Easy & Tasty Shake And Bake Chicken Recipe

Shake and Bake chicken is a beloved classic dish that combines convenience and deliciousness. With its crispy and flavorful coating, this recipe is a go-to choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

The homemade spice mix adds a personalized touch, elevating the dish to new heights. Each bite of the tender, juicy chicken coated in a perfect blend of spices will leave you craving more. Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of Shake and Bake chicken, a timeless favorite that never fails to impress.

Shake And Bake Chicken

Shake and Bake chicken is a renowned spice mix by Kraft, made with flour, spices, seasonings, and other flavorful ingredients. However, I created my own mix to fully control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option. Not only is this homemade dry spice mix incredibly convenient, but it also proves to be a more economical choice.

Now, you might be wondering, does it taste the same? Well, let me assure you, it matches the original flavor and even surpasses it, delivering a truly exceptional taste experience. It is salty and savory with mild earthy and spicy flavors.

Shake And Bake Chicken Ingredients

By combining the following ingredients, you can create a delectable Shake and Bake chicken with a crispy, seasoned coating that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Chicken, the recipe’s star ingredient, provides the protein base for shake-and-bake chicken. Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces such as drumsticks or thighs, as they offer moistness and flavor to the dish.

All-purpose flour acts as a coating for the chicken, helping to create a crispy texture when baked. It adheres to the chicken, providing a foundation for the spice mix to stick to.

Salt enhances the chicken’s overall taste and helps balance the flavors of the other spices in the homemade spice mix. It brings out the natural flavors of the chicken while adding a savory element.

Paprika adds a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken. It also contributes a vibrant red color to the coating, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.

Sage provides an earthy and slightly peppery taste to the chicken. It adds depth and a hint of herbaceousness to the overall flavor profile.

Ground black pepper offers a mild heat and a subtle spiciness to the chicken. It complements the other spices in the mix, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Butter is used for baking the chicken, providing moisture and richness to the meat. It also helps to achieve a crispy coating while infusing the chicken with a buttery flavor.

Tips For The Best Shake And Bake Chicken

By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve the best results with your Shake and Bake chicken, ensuring a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces retain moisture and add extra flavor to the Shake and Bake chicken, resulting in a juicier and more delicious result.

Preheat the oven: Ensure that your oven is preheated to the recommended temperature before baking the chicken. This helps to achieve a crispy and evenly cooked coating.

Pat dry the chicken: Before coating the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating adhere better and promotes a crispier texture.

Customize the spices: Feel free to experiment and customize the spice mix. Add herbs or spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to enhance flavor.

Add a crunchy element: Mix in crushed cornflakes or crispy rice cereal into the spice mix for extra crunch. This addition adds a delightful texture to the coating.

Use a wire rack: Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to elevate the chicken. This allows air to circulate underneath, resulting in a crispier coating.

Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to lock in the juices and ensures a tender and succulent eating experience.

Serve with dipping sauces: Accompany your Shake and Bake chicken with an assortment of flavorful dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for an added burst of taste.

Storage Of Shake And Bake Chicken

After preparing Shake and Bake chicken, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its quality and safety. Here’s how to store Shake and Bake chicken.

Allow it to cool: Let the cooked Shake and baked chicken cool down at room temperature for no more than two hours. This helps prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the chicken within a few days, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator and ensure the temperature is below 40°F (4°C). Proper refrigeration helps keep the chicken fresh and safe to eat.

Freezing: If you want to store Shake and Bake chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label the containers with the date for easy reference. Frozen Shake and Bake chicken can be stored for up to three months.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy the stored Shake and Bake chicken, thaw it safely. The best method is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacterial growth.

Note: It’s important to discard any Shake and Bake chicken left at room temperature for more than two hours or shows signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or unusual texture.

Reheating Shake And Bake Chicken

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating. Remember that the actual reheating time may vary depending on the quantity and size of the chicken pieces.

To reheat Shake and Bake chicken in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed.

For reheating in the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals until heated to your desired temperature.

To reheat in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is reheated and crispy.

Recipe Variations

Here are some tantalizing recipe variations for Shake and Bake chicken that will add exciting flavors to your meal. Elevate your chicken game with these creative twists and enjoy the burst of taste in every bite.

Shake and Bake Ranch Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the coating mix for a tangy and herby twist that will take your chicken to the next level of flavor.

Shake and Bake Honey Mustard Chicken: Drizzle the coated chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard before baking. The sweet and tangy combination adds a delightful glaze and depth of flavor.

Shake and Bake Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken: Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper into the coating mix for a bright and zesty flavor profile. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.