There's something truly comforting about Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken. The smell of rich, buttery goodness filling the kitchen brings back memories of family dinners, where everyone eagerly gathered around the table for a meal that never disappointed. This dish is simple yet indulgent, with tender chicken coated in a creamy, savory sauce that practically melts in your mouth.

I first fell in love with this recipe as a child, watching my mom prepare it with effortless ease. Now, it’s one of my go-to dinners when I need something warm, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. This Butter Baked Chicken is as easy to make as it is delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.

First, it requires minimal prep and just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients. With a quick mix of seasonings, a creamy sauce, and a buttery bake, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

The flavor is out of this world. The combination of butter, cream, and simple spices creates a luscious sauce that soaks into the chicken, making each bite tender, juicy, and packed with rich flavor.

It’s a foolproof recipe that even beginner cooks can master. No complicated techniques or special equipment are needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or serving guests, this dish always gets rave reviews. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s been passed down in so many families.

Ingredients Notes

This dish comes together with a few simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully, but if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat, opt for chicken thighs. Either way, they’ll turn out incredibly tender after baking in the sauce.

Butter – The star of the show! Butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor, helping to create that irresistibly smooth sauce. Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning.

Cream of chicken soup – This pantry staple brings a creamy, savory base to the sauce. If you prefer homemade, you can substitute with a quick roux-based cream sauce.

Heavy cream or milk – For a luxurious texture, heavy cream is the best option, but milk works as a lighter alternative. Half-and-half also strikes a nice balance.

Seasonings – A simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the dish. Feel free to add a dash of Italian seasoning or thyme for extra depth.

For baking, use a 9x13-inch casserole dish to allow the chicken to cook evenly and soak up the creamy, buttery sauce.

How To Make Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken

This recipe is as simple as it gets, with just a few steps standing between you and the most comforting dinner ever.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, prepare your chicken by patting it dry with paper towels—this helps the seasonings stick better.

In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. This light coating helps the sauce adhere and gives the chicken a slightly crisp exterior.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once sizzling, add the floured chicken and brown it on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook it through—just develop a golden crust for extra flavor.

Transfer the browned chicken to a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and heavy cream until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly covered.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to let the top slightly brown and thicken the sauce.

When done, the chicken should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork, surrounded by a silky, buttery sauce.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), they store beautifully for easy meals later.

For refrigeration, transfer cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

For freezing, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the soup – Instead of cream of chicken, try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.

Use bone-in chicken – If you prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken, simply adjust the baking time to about 60 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked. The skin will crisp up beautifully!

Make it cheesy – Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar into the sauce before baking for an extra layer of richness.

Add veggies – Toss in sliced mushrooms, spinach, or peas for a built-in side dish that cooks right along with the chicken.

Go gluten-free – Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and ensure your cream soup is gluten-free.

No matter how you customize it, Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken remains a timeless, comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy every buttery, creamy bite!