If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful chicken dinner without reaching for a box mix, this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s incredibly easy to make from scratch, using simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it creates a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating that locks in juicy tenderness every time. The best part? You can customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste, turning this classic comfort food into something uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in building the perfect texture and taste. From the crispy breadcrumbs to the fragrant herbs, each one adds a special touch that transforms plain chicken into a memorable meal.
- Breadcrumbs: The base for that irresistible crunch that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Cornstarch: Helps the coating stick tightly and crisps up the crust beautifully.
- Garlic salt: Brings a savory pop to every bite.
- Pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth.
- Onion powder: Deepens the flavor with subtle sweetness.
- Dried parsley: Offers a mild fresh herbal note and a touch of color.
- Thyme: Adds earthiness and complexity.
- Paprika: Gives a slight smoky flavor and a lovely color boost.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the coating brown perfectly.
- Chicken breasts: The hearty, lean protein star of this recipe.
How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees. This temperature is just right for getting the chicken crispy on the outside while ensuring it’s juicy and cooked through inside. Preheating is key to achieving that perfect bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Shake and Bake Mix
In a large Ziplock freezer bag, combine the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and thyme. Mix these spices thoroughly so every crumb is infused with flavor. Then, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and shake again until the mixture reaches a sandy consistency. This creates the magic coating that will cling to your chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Olive Oil
Pour the remaining olive oil into a shallow bowl or plate. Dip each chicken breast in the oil, ensuring it’s well coated. This step is essential as the oil acts like glue for the breading, helping it stick and crisp up in the oven.
Step 4: Shake It Up!
Place each oiled chicken breast into the seasoned breadcrumb bag one at a time. Seal the bag and squish it around so the mix coats every inch of the chicken evenly. For an extra crispy crust, you can repeat this step by dipping the chicken in oil again and coating it once more with the shake and bake mix.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken breasts on a foil-lined baking sheet. Avoid crowding them by using two pans if needed — this helps the air circulate for an even, golden crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the chicken for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees. This ensures that the chicken is safely cooked and stays juicy inside while the coating becomes irresistibly crunchy.
Step 7: Rest Your Chicken
Once baked, move the chicken to a cooling rack instead of leaving it on the baking sheet. This little trick prevents the bottom of the crust from getting soggy by letting air circulate underneath, keeping every bite crisp.
How to Serve Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice add brightness and a pop of color that elevate this hearty dish. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top right after baking for an extra savory touch that makes each piece feel gourmet.
Side Dishes
This shake and bake chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light, refreshing green salad balances the crispy texture perfectly. Roasted vegetables or buttery corn on the cob can bring some warmth and seasonal flavors to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Or, turn the leftovers into crunchy sandwiches with pickles and tangy mayo. This Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe is versatile enough to shine in many forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week without losing its crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes rather than using a microwave. This helps maintain the delightful crunch that makes this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Just adjust the baking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
You can use any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Olive oil adds nice flavor, but these alternatives work just as well to help the coating stick and crisp up.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since traditional breadcrumbs contain gluten. However, you can swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones to make this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make the shake and bake mix ahead of time?
Yes! The dry mix can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for up to a month. Just add the olive oil when you are ready to coat the chicken to keep the texture perfect.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Once it hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit, your chicken is cooked through but still juicy inside.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken made from scratch, and this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe delivers that joy every single time. It’s simple, flexible, and full of flavor — a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to a comforting meal that feels like home.
Print
Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Shake and Bake Mix recipe is a flavorful and easy way to prepare crispy, oven-baked chicken breasts using a simple homemade seasoning blend and olive oil. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, the chicken bakes to juicy perfection with a crunchy crust, making it a delicious family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Shake and Bake Mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Chicken and Oil
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the shake and bake mix: In a large ziplock freezer bag, combine the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, and thyme. Mix well. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the dry ingredients and shake or mix until the mixture has a sandy texture.
- Coat the chicken in olive oil: Pour the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil into a shallow bowl or plate. Dip each chicken breast into the olive oil to coat evenly.
- Coat the chicken with seasoning mix: Place each oiled chicken breast into the ziplock bag with the shake and bake mixture and shake or squish the bag to coat the chicken thoroughly. For an extra thick crust, repeat by coating the chicken piece again with olive oil and placing it back in the seasoning mix.
- Arrange the chicken on baking sheet: Transfer the coated chicken breasts to a foil-lined baking sheet. Use two baking pans if needed to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating they’re fully cooked.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to rest, preventing the bottom from getting soggy from collected cooking juices.
Notes
- For thicker breading, repeat the oiling and coating step.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Line baking sheets with foil for easier cleanup.
- Do not overcrowd the baking pans to promote even baking and crisp texture.
- Letting the chicken rest on a rack after baking helps maintain crispiness.
