Shake and Bake Chicken (Easy Homemade Recipe)

This homemade shake and bake chicken is even better than the original! The crispy, crunchy, and juicy chicken legs are simply irresistible. And you won't believe how easy this copycat recipe is to make from scratch.

The Best Shake and Bake Chicken

If you already love the original shake and bake chicken from Kraft Foods, get ready for this homemade version.

It combines big flakey panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal to make the crunchiest breading ever. Then the seasoning mix brings in that nostalgic flavor you just can't get in any other chicken recipe.

It's so good, and everyone who tries this crispy, juicy chicken just raves over it. My family thinks it's more delicious than homemade chicken nuggets and chicken tenders!

This homemade shake and bake chicken is the perfect recipe to make for an easy weeknight meal or summer cookout, especially if you serve it up alongside these cheesy mashed potatoes or lazy lasagna for a delicious comfort food meal. 

Or, if you're looking for a healthier side, serve it with this house salad.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and easy. Basically, all you do is mix the breading in a bag, shake the chicken, and bake.

Healthy alternative. If you love fried chicken, this is a healthier version since it's baked in the oven with no oil.

There’s less mess. Everything for this recipe comes together in a Ziploc bag, so there is virtually no mess to clean up!

A winning combination. The combination of ingredients makes for the perfect seasoned chicken recipe. Pair that with the ideal cooking time, and you have the best shake and bake chicken ever.

Perfectly cooked chicken. I love this recipe because it's foolproof. The chicken comes out deliciously juicy and crispy every single time, and the oven takes care of everything for you.

Ingredients

This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you probably have at home already.

Check out what you'll need to make this homemade shake and bake chicken recipe:

• 6 chicken legs (or chicken thighs)
• 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cup finely ground Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ tablespoon cornmeal
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried basil

By the way, if you have these ingredients, then you have everything you need to make these shake and bake pork chops next!

How To Make Shake and Bake Chicken

1. Prep work. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside. 

2. Make the breading. Add the Panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper to a large Ziploc bag.

3. Prepare the chicken. Coat the chicken with olive oil on all sides. Add the chicken to the bag with the breading, close the Ziploc bag, and shake it well until the chicken is completely coated. 

4. Bake the chicken. Arrange the breaded chicken onto an oven-safe wire rack and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Serve. As soon as it cooks, serve the chicken immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before you bread it.
• Make sure the chicken is coated with oil on all sides so the breading sticks.
• Give the breading a mix in the Ziploc bag before you add the chicken to it. 
• Press the chicken into the bread crumbs mix after shaking the bag to make it stick better.
• If you don't have a Ziploc bag, you can also bread the chicken in a large mixing bowl instead.

What To Serve With Shake and Bake Chicken

This shake and bake chicken is crispy, buttery, and juicy, so think cookout-style foods when you're looking for what to serve it with. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Chik-Fil-A mac and cheese
• Chicken salad
• Grit cakes
• Cauliflower casserole
• Longhorn brussel sprouts

How To Store Shake and Bake Chicken

In the fridge: Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: You can also freeze leftover shake and bake chicken. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. 

Reheating: To reheat crispy shake and bake chicken, place it on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish and bake it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

You can also reheat it in the air fryer to keep the crispy breading. Take the leftover chicken out of the fridge and cook it at 375°F for 5-10 minutes or until warm.

If you're reheating the frozen chicken, just add more time to one of the reheating methods. 

FAQs About This Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

What temperature do you cook shake and bake at?

The best temperature to cook shake and bake chicken in the oven at is 400°F. The high temperature allows the breading to crisp up nicely, but it also keeps the chicken pieces juicy and tender.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs/legs?

Yes. Although the chicken thighs - or chicken legs - add more flavor to the recipe, it will also work great with boneless skinless chicken breasts. You will just need to adjust the cooking time for chicken breasts.

How do you make shake and bake chicken not soggy?

It's all about the cooking method of the chicken. In this recipe, the breaded chicken is placed on a wire rack above a baking sheet, which ensures the chicken doesn't come out soggy on the bottom.

Do you use egg with shake and bake?

The traditional shake and bake package recipe calls for an egg to coat the chicken before breading. For this homemade shake and bake chicken, the chicken is coated in olive oil instead, and you can really use any oil you want.

Can I make shake and bake chicken in the air fryer?

Yes! If you want to use the air fryer instead of the oven, simply prepare the chicken pieces the same way and bake them in a preheated air fryer set to 380°F. Cook for about 25 minutes or until it's cooked through, flipping the same chicken halfway.

More Chicken Recipes

• Panko breaded chicken
• Cream cheese stuffed chicken
• Fried chicken recipe without buttermilk
• Baked chicken leg quarters 
• Oven baked chicken cutlets
• Chicken Philly cheesesteak