Shake and bake chicken is incredibly flavorful, incredibly adaptable, and incredibly simple to prepare. In other words, it checks off every box and then some.
This meal is amazing because of the crispy skins, the juicy, soft flesh, and the amazing tastes.

Additionally, it couldn’t be simpler.
Simply combine, shake, and bake. The world’s most magnificent chicken dish shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to prepare.
Additionally, compared to fried chicken, it is healthier.
Even though it contains a little amount of butter, the fact that it is baked rather than deep-fried in lots of oil means that it contains fewer calories.
I consider that a win-win situation!
Recipe for Shake-and-Bake Chicken
Flour, spices, seasonings, and a number of additional difficult-to-pronounce and spell components make up the original Shake N Bake spice mix.
I made my own mix because I wanted to be in charge of the ingredients and ensure that it was healthier.
Additionally, this handmade dry spice blend is far more affordable and convenient.
Most likely, you’re asking if the flavour is the same.
Call me a snob, but I believe the flavour is far better.
With subtle hints of earthy and spicy spices, my shake and bake chicken is deliciously salty and flavorful.
You don’t trust me? Put it to the test!

Ingredients
- The main course is chicken. For this recipe, I use bone-in chicken pieces, but you can use any cut. Just keep in mind that the amount of time needed to cook the meat may vary based on its size.
- All-Purpose Flour – Coating the chicken with flour before baking adds an additional layer of crispiness.
- Spices and seasonings- For my own take on shake and bake, I combine salt, paprika, sage, and ground black pepper. Although I use standard paprika, you can experiment with sweet or smoked paprika for a different flavour profile.
- Butter adds a nice flavour boost.
How to Make Shake and Bake Chicken
There are only three essential steps in making shake and bake chicken, and they are simple to follow:
Make the breading first. Flour and spices should be combined in a sizable, sealable bag.
Shake. By putting the chicken pieces in the bag and shaking it, you may bread the chicken.
3. Bake. Place the chicken in a baking pan with melted butter, and bake!

Best Shake and Bake Chicken Techniques
Even though the instructions for this dish are as simple as 1-2-3, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to ensure you get the greatest results.
Getting the Breading to Stick to the Chicken
The majority of recipes for breaded chicken call for beaten eggs, which serve as a glue for the breadcrumbs to adhere to.
Shake and bake chicken doesn’t fall under this category.
Therefore, blot the chicken dry with fresh paper towels after rinsing it to ensure the breading sticks to it. The breading will attach more firmly to a dry surface.
Canola oil may also be used as a substitute to lightly coat the chicken. Not only will it ensure appropriate breading adhesion, but it will also increase the crispiness of the chicken skin.
Using Different Chicken Cuts (+Cooking Times)
The spice mix should be used with various cuts of chicken, according to the directions on the original Shake N Bake box.
Try it, then, with breasts, wings, thighs, legs, or a mix of them. Even pork chops are an option!
Just be aware that cooking times will change based on the type of meat and whether it has bones or no
Use the following table as a guide:
Use this table as a guide:
Cut of Meat | Type of Cut | Cooking Time | Oven Temperature |
Chicken Thighs | Boneless | 25-30 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Chicken Pieces | Bone-In | 40 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Chicken Breasts | Bone-In | 45-50 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Chicken Breasts | Boneless | 30-35 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Chicken Tender and Nuggets | Boneless | 15-18 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Pork Chops | Boneless | 20-35 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Pork Chops | Bone-In | 35-45 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Shake and Bake Chicken (Easy Recipe)
Shake and bake chicken is super tasty, insanely versatile, and crazy easy to make. So basically, it ticks all the boxes and then some.
Between the crispy skins, the tender and juicy meat, and the sensational flavors, this dish is purely phenomenal.
Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Also, it couldn’t be more straightforward.
You just mix, shake, and bake. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes and you’ll get the most glorious chicken dish on the planet.
As a bonus, it’s also healthier than fried chicken.
Sure, it has a bit of butter, but the fact that it’s baked, not fried in tons of oil, means it has fewer calories than the deep-fried classic.
That’s what I call a win-win!
Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe
The original Shake N Bake is a spice mix made of flour, spices, seasonings, and a bunch of other ingredients that are hard to spell and pronounce.
That’s why I decided to make my own mix – to control what ingredients go into it, so I know it’s healthier.
Plus, this homemade dry spice mix is super convenient and so much more economical.
You’re probably wondering – does it taste the same, though?
Call me biased, but I think it tastes so much better!
My shake and bake chicken is perfectly salty and savory with mild hinds of earthy and spicy flavors.
Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself!
Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Ingredients
- Chicken – The main event. I use bone-in chicken pieces in this recipe, but feel free to use any cut. Just keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the meat.
- All-Purpose Flour – Coating chicken in flour gives it an extra layer of crispiness once baked.
- Spices and Seasonings – I use a blend of salt, paprika, sage, and ground black pepper for my own version of shake and bake. I use regular paprika, but you can also try sweet or smoked paprika for flavor variation.
- Butter – for a wonderful boost of flavor.
How to Make Shake and Bake Chicken
Making shake and bake chicken only requires three main steps, and they’re not that hard to follow:
1. Make the breading. In a large, resealable bag, combine the flour and spices.
2. Shake. Coat the chicken pieces in breading by placing them in the bag and giving it a shake.
3. Bake. Place the chicken in a baking pan with melted butter, and bake!

Tips for the Best Shake and Bake Chicken
This recipe really is as easy and 1-2-3, but I’ve still got a few tricks up my sleeve to guarantee you get the best results.
Getting the Breading to Stick to the Chicken
Most breaded chicken recipes call for beaten eggs, which act like glue for the breadcrumbs to stick to.This isn’t the case for shake and bake chicken.
So, to ensure the breading sticks to the chicken, pat them dry with clean paper towels after you rinse them. The drier the surface, the more the breading will stick.
Another alternative is to lightly coat the chicken with canola oil. Not only will it make the breading adhere properly, but it’ll also make the chicken skin extra crispy.
Using Other Cuts of Chicken (+Cooking Times)
The instructions on the original Shake N Bake box suggest using the seasoning mix with various cuts of chicken. So, try it with thighs, legs, wings, breasts, or a combination of them all. You can even use pork chops, too!
Just keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the cut of the meat and whether they’re bone-in or boneless.
Use this table as a guide:
Cut of Meat | Type of Cut | Cooking Time | Oven Temperature |
Chicken Thighs | Boneless | 25-30 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Chicken Pieces | Bone-In | 40 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Chicken Breasts | Bone-In | 45-50 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Chicken Breasts | Boneless | 30-35 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Chicken Tender and Nuggets | Boneless | 15-18 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Pork Chops | Boneless | 20-35 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
Pork Chops | Bone-In | 35-45 minutes | 375 degrees Fahrenheit |
Important Reminders:
Flip the meat over midway through to ensure even baking. To test for doneness, stick a thermometer into the center of the meat. Cooked chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit; for pork chops, it’s 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
More Tips and Tricks
- No problem if there is no Ziploc. Any sizable mixing basin will do to coat the chicken with the breading.
- The chicken from shake and bake is best served right away. The skin softens as a result of increased air exposure while it sits. However, allow it to sit for 3 minutes after baking to allow the liquids to redistribute throughout the flesh.
- Making your own shake and bake mix allows you to truly personalise it, which is fantastic. Feel free to modify the quantities and include or exclude certain spices based on your personal preferences!
- In some recipes, the chicken must first be seasoned with salt and pepper before being breaded. I don’t think it’s essential because the flavour of the breading suffices.

Shake and Bake Chicken in an Air Fryer
Well-being is in! All you need is an air fryer to get juicy, crispy shake-and-bake chicken without using a ton of butter.
This is how:
- To keep the chicken from sticking, spray oil on the Air Fryer basket. Alternately, use some parchment paper that has been cut to size.
- After breading the chicken, place it in the Air Fryer basket or on a tray in a single layer. To encourage air circulation, watch out that the parts don’t overlap. If necessary, cook in batches.
- At 380 degrees Fahrenheit, air fry the chicken for 24 to 28 minutes. For consistent cooking, flip the pieces halfway through.
What to Serve with Shake and Bake Chicken
- Your preferred dipping sauce should be served with the chicken. This meal is delicious with honey mustard, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce. If I’m feeling fancy, I also prefer it with bleu cheese dressing. For the kids, be sure to include ketchup as well!
- Serve shake and bake chicken with the greatest mac & cheese for the ultimate comfort food. The crunchy chicken skins and the creamy spaghetti go together like clockwork.
- Shake and bake chicken MUST be served with waffles and maple syrup on top if it is being served for breakfast. I believe honey, especially heated honey, might also work.
- With moist cornbread, you can add a sweet counterpoint to the savoury dish. It’s a blend that the South has traditionally endorsed.

How to Keep Shake and Bake Chicken Warm for Four Days in the Refrigerator
Place leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. Then, reheat as directed below after chilling for up to 4 days.
Or, consume it cold straight out of the refrigerator!
Adding cold shake and bake chicken to a garden salad is also a terrific idea.
Freeze for Up to Three Months
If you want to keep shake and bake chicken around longer, pop it in the freezer. Wrap leftovers with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Alternatively, freeze the pieces on a baking sheet for 2-3 hours, or until frozen solid. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe container.
For Best Results, reheat in the oven.
Put chilled chicken in a casserole dish, then wrap it in foil. 10 minutes of baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
For frozen chicken, follow the same procedure, but raise the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 30 minutes.
Using the Air Fryer, you can also reheat leftovers:
375 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes for chilled chicken
For frozen chicken, cook for 16 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake chicken after shaking it (Easy Recipe)
Description
Shake and bake chicken is incredibly flavorful, incredibly adaptable, and incredibly simple to prepare. In other words, it checks off every box and then some.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine flour, salt, paprika, sage, and pepper in a large resealable bag. Add the chicken pieces in the bag, seal, and shake until well coated.
- Place butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish and melt in the oven.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in the baking dish, skin side down. Bake for 20 minutes and flip them over. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until golden and the juices run clear. Let chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving. Enjoy!