Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

If you’re like me and adore a crunchy, flavorful chicken dinner without the fuss, this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into golden, crispy delights with a perfect blend of herbs and spices. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up – you’ll find yourself reaching for this method time and again when you want a quick weeknight winner!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe works together to create that crave-worthy crispy coating and flavorful bite. Many of these spices are pantry staples, so you might already have exactly what you need!

• Plain breadcrumbs: I prefer plain so the seasoning shines through—panko works well if you want an extra crunch.
• Sea salt: Use sea salt for a nice balance and depth in the seasoning.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance savory spices and encourage browning.
• Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky note—smoked paprika can be a fun twist.
• Onion powder: This gives the coating a gentle savory punch without pieces of onion sticking out.
• Garlic powder: Garlic always elevates chicken; powder blends smoothly into the mix.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: For that fresh pop in every bite.
• Cayenne (optional): A pinch if you like a little heat without overpowering the flavors.
• Dried basil or oregano: I usually go with oregano for its classic Italian vibe, but dried basil works beautifully too.
• Vegetable oil: Helps the coating brown up beautifully and stick evenly.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Easy to find and cook quickly; you can also swap in pork chops if you want.

Variations

I love that this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe is so easy to tweak depending on what you have or what suits your cravings. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll enjoy experimenting with the spices or even the protein!

• Herb swap: I sometimes use thyme or rosemary instead of basil or oregano for a different herbal aroma, and it’s always a hit.
• Spicy variation: Add a bit more cayenne or a dash of chili powder for those evenings when you want a little kick.
• Pork chops instead of chicken: My family goes crazy for pork chops coated with this mix—just watch the cooking time (a bit shorter) and temperature.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it safe and still crunchy.

How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Seasoned Breadcrumbs

Start by combining all your dry ingredients—breadcrumbs, salt, sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cracked pepper, cayenne, and dried herbs—right inside a large gallon-sized zip-top bag. Seal it and give it a thorough shake to blend everything evenly. This step is key to making sure every bite has the perfect seasoning balance.

Step 2: Add the Oil and Combine

Now, drizzle the vegetable oil into the bag with your seasoned breadcrumbs. Seal the bag again and shake vigorously until the oil is fully absorbed and the coating mixture feels evenly moist. This bit of oil helps create that perfectly golden crust we’re after.

Step 3: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Fill a shallow dish (I use a pie pan) with about a half-inch of water. Dip each chicken breast briefly into the water—this moisture is what helps the coating stick without making the chicken soggy. Let any excess water drip off before dropping the wet chicken into your breadcrumb bag. Seal it up and give it a good shake, pressing gently to help the coating adhere evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place each coated chicken breast on a foil-lined rimmed sheet pan (no need to grease). Pop it in the oven at 400°F, and bake for about 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—use an instant-read thermometer to be sure; you’re aiming for 165°F inside.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, give your chicken a few minutes to rest. This helps the juices redistribute and the coating to set up perfectly crispy. Trust me, this little waiting game makes a big difference in flavor and texture!

How to Serve Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a pop of color and brightness that balances the rich, crispy coating beautifully. A dash of grated Parmesan can also add a lovely salty hint.

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite sides to serve alongside this chicken are buttery roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette. These sides keep things fresh and let the chicken remain the star of the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual gatherings, I sometimes slice the chicken into strips and serve it with assorted dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch—it instantly turns dinner into a fun finger food party. For a fancier touch, plate it over a bed of herbed rice or alongside grilled asparagus with a drizzle of lemon butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it within 3 days. It stays surprisingly crispy if you reheat it right, which I’ll explain next!

Freezing

I’ve frozen coated, uncooked chicken using this recipe with great results. Just wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—it still turns out crispy and delicious.

Reheating

To keep that crunchy exterior when reheating, I pop the leftover chicken under the broiler for just a few minutes or reheat it in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe, it quickly became a household staple because it checks all the boxes: crispy, flavorful, easy, and fuss-free. I bet once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want a tasty chicken dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, your family will thank you for the crunchy, juicy bites that come out every single time!

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