Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken

If you’re looking for a comforting and easy-to-make chicken dinner, Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is the perfect recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, buttery coating and a savory cream of chicken soup sauce. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. This classic recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

To make Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup water

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pour a small amount of evaporated milk into a dish for dipping the chicken. Dip each chicken breast into the milk, then coat it in the flour mixed with salt and pepper.
2. Cook in Butter: Melt the butter in a 13×9 inch baking pan. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
3. Add the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, mix the remaining evaporated milk with the cream of chicken soup and water. After 30 minutes of baking, turn the chicken over and pour the soup mixture over the chicken.
4. Finish Baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with a Side Salad: Serve your Butter Baked Chicken with a fresh side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.
2. Add Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. The roasted veggies add a nutritious and colorful touch to your meal.
3. Serve with Rice or Potatoes: This chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or baked potatoes. The creamy sauce from the chicken is perfect for drizzling over these starchy sides.
4. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added flavor.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Butter Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before refrigerating.
2. Freezing: You can freeze leftover chicken for up to 2-3 months. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. For best results, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. Avoid Microwave Drying: If using a microwave to reheat, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to ensure even heating and prevent the chicken from drying out.
5. Sauce Storage: If you have extra sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be used as a topping for other dishes or as a dipping sauce.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken. Whether serving fresh from the oven or reheating leftovers, these tips ensure that your meal remains delicious and satisfying.

Variations:

Give Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken a unique twist with these creative variations. Each option adds a different flavor profile or ingredient to keep the dish exciting and adaptable to your taste preferences.

1. Garlic Herb Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
   • Method: Add minced garlic and finely chopped fresh herbs to the melted butter before coating the chicken. This infuses the chicken with a fragrant garlic-herb flavor.
2. Cheesy Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese.
   • Method: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. This creates a cheesy, crispy topping that adds extra richness.
3. Spicy Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
   • Method: Mix red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the flour mixture. This adds a spicy kick to the chicken’s coating.
4. Lemon Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Lemon juice and lemon zest.
   • Method: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest to the melted butter. This gives the chicken a bright, citrusy flavor.
5. Honey Mustard Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Honey and Dijon mustard.
   • Method: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard into the soup mixture. This creates a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the chicken.
6. Ranch Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Ranch seasoning mix.
   • Method: Add a packet of ranch seasoning mix to the flour mixture. This gives the chicken a flavorful ranch twist and is especially popular with kids.
7. Creamy Mushroom Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Sliced mushrooms and additional cream.
   • Method: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and add them to the soup mixture. You can also stir in a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess.
8. Barbecue Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Barbecue sauce.
   • Method: Replace the cream of chicken soup with barbecue sauce. This creates a smoky, tangy flavor profile that’s perfect for BBQ enthusiasts.
9. Mediterranean Butter Baked Chicken
   • Ingredients: Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
   • Method: Add chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the soup mixture. This gives the dish a Mediterranean flair with robust flavors.
10. Southwestern Butter Baked Chicken
    • Ingredients: Taco seasoning and black beans.
    • Method: Mix taco seasoning into the flour mixture and add drained black beans to the soup mixture. This creates a southwestern-inspired dish with a zesty twist.

Feel free to try these variations to make Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken your own. Each variation offers a new flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy this classic dish in different and delicious ways.

FAQs :

1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
   • Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces may take longer to cook through, typically adding 10-15 minutes.
2. Can I substitute evaporated milk with regular milk?
   • Yes, you can use regular milk as a substitute for evaporated milk. However, evaporated milk provides a creamier texture. For a closer match, you could use half-and-half or whole milk.
3. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
   • You can substitute cream of mushroom soup, or make a homemade cream sauce using heavy cream, chicken broth, and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch.
4. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Use gluten-free flour or a gluten-free flour blend to coat the chicken. Ensure that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free, or use a homemade or gluten-free alternative.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it with the flour mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You can also prepare the soup mixture ahead of time.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese in the recipe?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or gouda. Just add the cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy topping.
7. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
   • To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly, may require careful monitoring. Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and no more.
8. Can I use this recipe with other cuts of chicken?
   • Yes, this recipe works well with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time according to the size and type of chicken pieces used.
9. What should I do if the chicken isn’t browning?
   • If the chicken isn’t browning as desired, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
10. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
    • Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil. Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or a homemade non-dairy cream sauce. Ensure that the evaporated milk is replaced with a non-dairy milk alternative.

These FAQs address common concerns and provide tips for customizing Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether making substitutions or preparing ahead of time, these answers help ensure a delicious and satisfying meal.

Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken offers a simple yet delicious meal option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. With its buttery, crispy coating and creamy sauce, this dish combines rich flavors and comforting textures that everyone will enjoy. Easy to prepare and packed with taste, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your household. Enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that’s both satisfying and effortless!