Crispy Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Crispy weeknight dinners just got easier with this simple shake and bake chicken recipe that saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Combining pantry staples creates a magical coating that clings perfectly to each tender piece of meat.

Home cooks can quickly master this foolproof technique in minutes.

Seasoned breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch that makes you feel like a kitchen pro.

Minimal prep means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a delicious meal together.

Cleanup becomes a breeze with this no-mess approach to making everyone’s favorite protein.

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing method for busy evenings when comfort food calls.

Shake and Bake Chicken That Stays Crispy and Simple

Speedy Weeknight Hero: Minimal prep means dinner comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families with hungry mouths to feed.

Foolproof Cooking Method: No complicated techniques required – simply shake, coat, and bake, making this recipe accessible for beginner cooks of all skill levels.

Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works with different chicken cuts and can be customized with various seasoning blends, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious meal that suits their taste preferences.

Healthy Hands-Off Approach: Baking instead of frying cuts down on excess oil, providing a healthier cooking technique that delivers crispy, golden results without added grease.

Shake & Bake Chicken Easy Ingredient List

• Breadcrumbs, Flour: Classic base for a crispy, golden exterior that adds wonderful texture to the chicken.
• Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that provide depth of flavor and a warm, aromatic profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds subtle savory notes and enhances overall seasoning.

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when properly cooked. Boneless or bone-in options work well.

• Olive Oil, Melted Butter: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and promotes even browning. Olive oil offers a lighter option, while butter provides rich flavor.
• Cooking Spray: Optional tool for preparing the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Shake and Bake Chicken Crispy Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare The Magical Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Dried herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Mix these flavor boosters in a wide, shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag for maximum coating potential.

Step 3: Transform Your Chicken

• Olive oil
• Melted butter

Roll each piece in the seasoning mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny gets a delicious crispy armor.

Shake or press gently to help the coating cling perfectly.

Step 4: Create Crispy Perfection

Arrange chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, giving each piece some breathing room.

This ensures every inch gets beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 5: Bake To Deliciousness

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Cook boneless chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes, or bone-in pieces for 35-45 minutes.

Your chicken is ready when it hits an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and sports a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Rest And Enjoy

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes.

This magical pause lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and packed with flavor.

Serve and watch everyone dive in!

Crispy Tips for Shake and Bake Chicken

• Use a pastry brush or spray bottle for an even, light olive oil or melted butter layer to help breading stick perfectly.
• Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F without overcooking, ensuring juicy and tender results every time.
• Experiment with adding dried herbs like oregano, paprika, or garlic powder to store-bought or homemade breading mix for personalized flavor profiles.
• Place a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath chicken, creating crispy coating on all sides without moisture buildup.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes, almond flour, or gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly crunchy coating.

Shake and Bake Chicken Keep Crisp

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Add a small splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

Sides That Fit Shake and Bake Chicken

• Sizzling Salad Sidekick: Toss a crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the chicken's savory coating and add fresh crunch.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a bright, medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the chicken's herby breading.
• Roasted Veggie Fusion: Prepare herb-roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to create a colorful, nutritious plate that enhances the chicken's golden exterior.
• Creamy Comfort Companion: Whip up smooth mashed potatoes or a light cauliflower puree to provide a silky contrast to the crispy chicken texture.

Shake And Bake Chicken With New Coatings

• Gluten-Free Crunch Coating: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a crispy alternative that caters to gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Ranch Chicken Upgrade: Mix ranch seasoning and cayenne pepper into the coating for a zesty, kicked-up flavor profile that adds heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Parmesan Crusted Version: Swap breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese and crushed pork rinds to create a keto-friendly coating that's crunchy and protein-packed.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the coating mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken with aromatic herb notes that elevate the entire dish.

FAQs

• Can I use this method for different types of chicken cuts?

Yes, the shake and bake technique works perfectly for chicken breasts, thighs, wings, and drumsticks. Just adjust cooking time based on the specific cut’s thickness and whether it’s boneless or bone-in.

• Is homemade shake and bake mix better than store-bought?

Homemade mix allows you to control seasoning, reduce sodium, and customize flavors. It’s often fresher and more cost-effective than pre-packaged versions.

• How can I make the chicken coating extra crispy?

Use dry breadcrumbs, add a small amount of cornmeal or panko, and ensure chicken is completely dry before coating. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to help the coating crisp up evenly.

• Can I prepare shake and bake chicken ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. Do not leave coated chicken at room temperature for more than 30 minutes to prevent bacterial growth.

Easy Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy “easy shake and bake chicken” delivers classic comfort with minimal kitchen effort. Home cooks can quickly coat chicken pieces in seasoned crumbs and bake for a deliciously golden meal that satisfies hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 to 6 chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)

Coating Base:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Liquid Binder:

• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F (200°C) and create a non-stick surface on the baking sheet using parchment paper or a light cooking spray coating.
2. Create a seasoning station by placing the Shake and Bake mixture into a wide container or sealed plastic bag.
3. Massage each chicken piece with a thin layer of olive oil or melted butter to help the coating adhere effectively.
4. Thoroughly encase the chicken in the seasoning mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage by gently pressing or shaking the pieces.
5. Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, positioning pieces with sufficient spacing to promote uniform heat circulation and crispy texture.
6. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing boneless chicken breasts to transform for 25-30 minutes or bone-in pieces for 35-45 minutes.
7. Confirm chicken doneness by verifying the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), with the exterior displaying a golden, crisp appearance.
8. Remove from oven and permit the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and maintaining optimal moisture and tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Choose chicken pieces of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before coating to help the breading stick better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Customize the coating mix by adding herbs like dried thyme, rosemary, or paprika for extra flavor complexity.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a coating alternative.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes (depending on chicken cut)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg