How to make Homemade Shake and Bake! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for making Shake and Bake pork chops or chicken breasts with crispy outsides and juicy insides- no frying required!
Kraft’s boxed Shake ‘N Bake is a kitchen pantry staple. However, homemade, as most would agree, is usually better. Fortunately, in this case, my homemade Shake and Bake recipe is one hundred percent better—better tasting and with better ingredients (no high fructose corn syrup, yeast, and “natural flavors”). You may even have everything in your pantry already!
Plus, it’s so easy to throw together! I mean, it’s easier than running to the store. You can even double or triple the recipe, keeping it on hand for those last-minute “What’s for dinner?” nights when no one knows what to do for dinner. So whether you’re in the mood for ultra-crispy shake-and-bake chicken or the juiciest shake-and-bake pork chops, this delicious breadcrumb mixture is a guaranteed winner!
What is Shake ‘N Bake?
“Shake ‘N Bake” is a commercially flavored breadcrumb-style coating for chicken and pork. It comes in a variety of flavors such as Original Chicken, Pork, Parmesan Crusted, and Crispy Buffalo. Shake ‘N Bake became popular for its ease of use and healthier alternative to frying. Who can forget the old school shake and bake commercial, “It’s Shake ‘n Bake, and I helped!”
What You’ll Need to Make Homemade Shake and Bake Seasoning
So, “Shake ‘N Bake” is basically just seasoned breadcrumbs. There’s nothing complicated or fancy about it. In this homemade version, we’re using a combination of regular breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate golden, crispy coating; however, you can totally use just one type of breadcrumb if that’s easier. Cornstarch is added to help create an even crisper coating. It also helps the seasoning mixture stick better to the meat.
*Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Plain breadcrumbs
- Cornstarch
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika:
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Dried parsley
- Salt and Black pepper
Jessica’s Tip: While this is a great recipe for classic shake-and-bake seasoning, add variety to your shake-and-bake chicken dinner by swapping the seasoning for 2-3 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake Seasoning
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well to combine. That’s it!
Storage
Double, triple, or quadruple this recipe and have it on hand for future cooking. It’s so handy! You can store it in a sealed plastic bag, jar, or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months!
How Much Shake and Bake Seasoning Do I Need?
Generally, you will need about one-half cup of the coating mixture per pound of meat. This may vary depending on how thick you prefer your coating or if you use panko vs. regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and flakier, so you may need more coating if your seasoning mixture is made with just panko breadcrumbs.
Which Meat is Best with Homemade Shake and Bake?
You can pair this flavorful coating with a variety of different meats. My favorites include,
- Chicken: This should come as no surprise. I mean, the original Shake’N Bake was practically made for chicken. Chicken pieces like drumsticks, thighs, tenders, and breasts are the classic choice.
- Pork: Pork chops are a fantastic alternative to chicken and should not be overlooked! The coating adds a delicious, crispy crust while the inside remains light and juicy.
- Fish: Less popular, but actually really delicious. It works best on light and flaky white fish like tilapia or cod.
RECIPE CARD
Homemade Shake and Bake
Ingredients
- 1 cup breadcrumbs - plain, see notes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well to combine. Store leftover seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Jessica’s Notes
- This recipe makes approximately 1 1/4 cups of seasoning which is enough for about 2ish pounds of meat.
- Homemade Shake and Bake can be made with either regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or a combination of each. With that said, I find that the coating sticks best and has the best texture when at least half of the coating consists of regular breadcrumbs.
- Optional additions: Granulated sugar or cayenne powder (for heat).
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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