Description

Enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken anytime with this easy homemade Shake & Bake Chicken Thighs recipe. Made with pantry staples, it delivers a crunchy, golden coating without deep frying. Perfect for quick dinners, this oven-baked version is healthier and just as satisfying as the classic boxed mix.

Ingredients

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For the Shake & Bake Coating

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)

For the Chicken

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons milk (or water, for moistening)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set a wire rack on top, if you have one, for better crisping.
Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a large zip-top bag or bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add olive oil (or melted butter) and mix thoroughly to evenly moisten the breadcrumbs.
Moisten the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Brush or lightly dip the chicken pieces in milk or water—this helps the coating adhere better.
Coat the Chicken
Place one or two chicken thighs at a time in the bag or bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Seal and shake (or toss) until each piece is fully coated with the seasoned crumbs.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet or rack. Leave space between each to ensure crisping.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crisp, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle and the coating to set. Enjoy while hot and crispy!

Notes

You can substitute boneless thighs or chicken drumsticks; baking time may vary.
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Store leftover coating mix in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 530mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 110mg