The Most Tender Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Crispy, golden shake and bake chicken brings comfort right to your dinner table without complicated prep work.

Weeknight meals demand simple solutions that pack serious flavor.

Home cooks appreciate shortcuts that deliver delicious results quickly.

My grandmother’s classic approach inspired this straightforward technique for making restaurant-quality chicken at home.

Salt, pepper, and a zesty coating create magic in your kitchen.

Crunchy exterior and juicy interior promise a meal everyone will devour.

You can master this recipe in minutes and impress everyone around the table.

Why Shake and Bake Chicken Still Slaps

• Simplify Cooking: Shake and bake method eliminates complex seasoning steps, making chicken preparation a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Kid-Friendly Technique: Fun shaking bag method engages children in cooking, turning meal preparation into an interactive family experience that keeps kids entertained.
• Guaranteed Flavor Blast: Perfectly balanced blend of spices like paprika, sage, and black pepper creates a mouthwatering coating that guarantees delicious results every single time.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Single baking dish and plastic bag mean less washing up, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

What You Need for That Signature Crunch

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat that will be coated and baked to golden perfection.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Paprika, Sage, Black Pepper: Flavorful blend that creates a crispy and well-seasoned exterior for the chicken.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden-brown crust on the chicken pieces.

Shake, Bake, and Win with These Steps

Step 1: Crank Up the Heat

Fire up your oven to a blazing 450°F. This high temperature will help create that crispy, golden-brown exterior we all love.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Paprika
• Dried sage
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavor-packed coating that will make your chicken sing.

Step 3: Dance with the Chicken

Drop your chicken pieces into the seasoned flour mixture.

Seal the bag and shake, shake, shake! Wiggle and bounce that bag until every inch of chicken is completely covered in the tasty coating.

Step 4: Butter the Battlefield

Place butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and slide it into the hot oven. Let the butter melt and create a slick, delicious base for your chicken.

Step 5: First Bake Position

Carefully arrange the flour-coated chicken pieces skin-side down in the buttery baking dish. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Flip and Finish

Turn the chicken pieces over so the other side can get that beautiful golden crunch. Bake for another 20 minutes.

Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F near the bone to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Pull out your gorgeous, crispy chicken and serve immediately.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Tips for Crispy, Juicy Chicken Every Time

• Use room temperature chicken for even coating and better crispiness.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading stick perfectly and create a crunchier exterior.
• Add garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra flavor depth and mild heat.
• Rest chicken for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices and maintain maximum tenderness.

Shake and Bake Combos That Mix It Up

• Spicy Southwestern Shake and Bake: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a zesty, kicked-up version with bold southwestern flavors.
• Herb-Crusted Gourmet: Incorporate dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the coating for an elegant, aromatic herb-infused chicken that feels restaurant-quality.
• Parmesan Crunch Chicken: Mix grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs into the flour coating to create a crispy, golden exterior with extra texture and rich cheese flavor.
• Gluten-Free Lean Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, and use skinless chicken breasts for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers incredible taste.

Pairing Ideas for This Classic Throwback

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the herb-seasoned chicken, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a light citrus coleslaw with lemon vinaigrette, which adds tangy crunch and balances the chicken's buttery, crispy exterior.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Serve herb-roasted asparagus or garlic-infused Brussels sprouts, providing earthy undertones that enhance the chicken's savory seasonings.
• Serve with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick honey-mustard or herbed ranch dressing to add extra flavor dimension and moisture to the shake and bake chicken.

Storage Tips to Keep That Coating Crispy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and food safety.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 4 months, preserving texture and flavor.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Quick: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs for Easy, Crunchy Chicken Wins

• Why use a plastic bag for coating the chicken?

The bag allows even, mess-free coating and helps the seasoning stick perfectly to every chicken piece without using extra dishes.

• Can I use chicken without skin?

Yes, skinless chicken works fine. Just ensure you adjust cooking time slightly and add a little extra butter or oil to prevent drying.

• What if I don't have all the exact spices?

You can substitute herbs and spices based on what’s in your pantry. Dried thyme, oregano, or garlic powder are great alternatives to sage.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Clear juices and no pink meat are additional indicators of doneness.

Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden shake and bake chicken elevates classic comfort food with a crunchy coating that seals in juicy flavor. Home cooks can quickly craft this simple, delightful meal that brings restaurant-style crunch straight to family dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)

Dry Coating Mix:

• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (1 gram) dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) black pepper

Fat:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a scorching 450°F (230°C), ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior.
2. Blend the dry seasonings thoroughly in a large, sealable plastic bag, creating a flavorful coating mixture.
3. Tumble the chicken pieces into the seasoned flour blend, sealing the bag and vigorously shaking to achieve a uniform, crispy layer.
4. Place butter in a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing it to melt completely in the preheated oven.
5. Carefully position the flour-dusted chicken pieces skin-side down in the melted butter, ensuring maximum contact for golden browning.
6. Roast for 20 minutes, allowing the bottom to develop a rich, golden crust.
7. Gently flip each piece, exposing the uncooked side to direct heat for even cooking and additional crispiness.
8. Continue baking for another 20 minutes, verifying doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) near the bone and juices run clear.
9. Remove from oven, let rest briefly, then serve piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodating for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-salt seasonings or replacing salt with herb blends like Italian or Herbs de Provence for a healthier version.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure the seasoning adheres better and creates a crispier exterior with maximum flavor absorption.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out, aiming for the precise 165°F sweet spot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg