Oh, let me tell you about my mom’s famous Butter Baked Chicken recipe! It’s a delightful combination of juicy chicken pieces marinated in flavorful spices and then baked to perfection in a rich and savory butter sauce. The chicken is always tender and moist, with a crispy golden brown skin that’s simply irresistible.

The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is absolutely mouthwatering, making it nearly impossible to resist sneaking a bite before it’s done. Trust me, one taste of my mom’s Butter Baked Chicken, and you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

Chicken Pieces: 4 large chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on) or 8 thighs
Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon

Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for color and a hint of sweetness
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste

Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon

Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed for a hint of acidity

Instructions for Making Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice, golden crust.
Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting the skin to crisp up in the oven.

Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure the mixture is thoroughly combined.
Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large baking dish. Brush the butter and seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and the juices run clear when you pierce the chicken with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken pieces you’re using.

Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful when you cut into it.
Serve: Serve the butter baked chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Chicken: The type of chicken you use can greatly affect the outcome of this dish. For the juiciest and most flavorful result, opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces. Thighs are especially forgiving due to their higher fat content, which keeps them moist during baking.

Butter Is Key: The butter not only adds flavor but also helps to brown the chicken skin beautifully. For an extra decadent dish, consider using high-quality or grass-fed butter, which can add a richer taste.

Season Well: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. The spices and herbs are what transform this simple dish into something special. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking is crucial. It gives the meat time to reabsorb the juices that have pushed towards the outside, ensuring your chicken is moist and flavorful.

Baking Temperature and Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so use the recommended 375°F (190°C) as a guide but adjust as needed based on how your oven performs. A meat thermometer is a great investment to check for doneness without guessing. Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Crispy Skin: If you love crispy skin, consider broiling the chicken for a final 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This can add a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat beneath.

Serving Suggestions

Starchy Sides: Mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta can be wonderful for soaking up the buttery juices, while rice or quinoa can offer a lighter accompaniment that still satisfies.

Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, provide a nutritious and colorful side that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

Salads: A crisp green salad dressed with a vinaigrette can add a refreshing element to the meal, balancing the buttery richness of the chicken.

Bread: Freshly baked bread or rolls are perfect for dipping into the seasoned butter sauce that accompanies the chicken.

Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can pair beautifully with the buttery flavors of the chicken, while a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir can complement the dish’s savory notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken pieces, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted since they can cook faster and are more prone to drying out. Keep a closer eye on them and consider reducing the oven temperature slightly.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can season the chicken and keep it in the fridge up to a day ahead. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Is it possible to add vegetables to the baking dish? Absolutely! Adding vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions can make this a one-dish meal. Just be aware that they should be cut into pieces that will cook in the same time as the chicken, or added at an appropriate time during cooking.

Can I use different herbs or spices? Definitely. This recipe is versatile, and you can experiment with different herbs and spices according to your preferences. Rosemary, sage, and oregano are great alternatives or additions to thyme.

Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken

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A hearty and comforting dish, Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is a classic recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.

Ingredients

Chicken Pieces: 4 large chicken breasts bone-in, skin-on or 8 thighs
Butter: 1/2 cup 1 stick, melted
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon for color and a hint of sweetness
Salt: 1 teaspoon or to taste
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground

Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed for a hint of acidity

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice, golden crust.
Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting the skin to crisp up in the oven.
Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure the mixture is thoroughly combined.

Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large baking dish. Brush the butter and seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and the juices run clear when you pierce the chicken with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken pieces you’re using.
Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful when you cut into it.

Serve: Serve the butter baked chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.