Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken Recipe

Here's something you'll love: tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, buttery sauce and baked to golden perfection. This Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and so easy to make.

I still remember my mom pulling this dish out of the oven on chilly evenings, the scent of butter and herbs filling our home. It was a recipe passed down from her mother, a true family classic that never fails to bring warmth to the table.

If you're looking for a simple, no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor, this is it. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a dish that tastes like home with every bite. Let’s get started!

Why You'll Love This Butter Baked Chicken

Get ready to add this dish to your list of go-to meals! Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is everything you want in a home-cooked dinner: simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have dinner in the oven within minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that practically makes itself.

It’s also wonderfully rich and comforting. The butter and cream sauce creates a silky, flavorful coating around the chicken, making every bite melt in your mouth. It pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it to picky eaters or dinner guests, it’s guaranteed to impress. The golden-baked chicken and velvety sauce make it feel fancy, even though it couldn’t be easier to make.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly. Using simple, everyday ingredients, this meal is as affordable as it is delicious. You likely have most of what you need in your kitchen already!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you get maximum flavor and tenderness.

Chicken breasts are the star of the show. I recommend using boneless, skinless breasts for easy preparation, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Butter gives this dish its signature richness. It coats the chicken as it bakes, helping to create a beautifully golden crust while keeping everything tender. Use unsalted butter if you’d like more control over the seasoning.

Heavy cream adds the luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce. It thickens as it bakes, creating the perfect complement to the buttery chicken. If you need a lighter option, half-and-half works too, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Flour plays a crucial role in forming a light crust on the chicken. Dredging the chicken in flour before baking helps seal in moisture and gives the sauce something to cling to as it thickens in the oven.

Seasonings bring everything together. A mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika adds depth without overpowering the dish. Feel free to adjust to your taste or add dried herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

A shallow baking dish is the only special equipment you’ll need. A glass or ceramic dish works best to hold in the sauce while allowing the chicken to bake evenly.

How To Make This Butter Baked Chicken

Making this dish is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal on the table in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, prepare your chicken by patting it dry with a paper towel. This step helps the flour coating stick better and ensures a crispier finish.

Next, lightly dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. The thin coating helps form a delicate crust that locks in moisture and gives the sauce a smooth texture as it bakes.

Melt the butter in a baking dish by placing it in the oven for a minute or two. Once melted, carefully place the floured chicken breasts in the dish, making sure each piece is nestled in the buttery goodness. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the chicken to start browning.

After the first bake, pour the heavy cream over the chicken, letting it mix with the melted butter to form a rich, golden sauce. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes, basting occasionally to keep everything moist and flavorful.

When the chicken is done, it should be fork-tender with a beautifully golden top. The sauce will have thickened into a smooth, creamy consistency that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Options

Leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish stores and reheats beautifully!

For short-term storage, place any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

If you’d like to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm it in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce from thickening too much.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

For a garlic butter version, add a few minced garlic cloves to the melted butter before adding the chicken. The roasted garlic flavor infuses beautifully into the sauce.

Want a cheesy twist? Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. The melty, golden cheese takes it to another level.

For a low-carb option, swap the flour for almond flour or leave it out entirely. The sauce may be a bit thinner, but the flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Make it herb-infused by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the butter before baking. The fragrant herbs give it an extra layer of flavor that’s perfect for a more gourmet touch.

Need a dairy-free version? Replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be wonderfully rich.

However you make it, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Try it out, make it your own, and enjoy every buttery, delicious bite!

Print