When it comes to home-cooked meals, nothing beats the classics that have been passed down through generations. Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is one such cherished recipe, embodying the warmth and comfort of home. It combines the simplicity of ingredients with a richness of flavor that makes it a favorite for family dinners. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of making this delightful dish, ensuring that you can recreate a piece of culinary nostalgia in your own kitchen.
The Essence of Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken
This dish stands out for its tender, juicy chicken breasts, baked to perfection in a savory butter and cream sauce. The use of evaporated milk and Cream of Chicken soup adds a depth of flavor and creaminess to the dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. The recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless recommended)
- 1 can evaporated milk (any size)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 can Cream of Chicken soup
- 1/4 cup water
Directions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high cooking temperature is crucial for achieving a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
- Dipping and Coating: Pour a small amount of evaporated milk into a dish. Dip each chicken breast in the milk, then roll it in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. This coating not only adds flavor but also helps to create a crisp exterior on the chicken.
- Cooking in Butter: Melt butter in a 13×9 inch baking pan. Place the chicken in the melted butter and bake for 30 minutes. The butter not only adds richness to the dish but also helps to brown the chicken beautifully.
- Preparing the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, mix together the water, Cream of Chicken soup, and the remaining evaporated milk. This mixture forms a creamy, flavorful sauce that will be poured over the chicken.
- Baking with the Sauce: After the chicken has baked for 30 minutes, turn each breast over and pour the soup mixture on top. Bake for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce, ensuring that each bite is moist and savory.
- Serving: Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oven. The chicken is now ready to be served, ideally while it’s still warm and the sauce is bubbling.
The Joy of Homestyle Cooking
Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken is a testament to the power of simple, homestyle cooking. It’s a dish that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum comfort. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to serve a meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Conclusion
Creating Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken at home allows you to carry on a tradition of comfort and deliciousness. It’s a recipe that’s likely to become a staple in your own collection, beloved for its ease, flavor, and the memories it evokes. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s sure to be requested time and time again.