Name: Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and legs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (finely ground); 2 tablespoons cornmeal; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1½ teaspoons ground paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you are craving a crispy, flavorful dinner that feels like a treat but comes together effortlessly, this Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. With its perfectly seasoned crunchy coating and juicy, tender chicken inside, it turns an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion. This dish uses a simple mix of pantry staples and requires no complicated steps, making it my go-to when I want something satisfying without fuss. The magic really happens when you toss the chicken in the aromatic blend of spices and breadcrumbs, then let the oven do its work to create a beautifully golden crust. Trust me, once you try this Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate holds six raw chicken pieces arranged in a circle, showing a mix of drumsticks and thighs with pale pink skin. Surrounding the plate are small white bowls filled with various spices and ingredients: finely ground reddish-brown powder, yellow powder, a light tan powder, and dark green herbs in the top row; pink salt, bright red powder, and green dried herbs in the bottom row. On the right side, there's a larger white bowl filled with light tan breadcrumbs and a small white bowl containing a golden yellow liquid, likely oil. A small clear bowl with a pale powder is positioned at the bottom left. All items sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe plays a vital role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor combo, from the crispy coating to the juicy meat inside. They are all simple, easy-to-find items that come together to make magic happen in your kitchen.

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and legs: These cuts stay juicy and tender with the perfect amount of fat under the skin for flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the coating stick and crisps up the chicken skin beautifully.
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (finely ground): Gives that signature light, crunchy texture that is a step above regular breadcrumbs.
2 tablespoons cornmeal: Adds an extra crunch and a subtle corn flavor to the crust.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the bold flavors.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses a rich, savory depth without overwhelming the chicken.
1½ teaspoons ground paprika: Adds vibrant color and a mild smoky sweetness.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle savory notes that complement the garlic perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces a gentle herbal touch that brightens the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds warm, earthy undertones for a well-rounded seasoning.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides just the right hint of heat and complexity.

How to Make Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rack

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is perfect for crisping up the coating while keeping the chicken tender inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then place a wire rack on top. Spraying the rack with nonstick spray helps the chicken pieces release easily and ensures air circulates all around for an even bake.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

In a large Ziplock bag, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and ground black pepper. Seal the bag tightly and shake gently until all the ingredients are well blended, creating a flavorful coating that will coat each piece of chicken evenly.

Step 3: Oil and Coat the Chicken

Rub each piece of chicken with the olive oil. This step is key because it helps the seasoning mixture stick beautifully and promotes browning in the oven. Place one piece of chicken at a time into the Ziplock bag with the coating mixture, then gently shake to coat it completely. Transfer the coated chicken to the prepared wire rack, spacing the pieces so air can circulate freely around each one for perfect crispiness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat will create a gorgeously golden, crunchy exterior while locking in the juices for tender, flavorful meat. Once baked, remove the chicken and let it rest briefly to retain its moisture before serving.

How to Serve Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

A metal tray with a wire rack holds eight chicken pieces arranged in two rows. The left row has four uncooked chicken thighs with pale yellow skin and smooth texture. The right row has four chicken drumsticks covered in a light brown breadcrumb coating, giving them a rough texture. The tray is lined with brown parchment paper and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top to give your Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe a burst of fresh color and aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the flavors and offer guests the option to add a zesty splash.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or buttery corn on the cob for a perfectly balanced plate that complements the crunchy, flavorful chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken on a rustic wooden board with bowls of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy barbecue sauce. For a casual family meal, pile the chicken pieces on a platter with colorful veggie sticks and potato wedges for a fun, shareable feast everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain that crispy texture, it’s best to reheat the chicken in the oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken for longer storage. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This method revives the crispy coating and keeps the chicken moist inside without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and legs?

Absolutely! While thighs and legs stay juicier, chicken breasts can also be coated and baked using this Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe. Just keep an eye on them, as breasts may cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Is Panko necessary, or can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are recommended because their light texture provides a crispier crust. Regular breadcrumbs will work but tend to result in a denser coating that can be less crunchy.

Can I make the seasoning mix ahead of time?

Yes! The dry seasoning mixture can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. This makes putting together the Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe even quicker when you’re ready to cook.

Do I need to turn the chicken while baking?

No turning is necessary if you use a wire rack to bake the chicken. The air circulation ensures the coating crisps evenly on all sides without flipping.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses Panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. You can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

This Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe has been a game-changer for easy, delicious home-cooked meals. Its simplicity paired with unbeatable flavor and texture means you can count on it to impress family and friends, or just make your own dinner special any night of the week. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every crispy, juicy bite as much as I do!

Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need