Crispy Shake-and-Bake Chicken Recipe for Oven or Air Fryer

Shake and Bake chicken is a classic, comforting dinner many of us grew up with. With this homemade Shake ’n’ Bake style mix you can easily make baked panko chicken tenders that are juicy inside and extra crispy outside — no store-bought mix required. Best of all, you can have this on the table in about 25 minutes.

If you want to save time and energy, you can also cook these crispy tenders in an air fryer. Instructions for both oven and air-fryer methods are below.

Shake and Bake Chicken Video Tutorial

Watch the video to see the full process, from mixing the breading to cooking the tenders. The visual guide makes it easy to follow along and helps ensure great results.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Fresh homemade seasoning blend: Mixing your own spices and panko gives you control over flavor and quality, and avoids processed ingredients.
• Kid-friendly crowd-pleaser: These tenders are crispy, juicy, and perfect for dipping — a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Works with fresh or thawed chicken: The recipe is quick and forgiving; for best results use fresh or fully thawed tenderloins so the breading stays in place.

This method is just as simple as using a store-bought mix: stir together your seasonings with panko, brush the chicken with melted butter or oil so the crumbs stick, and bake or air fry until golden. The result is a homemade comfort meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Boneless chicken: Use fresh or fully thawed tenderloins for best adhesion of the panko. Frozen pieces tend to release moisture as they thaw, which can make the breading slip off during cooking.
• Melted butter or oil: Brushing the chicken with melted butter or a neutral oil helps the panko and seasonings stick and gives a golden finish.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Panko yields the crispiest texture. Regular breadcrumbs will work but the coating will be slightly less crunchy.
• Seasonings: A simple mix of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper creates plenty of flavor without overpowering the chicken.

Always check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; the chicken should reach 165°F before serving.

Important Recipe Tips

1. Trim and oil: Remove excess fat and brush each piece with a light layer of melted butter or oil so the breading adheres and the exterior browns evenly.
2. Coat in small batches: If using a zip-top bag to shake the coating on, work with 3–4 tenderloins at a time to ensure full coverage.
3. Use a tray for even coating: If using a plate or shallow tray, spread the panko mix into an even layer and press the chicken gently into it so the crumbs stick well.

How To Make Shake and Bake Chicken in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray or oil a baking sheet or shallow casserole dish.
2. Brush each tenderloin with melted butter or oil, then coat with the panko and seasoning mixture. Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared pan with space between each piece so hot air can circulate.
3. If you want to add vegetables, choose quick-cooking options like green beans, asparagus, sliced bell pepper, or broccoli. Avoid raw potatoes since they won’t cook through in the same time.
4. Bake at 375°F for 15–17 minutes, or until the coating is golden and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part.

How to Make Shake and Bake Chicken in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F if your model recommends preheating. Lightly spray the basket or use a paper liner to prevent sticking.
2. Place the breaded tenderloins in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between pieces. Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
3. Confirm doneness with a thermometer — the internal temperature should read 165°F — then serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these homemade tenders with your favorite dipping sauces and sides. They pair well with simple roasted or griddle vegetables, a fresh salad, or fries. Popular dipping sauces include ranch, BBQ, sweet chili, marinara, and honey mustard.

Recipe FAQs

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If you try this shake-and-bake chicken tenders recipe, please leave a star rating and share how it turned out in the comments. Enjoy!