Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken Recipe

There's something truly special about Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken—a dish that fills the house with the warm, comforting aroma of buttery goodness. The first time I had it, I remember the golden, crispy coating giving way to the most tender and juicy chicken underneath. It quickly became a staple in our family, gracing the dinner table on cozy weeknights and special occasions alike.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the simplicity of it all. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The combination of buttery richness, crispy coating, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken makes this recipe one you'll come back to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Baked Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with the easiest and most delicious baked chicken recipe you've ever tried. Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is everything you need in a comforting, homemade meal.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. There’s no complicated breading process—just coat the chicken, pour over the buttery mixture, and let the oven do the work. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying with minimal effort.

The rich buttery flavor sets this dish apart. Unlike traditional fried chicken, this recipe uses melted butter to create a crispy, golden crust while keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. With just a few basic ingredients—chicken, butter, flour, and seasonings—you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget its versatility. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal. You can even change up the seasoning to fit your personal taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing out the best flavors and textures.

Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks work best in this recipe. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays juicy and tender. If you prefer boneless, opt for chicken breasts, but be mindful of the cooking time.

Butter: This is the star of the dish! Using real, unsalted butter ensures the best flavor and prevents the chicken from becoming too salty. The butter not only keeps the chicken moist but also helps develop that irresistible golden crust.

Flour: A simple flour coating gives the chicken a delicate, crispy exterior. It also thickens the buttery sauce slightly, making it perfect for drizzling over your side dishes.

Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika adds depth and a hint of smokiness. You can adjust the spices to your liking or even add a dash of cayenne for a little heat.

Milk: This unexpected ingredient adds a touch of creaminess to the sauce as it bakes, keeping the chicken extra tender.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer, ensuring even cooking and perfect crisping.

How To Make Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken

Creating this deliciously rich and crispy chicken is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish worthy of any family gathering.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, melt half a cup of butter in a large baking dish. The melted butter will coat the bottom, helping the chicken brown evenly while keeping it moist.

Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to help the flour coating stick better. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

Carefully place the coated chicken into the baking dish with the melted butter. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then flip each piece to ensure even crisping. Pour ½ cup of milk around the chicken, letting it mix with the butter to create a light, creamy sauce.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain its juiciness and allows the buttery sauce to thicken slightly. Spoon some of that rich, buttery goodness over the top before serving!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in our house!), Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken stores beautifully.

To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispness.

For freezing, wrap each piece individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

To reheat without drying out, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, warm the chicken in a low-temperature oven to bring back its crispy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

Spicy Butter Baked Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little heat. You can also drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick.

Herb-Infused Butter Chicken: Mix chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the melted butter before baking. This adds an extra layer of aromatic flavor.

Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour to make this dish completely gluten-free.

Cheesy Butter Baked Chicken: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the chicken in the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute the butter with ghee or dairy-free butter, and replace the milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk.

No matter how you customize it, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

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