Some recipes never go out of style, and this Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is one of those comforting classics that always brings everyone to the table. Tender chicken is coated in seasoned flour, baked in melted butter until lightly golden, then finished with a rich, creamy sauce that keeps every bite incredibly juicy and flavorful.
This simple oven-baked recipe has been passed around family kitchens for years because it's easy to prepare with everyday pantry ingredients. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed Sunday meal, this comforting chicken recipe delivers homemade goodness with very little effort.
Flavor & Texture Highlights
- Tender, juicy baked chicken
- Rich buttery flavor
- Creamy, savory sauce
- Golden, lightly crisp coating
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Comfort food the whole family will enjoy
Jump to Section
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What You'll Need to Make This Recipe
- How to Make Mom's Butter Baked Chicken Step by Step
- Expert Tips
- How to Store and Reheat It
- What to Serve With
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe proves that a handful of simple ingredients can create an incredibly comforting meal. The buttery coating helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden crust, while the creamy sauce keeps it moist and packed with flavor.
It's an excellent recipe for family dinners because it requires very little hands-on work. Once everything is in the oven, it practically cooks itself.
Best of all, the creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, making every bite even more satisfying.
What You'll Need to Make This Recipe
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become tender and juicy as they bake in the buttery sauce.
Evaporated milk creates a rich, creamy texture without making the sauce overly heavy.
Flour seasoned with salt and pepper gives the chicken a light coating that turns beautifully golden in the oven.
Butter adds incredible richness and helps create the flavorful base for the dish.
Cream of chicken soup brings everything together into a smooth, comforting sauce.
Exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Mom's Butter Baked Chicken Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter into a 13×9-inch baking dish and allow it to melt in the oven while it preheats.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pour a small amount of the evaporated milk into a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine the flour with the salt and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the evaporated milk, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
Step 4: Bake in Butter
Carefully place the coated chicken into the baking dish with the melted butter. Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken bakes, whisk together the remaining evaporated milk, cream of chicken soup, and water until smooth.
Step 6: Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, turn the chicken over and pour the soup mixture evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling and lightly golden.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the creamy sauce over each piece and enjoy while hot.
Expert Tips
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness for more even cooking.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a little shredded Parmesan during the final few minutes of baking.
- Fresh parsley makes a beautiful garnish before serving.
- Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How to Store and Reheat It
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in a 325°F oven until heated through.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve With
This comforting chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
- Garden salad
- Roasted carrots
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay especially juicy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the chicken a few hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when you're ready.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, carrots, peas, or broccoli all pair nicely with the creamy sauce.
Why use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk creates a rich, creamy sauce without the heaviness of cream and won't separate during baking.
Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
Yes. Homemade condensed soup works beautifully if you prefer making everything from scratch.
Mom's Butter Baked Chicken
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Pour a small amount of evaporated milk into a shallow bowl.
- Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast into the evaporated milk, then coat with the seasoned flour.
- Place the coated chicken into the melted butter.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Whisk together the remaining evaporated milk, cream of chicken soup, and water.
- Turn the chicken over and pour the soup mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for another 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy and bubbling.
- Serve warm with plenty of sauce spooned over each piece.
Notes
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Fresh parsley makes a beautiful garnish.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.
Final Thoughts
Mom's Butter Baked Chicken is one of those timeless comfort food recipes that never disappoints. With its tender chicken, buttery coating, and creamy homemade-style sauce, it's the kind of meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to every table. Simple enough for weeknights yet comforting enough for Sunday dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite you'll return to again and again.