INGREDIENTS
Chicken Pieces: 4 large chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on) or 8 thighs
Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for color and a hint of sweetness
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed for a hint of acidity
Instructions for Making Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice, golden crust.
Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting the skin to crisp up in the oven.
Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure the mixture is thoroughly combined.
Season the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large baking dish. Brush the butter and seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and the juices run clear when you pierce the chicken with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken pieces you’re using.
Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful when you cut into it.
Serve: Serve the butter baked chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
