Homemade Shake n Bake
Simple instructions for homemade shake n bake copycat recipe that is great for pork and boneless or bone-in chicken.
Do you remember seeing those Shake n Bake commercials in the 1980s, with Alice from The Brady Bunch. She really was the perfect spokesperson for anything cooking related back then, because pretty much everyone watched The Brady Bunch.
Ahhh, the memories!
Shake n Bake was all about convenience, and really, what could be simpler. Place the seasoning mix in a bag, throw in a piece of chicken or a pork chop – shake it around so the meat is coated and place it on a baking sheet. Bake it in the oven and the meat comes out crispy. That’s it. Not only is it easy, but it is also a healthier way to cook than deep frying.
I still love Shake n Bake and have found myself buying the box of seasoned bread crumbs from time to time. Considering that it is essentially bread crumbs and seasoning, the box is expensive.
Making your own homemade shake and bake is very simple and way cheaper. You likely have all the ingredients in your pantry right now!!
What Are The Ingredients For Homemade Shake And Bake
Here is what you will need:
- breadcrumbs – I use unseasoned crumbs since this recipe will add all the seasoning you will need.
- vegetable oil – the oil will bind all the seasoning to the breadcrumbs and help it all to coat the meat.
- minced onion
- paprika
- salt
- black pepper
- cayenne pepper
- garlic powder
- dry parsley
- basil
- oregano
- white sugar
Pro Tip: This recipe uses a more standard seasoning, but it is possible to switch up the spices to give a bit of a different flavour like Mexican, Cajun/Creole, Curry and much more.
Use a metal whisk or a fork to stir all the ingredients together in the bowl. As you stir, you will notice that the oil will start to coat the bread crumbs and they will get slightly clumpy.
Keep stirring until there is an even consistency throughout the breading.
What Kind Of Bags To Use?
Making homemade shake n bake means that you will need to pick up some clear plastic food safe bags suitable for shaking the meat in the seasoned breading. I buy a pack of bread bags that are great for storing fresh baked bread. Zipper lock freezer bags will also work fin as well.
How To Coat The Meat In Breading
Take some of the breading and dump it into a bag. The amount needed will vary depending on the amount of meat you need to coat. I use about 1 1/2 cups for 8 pork chops.
Add one piece of meat at a time (pork chop, chicken breast/drumstick etc.). Twist the one end of the bag to seal it and then shake the bag to ensure that the meat is coated on all sides with the seasoned breading.
Pro Tip: I find that trying to make sure there is plenty of air in the bag when twisting the opening, will allow the breading to shake around more and makes the coating easier.
Once the meat is coated in the breading, take it out of the bag and place it on a baking sheet. Continue coating the rest of the pieces of meat. Make sure that the meat is evenly spaced apart on the baking sheet.
Pro Tip: I like to line the baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper so that the breading will not stick to the metal sheet during baking.
How Long To Bake Meat With Shake And Bake?
Once the meat has been coated in the seasoned breading and placed on a baking sheet, they are ready to go into the oven. Here are the cooking temperature and times for pork and chicken.
- Pork Chops – Place the coated pork chops in a 425F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cooking time might vary depending on the thickness of the chops, or if they have a bone in them. The best way to ensure doneness is to use a digital thermometer. Once the internal temperature of the pork chops reach 145F, they are done and can be removed from the oven.
- Boneless Chicken Breast – Preheat the oven to 400F and bake the coated chicken breasts for about 20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F, when checked with a digital thermometer.
- Bone-in Chicken – Place the coated chicken pieces in a 400F and bake for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Depending on the size of the chicken pieces, the time for cooking will vary. For example, a whole chicken leg quarter (drumstick and thigh together) will take longer than if the drumsticks and thighs are separated. They are finished cooking when the internal temperature of the chicken is 165F. While chicken breast is best when it is 165F, I find that drumsticks and thighs are better when they cook a little longer and reach 180F. At this temperature the meat pretty much just falls off the bone!
How To Store Shake And Bake
This recipe for homemade shake n bake is the equivalent of 3 or 4 boxes of the real stuff. So, you will want to store it. I use a mason jar and keep the lid on fairly tight. I find that this helps to keep the mixture fresh for a couple months anyway. Place it in the freezer and it will last even longer.
Side Dishes Ideas!
If you are looking for a side dish to go with shake and bake pork or chicken then check out these recipes!
- Dairy Free Scalloped Potatoes
- Bacon and Cheddar Broccoli Bake
- Mashed Potatoes with Chives and Pecorino Cheese
- Cheesy Mexican Salsa Rice
- Lima Beans with Ham
Homemade Shake n Bake - Great for chicken and pork
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp dried onion flakes
- 3 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp dry parsley
- 1/2 tsp dry basil
- 1/2 tsp dry oregano
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until evenly mixed and the bread crumbs are no longer 'clumpy' from the oil.
- Dump into a mason jar or plastic container and store in the pantry for 1-2 months.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken - Bake for 45 minutes, or until internal temperature is 165F
- Boneless chicken - Bake for 20 minutes, or until internal temperature is 165F
Nutrition
Per serving:
