Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken – A Family Favorite Recipe

There’s nothing quite like Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken – the crispy, juicy, golden-brown chicken that’s packed with flavor and comfort. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a special gathering, or simply to enjoy a warm, hearty meal, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen. 😍🍽️

The secret to this dish lies in the simple yet powerful ingredients: tender chicken, rich butter, and the perfect balance of spices. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be prepped in advance, making it ideal for busy days. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe! 🔥🍗

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Juicy & Flavorful – The butter keeps the chicken incredibly moist and full of flavor.
✅ Simple Ingredients – You won’t need to search for fancy ingredients.
✅ Family-Friendly – Everyone will love this classic recipe!
✅ Quick & Easy – Minimal prep time and a few simple steps.
✅ Oven-Baked Perfection – No frying mess, just easy baking!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken:

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Provides extra flavor and juiciness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For a light base to rub the spices on.
• Salt and black pepper – To season the chicken to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – For a savory, sweet touch.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Gives a nice smokiness to the chicken.

🧈 For the Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter – The star ingredient for richness and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – To add a zesty brightness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – A burst of garlic goodness!
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – For a fragrant herbal touch.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Perfect for that comforting aroma.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – To garnish and add color.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key to achieving crispy skin.
3️⃣ Rub olive oil all over the chicken, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
4️⃣ Set the seasoned chicken aside and get ready to make the butter sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but thighs are much juicier and more forgiving in the oven.

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🧈 Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce

1️⃣ Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in the lemon juice, thyme, and rosemary. Let the mixture simmer for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and set aside. This fragrant, buttery sauce will keep the chicken moist and flavorful during baking.

💡 Pro Tip: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a spicy kick!

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🔥 Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1️⃣ Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
2️⃣ Drizzle half of the butter sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is generously coated.
3️⃣ Pop the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4️⃣ Baste the chicken with the remaining butter sauce halfway through baking for an extra layer of flavor and juiciness.

💡 Pro Tip: To achieve ultra-crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. Watch closely so the skin doesn’t burn! 🔥

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🍽️ Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣ Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
3️⃣ Serve this delicious butter-baked chicken with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

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🥔 Serving Suggestions

Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is a perfect main dish that pairs well with so many sides. Here are some ideas:

• With Roasted Vegetables – Roasted carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts complement the juicy chicken perfectly. 🥕🥔
• Over Rice – Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal. 🍚
• With Garlic Bread – The buttery chicken and crispy bread are a match made in heaven. 🍞
• With a Fresh Salad – Add a side of mixed greens or a tangy coleslaw for balance. 🥗

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💡 Variations & Substitutions

If you want to get creative or make Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken work with different diets, here are some suggestions:

✔️ Use Chicken Breasts – For a leaner option, swap the thighs for chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster.
✔️ Herb Variations – Swap the rosemary and thyme for other herbs like oregano, basil, or sage for a new twist!
✔️ Dairy-Free Option – Replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil.
✔️ Add a Crunch – If you love crispy skin, try sprinkling some panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes over the chicken before baking for an extra crunch.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Reheat the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Air Fryer: For crispy skin, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes.
• Microwave: While not ideal for keeping the skin crispy, you can microwave for 30-second bursts until heated through.

💡 Pro Tip: To keep the skin crispy, always reheat in the oven or air fryer!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Use Boneless Skinless Chicken?

While boneless, skinless chicken will work, it’s not as flavorful or juicy as bone-in, skin-on chicken. The skin helps keep the chicken moist, and the bones add extra flavor.

2️⃣ How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Is Cooked Through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

3️⃣ Can I Make This Recipe with a Whole Chicken?

Absolutely! If using a whole chicken, just adjust the cooking time. A whole chicken will take about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

4️⃣ How Do I Keep the Chicken From Getting Dry?

The key to moist chicken is the butter sauce. Make sure to baste the chicken halfway through cooking and don’t overcook it. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken also helps maintain moisture.

5️⃣ Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can! Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker with the butter sauce, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until tender. While it won’t have crispy skin, it will still be deliciously juicy.

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🍗 Conclusion – A Must-Try Comfort Food Recipe

Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich, buttery sauce and tender, juicy chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor.

Try it today, and don’t forget to serve it with your favorite sides. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can create such a mouthwatering dish. Let me know what you think and share your own version of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken in the comments! 🍗🧈✨