There’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting aroma of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken filling the kitchen on a chilly evening. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a golden, buttery coating makes this dish an instant family favorite. One bite, and you’ll be transported back to home-cooked meals filled with love and warmth.

I still remember watching my mom prepare this recipe in our cozy kitchen, the scent of butter melting in the oven as she worked her magic. This dish was a staple at our dinner table, always paired with creamy mashed potatoes and buttery green beans. Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s just as beloved as ever.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Baked Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with one of the simplest yet most delicious chicken recipes you’ll ever make. Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is pure comfort food at its best.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying homemade meal on the table without the hassle.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using affordable cuts of chicken and pantry staples, this recipe proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something mouthwatering.

The flavor? Absolutely irresistible. The combination of butter, cream, and a seasoned coating creates a crispy, golden-brown crust with a melt-in-your-mouth interior.

Plus, this dish is perfect for meal prepping. Leftovers taste just as amazing the next day, making it a great option for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken comes from its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering that nostalgic, buttery goodness.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully, using thighs adds extra juiciness and flavor. Feel free to use a mix of both for variety.

Butter: The star of the show! Real butter gives this dish its rich, golden-brown finish. Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the seasoning.

Flour and Seasonings: A light coating of flour seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper creates a crispy crust that locks in moisture while adding just the right amount of spice.

Heavy Cream: Once the chicken is baked to perfection, heavy cream is added to the dish, creating a silky, buttery sauce that takes this recipe to the next level.

Chicken Broth: This helps keep the chicken moist and adds a depth of flavor to the sauce. A low-sodium option works best if you want to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

How to Make Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken

Making Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is a breeze, and the result is well worth the effort. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms up, melt the butter in a baking dish. The goal is to create a buttery base that will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor as it bakes.

Next, prepare your chicken coating. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides.

Carefully place the coated chicken into the melted butter in the baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll notice the coating turning golden and crispy as it absorbs the buttery goodness.

After 30 minutes, pour heavy cream and chicken broth over the chicken. This step is crucial—it transforms the dish into a creamy, buttery masterpiece. Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and intensifies the flavors. Pair it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious buttery sauce.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken stores wonderfully. Keep any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Simply place cooled pieces in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they’re covered with sauce to prevent dryness. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch things up and make it your own.

For a crunchier coating, swap the flour for panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan. This adds extra crispiness while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Looking for a lower-fat option? Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be deliciously creamy.

Want a little extra flavor kick? Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cream mixture before pouring it over the chicken. The tangy depth of mustard complements the buttery sauce beautifully.

For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will remain just as satisfying.

If you love herbs, try sprinkling fresh thyme or rosemary over the chicken before baking. This adds a fragrant, earthy touch that pairs perfectly with the butter and cream.

No matter how you choose to customize it, Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is a recipe that never disappoints. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that will always bring comfort, warmth, and smiles to the table.