Description
Crispy Oven Baked Shake and Bake Chicken offers irresistible crunch combined with juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned golden crust. This easy and flavorful baked chicken is ideal for family dinners or gatherings, delivering crispy, flavorful bites without frying. Customizable and healthier, it locks in moisture while providing a deliciously crisp texture every time.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- Chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless) – 2 lbs
- Smoked turkey bacon powder – 1/2 cup
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Paprika (natural) – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder (natural) – 1 tsp
- Onion powder (natural) – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 1 tbsp
Optional Variations
- Dried oregano, thyme or rosemary (natural) – 1 tsp each (for herbed sensation)
- Cayenne pepper or chili flakes – 1/4 tsp (for spicy kick)
- Lemon zest – 1 tsp (for bright citrus note)
- Almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs – substitute for whole wheat breadcrumbs (for gluten-free option)
- Maple syrup (natural) – 1 tsp (for smoky sweet twist, drizzle before baking)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove all excess moisture, ensuring the coating sticks well. For larger pieces, lightly score the skin for even cooking.
- Create the Shake and Bake Coating: In a large resealable bag or shallow bowl, combine whole wheat breadcrumbs, smoked turkey bacon powder, paprika (natural), garlic powder (natural), onion powder (natural), salt, black pepper, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Mix or shake thoroughly until spices are evenly blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly brush each chicken piece with olive oil. Place the pieces into the seasoning mix bag or bowl, then shake or press the coating onto the chicken until fully and evenly covered with a thick layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated chicken on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray, giving enough space between pieces to allow air circulation. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing juiciness with every bite.
Notes
- Dry chicken thoroughly before coating to ensure maximum crunchiness.
- Use a resealable bag for coating to cover chicken evenly with seasoning.
- Bake at 400°F for a crispy crust while maintaining juicy meat inside.
- Do not overcrowd the baking tray to allow crispier edges.
- For extra even cooking and to avoid soggy bottoms, place chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 5 oz chicken)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Crispy chicken, oven baked chicken, shake and bake, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, crispy coating, juicy chicken
