Shake and Bake Chicken
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Shake and bake chicken is a quick and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip up this crispy, flavorful meal in under an hour with just a few simple ingredients. The secret to great shake and bake chicken is coating the pieces evenly and baking them until golden brown.
Kids and adults alike love this classic dish. It’s a great way to jazz up plain chicken breasts or thighs. Plus, you can customize the seasoning mix to suit your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and you’ll see why it’s been a family favorite for decades!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make shake and bake chicken:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 pounds chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup butter
You can use any chicken pieces you like – legs, thighs, breasts, or wings all work great. Just make sure they total about 3 pounds.
The flour and spices create a crispy, flavorful coating. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You might want to add some garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
Don’t forget the butter! It helps the chicken get nice and golden brown as it bakes. You can use salted or unsalted butter depending on your preference.
With these simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Shake and bake chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.
Instructions
Here’s how to make shake and bake chicken:
Heat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Mix flour, salt, paprika, sage, and pepper in a big plastic bag.
Put chicken pieces in the bag. Seal it and shake well to coat the chicken.
Melt butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish in the oven.
Place coated chicken in the dish, skin side down.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Flip the chicken over.
Bake for another 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Check that juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before you eat it.
This easy method gives you crispy, flavorful chicken every time. You can use different spices to change up the taste. Try garlic powder or Italian seasoning for a twist.
Remember to wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily switch up this classic recipe to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry. Try these yummy alternatives:
Coating substitutes:
- Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Cornmeal for a rustic texture
- Crushed crackers for a unique flavor
Spice it up:
- Add cayenne pepper for heat
- Mix in Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist
- Sprinkle in some garlic powder for extra zing
Want to make it healthier? Use skinless chicken pieces and swap the butter for olive oil.
For a gluten-free version, replace the flour with almond flour or cornstarch.
You can also experiment with different cuts of chicken:
- Boneless, skinless breasts
- Thighs
- Drumsticks
- Wings
To make it even quicker, use a store-bought shake and bake mix. Just add your favorite spices to boost the flavor.
For a fun twist, try coating pork chops or fish fillets instead of chicken. The possibilities are endless!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Choose thin chicken pieces for faster cooking. Cutlets, tenders, or chunks work great. They’ll be ready in minutes!
Flip the chicken halfway through baking. This helps it cook evenly on both sides.
No plastic bag? No problem! Use a large mixing bowl to coat the chicken instead.
Serve your shake and bake chicken right away. The skin stays crispier when eaten fresh.
To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for 3-4 days.
When reheating, pop the chicken in the oven. This brings back some of that crispy texture.
For extra flavor, try adding your favorite herbs or spices to the coating mix. Garlic powder or dried herbs work well.
To keep your hands clean, use one hand for the wet ingredients and one for the dry when coating the chicken.
Want juicier chicken? Let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking before you dig in.