Easy Shake and Bake Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and hassle-free dinner, look no further than this Easy Shake and Bake Chicken recipe. With a crispy, seasoned coating and tender, juicy chicken on the inside, this recipe is a family favorite that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Quick & Simple – Just a few ingredients and minimal prep.
• Crispy & Flavorful – The chicken gets a golden, crispy coating that’s packed with flavor.
• Customizable – Use chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks, and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Bone-in, skin-on pieces will give the best crispy texture, but boneless works too.
• Shake and Bake Coating – This is the star of the recipe! You can use a store-bought Shake and Bake mix, or if you’re making your own, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Olive Oil or Butter – Helps the coating crisp up in the oven while adding richness and flavor.
• Seasonings – Feel free to add extra seasonings to the coating, like onion powder, cayenne pepper, or herbs for a custom flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Coat the Chicken

• In a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, combine your Shake and Bake mix (or your homemade coating mixture).
• Lightly coat your chicken pieces with olive oil or melted butter. This will help the coating stick and crisp up in the oven.
• Place each chicken piece into the coating mixture, shaking or pressing gently to coat evenly.

3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

4. Bake the Chicken

Bake for 25-30 minutes for boneless chicken breasts, or 35-45 minutes for bone-in pieces. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating will be golden brown and crispy.

5. Rest & Serve

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken stays tender.

Expert Tips for the Best Shake and Bake Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give the chicken room to breathe so the coating crisps up properly.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – This ensures the chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
• Customize the Coating – Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to the Shake and Bake mix to tailor the flavor to your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

• With Roasted Vegetables – Roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with crispy chicken.
• Over Rice or Quinoa – Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal.
• With a Side Salad – A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness.
• Reheating in the Oven: For the crispiest texture, reheat the chicken in the oven instead of the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just reduce the cooking time slightly—boneless breasts typically cook in about 20-25 minutes.

Can I make my own Shake and Bake mix?
Absolutely! Combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a bit of Parmesan cheese for a homemade version.

Can I use frozen chicken?
For best results, use thawed chicken so it cooks evenly. If you must use frozen chicken, bake it for about 10-15 extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Shake and Bake Chicken is the perfect dinner when you’re short on time but still want something crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s simple, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

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