Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a crispy, golden-brown piece of chicken, and if you’ve ever enjoyed that delightful crunch that comes from Shake and Bake, you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken recipe. With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of easy steps, you can create a flavorful chicken dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

This recipe takes the beloved convenience product and brings it into your kitchen, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s healthier and fresher than the store-bought kind. The best part? You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it at your next gathering.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken apart is the ability to control both the ingredients and flavors. Unlike the packaged versions, this recipe uses simple, wholesome spices and ingredients to create a crispy coating that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs adds depth and zest to each bite. Plus, the chicken turns out tender and juicy on the inside, providing the perfect balance to the crunchy exterior.

What You’ll Need

To make this delicious Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin cutlets
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs, plain
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowl – For combining the bread crumbs and spices.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure accuracy in your ingredients.
• Baking Sheet – To hold the chicken while it cooks.
• Parchment Paper (optional) – For easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
• Cooking Spray – To enhance the crispiness of the chicken.

Mastering Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken: How-To

Ready to dive into the cooking process? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This helps the chicken cook faster and allows for better coating.

Step 3: Make the Coating

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread crumbs, vegetable oil, salt, paprika, celery salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Mix everything well until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Take each chicken cutlet and press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on both sides. Place the coated chicken onto the baking sheet. Repeat until all cutlets are coated.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy. You can turn the chicken halfway through for an even bake.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy your homemade Shake and Bake Chicken!

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

Feel free to customize your Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken with these seasonal flavor boosts:

• Lemon Zest – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese – Mix in a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.
• Smoked Paprika – Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
• Fresh Herbs – Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a burst of freshness.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

• For the crispiest texture, make sure to use dry bread crumbs. You can also make your own by toasting and grinding bread.
• Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• Chicken cutlets work best for even cooking, but you can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
• For gluten-free options, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Leftover Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating!

Helpful Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can coat the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

What can I serve with Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also slice it up and use it in sandwiches or salads for a delicious lunch option.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

More from the Kitchen

• Sally’s Baking Addiction – For delicious baking recipes and tips.
• Pinch of Yum – For easy, healthy meals and food photography inspiration.
• Minimalist Baker – Simple, plant-based recipes that require 10 ingredients or less.

Hungry for More?

If you enjoyed this Homemade Shake and Bake Chicken recipe, you’re in for a culinary adventure! From mouthwatering desserts to satisfying sides, there’s always something new to try in your kitchen. Embrace the joy of cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you, and your family will love you for it!

Let’s get cooking and make every meal an occasion to remember!