes.
How To Make Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken
Making this comforting dish is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a baking dish with a bit of butter. This prevents sticking and ensures a golden, crispy bottom layer.
Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat each piece evenly. This creates a light crust that helps lock in the moisture.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and lightly brown the chicken on both sides. You’re not cooking it through at this stage—just giving it a golden, crispy exterior that will develop even more flavor in the oven.
Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Pour evaporated milk and chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is partially submerged in the creamy sauce.
Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, basting the chicken with the sauce occasionally. The result? Perfectly tender chicken with a buttery, golden crust and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture.
For the refrigerator, place the chicken in an airtight container with the sauce and store it for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F to keep the crispy exterior intact, or microwave for a quick meal.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven for best results.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is how versatile it is. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the flour mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of evaporated milk for an even richer sauce.
- Toss in mushrooms or onions before baking to add more depth to the dish.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for the dredging step.
However you make it, this recipe is sure to be a winner. Give it a try and make it a new staple in your home, just like it has been in mine!
PrintMom’s Butter Baked Chicken Recipe
Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is a classic comfort food dish featuring crispy, golden chicken baked in a rich, creamy butter sauce. Perfect for family dinners!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown chicken in melted butter, about 2 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Mix heavy cream and chicken broth, then pour over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce is bubbly.
- Serve warm with mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Use bone-in chicken for even juicier results.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
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