Ingredients
- (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
- /2 cup melted butter, divided
- tablespoon paprika
- teaspoon salt
- /2 teaspoons dry mustard
- /2 teaspoon chili powder
- pinch cayenne pepper
- /4 cup water
Instructions
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Step 1
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels—this helps the butter adhere. In a shallow bowl, pour 1/4 cup of the melted butter. Dip each piece of chicken into the butter, letting the excess drip off, then place them skin-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish. I like to arrange them with a little space for even browning. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter with paprika, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and water in a small bowl until it forms a smooth, fragrant sauce. After the first 30 minutes, pull the dish out and carefully pour the spiced butter mixture evenly over the chicken pieces. The sauce will pool around them and infuse every bite. Return to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes. The skin should be golden and the meat tender. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.