If you’re looking for a dish that’s comfort in every bite, you’ve got to try this Creamy Butter Baked Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts soaked in a luscious buttery sauce with just a hint of herbs and a velvety creamy texture that makes every forkful pure bliss. This recipe is endlessly approachable yet feels special enough to make any dinner feel like an occasion. Plus, the magic of baking it all in one dish means minimal fuss and maximum flavor. You’re going to fall in love with how simple ingredients transform into something so irresistibly rich and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in creating the beautifully balanced taste, enticing texture, and inviting color of the Creamy Butter Baked Chicken Recipe.
- Flour: Used to create the flavorful coating that crisps slightly during baking.
- Salt: Elevates the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Herbs de Provence: Bring a fragrant, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Pepper: Offers a gentle touch of heat and complexity.
- Dry Milk Powder: Delivers richness to the creamy sauce without diluting flavors.
- Chicken Breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy when baked correctly.
- Butter: The secret to the signature richness—must be real butter for authenticity.
- Water: Helps create the perfect creamy sauce when combined with milk powder.
How to Make Creamy Butter Baked Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook gently and soak up all that creamy butter goodness without drying out.
Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish
Lightly grease your baking dish to ensure your chicken won’t stick and will bake evenly, helping to create that inviting golden finish.
Step 3: Dip the Chicken
Soak each chicken breast briefly in water. This step might feel unusual, but it helps the seasoned flour stick beautifully to the chicken, forming a delicate crust that locks in moisture.
Step 4: Coat with the Flour Mixture
Combine flour, salt, paprika, herbs de Provence, and pepper to make a fragrant and flavorful coating. Coat each damp chicken breast thoroughly in this mixture to infuse it with seasoning and a touch of crispness.
Step 5: Place Chicken in Pan and Add Butter
Arrange the coated chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Then, cut cold butter into small squares and scatter them evenly over the chicken. These buttery bits melt down as the chicken bakes, creating the silky sauce this recipe is known for.
Step 6: Bake Initially
Bake the chicken uncovered for 15 minutes. This initial baking starts cooking the chicken and gently browns the flour coating.
Step 7: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken bakes, mix the dry milk powder with hot water. This creates a creamy liquid that will soak into the chicken, transforming the dish into the signature creamy masterpiece it’s celebrated for.
Step 8: Add Milk Mixture and Continue Baking
Pour the milk mixture evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Serve Creamy Butter Baked Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and buttery chicken. A little lemon zest can also brighten up each bite with a fresh, vibrant note.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad. Rice or buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that incredible sauce and making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta for an elegant touch. For a rustic vibe, present it family-style in the baking dish with crusty bread on the side to sop up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the creamy delight again quickly.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen Creamy Butter Baked Chicken lasts up to 2 months and remains delicious once thawed and reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwaving on medium power while stirring the sauce halfway through ensures even warmth and maintains the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
While butter and milk powder are central to this recipe’s flavor and texture, you can experiment with dairy-free butter and powdered non-dairy milk, though the taste will be different from the classic version.
Why use dry milk powder instead of regular milk?
Dry milk powder combined with hot water creates a richer, creamier sauce without watering down the flavors, which can happen when using fresh milk directly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake later?
You can coat the chicken and prepare it up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add the milk mixture right before putting it into the oven.
What if I don’t have Herbs de Provence?
Feel free to substitute with a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a similar herbal note that complements the buttery creamy sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Butter Baked Chicken Recipe enough for your next cozy meal. It’s one of those comforting classics that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Once you try it, its rich buttery goodness and tender, juicy chicken will become a trusted favorite in your kitchen too. Give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Butter Baked Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Butter Baked Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, baked in a rich buttery milk sauce. The method ensures juicy, creamy chicken with a deliciously balanced blend of herbs and spices, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Dry Coating Mixture
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Herbs de Provence
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 cup Dry Milk Powder
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. Chicken Breasts
- 1/4 cup Butter (do not substitute margarine)
- 1 1/2 cups Water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
- Moisten Chicken: Dip the chicken breasts into water to help the flour coating adhere better to the meat.
- Coat Chicken: Mix the flour with salt, paprika, herbs de Provence, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast evenly with this seasoned flour mixture.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Butter: Cut the butter into small squares and sprinkle them over the chicken breasts to add richness and flavor during baking.
- Initial Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered for 15 minutes to begin cooking and allowing the butter to melt.
- Prepare Milk Sauce: In a bowl, combine the dry milk powder with hot water, stirring until fully dissolved. Pour this milk mixture gently around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from oven and serve the creamy buttery chicken hot. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- Do not substitute butter with margarine for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly coated for consistent seasoning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid under or overcooking.
- Herbs de Provence adds a fragrant, herbal note, but can be substituted with Italian seasoning if unavailable.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3 days.
