Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for family dinners. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful, buttery sauce. The combination of garlic, cream of chicken soup, and fresh herbs creates a rich and savory dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Simple to prepare and satisfying, this butter baked chicken is a wonderful way to bring everyone together around the dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- ½ to 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- ½ tbsp salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 sprig rosemary, fresh
- 1 sprig thyme, fresh
- A handful of parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge the chicken breasts in all-purpose flour, making sure they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Melt the Butter:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and begins to bubble, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Place the floured chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This helps to lock in the juices and adds a nice crust to the chicken.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. In the same skillet, combine the whole milk and cream of chicken soup, stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs:
- Place the sprigs of rosemary and thyme on top of the chicken. These fresh herbs will infuse the dish with wonderful aromatic flavors as it bakes.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and discard the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cook’s Notes:
- For an extra creamy sauce, you can add an additional ½ cup of heavy cream to the milk and cream of chicken soup mixture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with the milk and cream of chicken soup before adding it to the baking dish.
Variations:
- Cheesy Butter Baked Chicken:
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the milk and cream of chicken soup mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
- Spicy Butter Baked Chicken:
- Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Butter Baked Chicken:
- Add additional herbs such as sage, oregano, or basil to the butter and garlic mixture for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Lemon Butter Baked Chicken:
- Add the juice of one lemon to the milk and cream of chicken soup mixture and garnish with lemon slices for a fresh, zesty twist.
- Keto Butter Baked Chicken:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and then bake as directed.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- What sides go well with this dish?
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?
- Covering the baking dish with foil helps to keep the chicken moist by trapping steam. Additionally, be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is a classic, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken breasts with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy this delicious chicken dish and share it with your loved ones!
Feel free to include step-by-step photos or a video tutorial to enhance the visual appeal of your blog post. Happy cooking!
