Homemade Shake and Bake
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Homemade Shake and Bake is a trip back in time! There’s something a little nostalgic about Shake and Bake. It’s crispy, flavorful, and somehow always manages to make dinner feel a little more fun, especially when everyone in the house gets excited about crunchy chicken or pork chops.
Homemade Shake and Bake
Homemade Shake and Bake
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But once you realize how easy it is to make your own homemade Shake and Bake, it’s hard to go back to the boxed version. This version comes together in about five minutes using simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand.
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It makes a big batch that you can keep in the pantry for quick weeknight dinners, and the flavor is so good you might start using it on everything from chicken to pork chops to roasted vegetables.
Basically, it’s the shortcut dinner helper you didn’t know you needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Shake and Bake is one of those little kitchen hacks that just makes life easier.
First, it’s incredibly quick to make. You can mix up the seasoning blend in about five minutes and have it ready whenever dinner needs a little help.
Second, it’s budget friendly. Instead of buying packets at the store, you can make a large batch for a fraction of the price.
And finally, the flavor is fantastic. The paprika, garlic, onion, and just a touch of cayenne give the coating a savory, slightly smoky flavor with a hint of warmth.
Once you try it homemade, it’s hard to go back to the box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mix:
- Italian style breadcrumbs
- Paprika
- Dried minced onion
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic powder
To Use It:
- Chicken or pork chops
- Vegetable oil or mayonnaise
How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake
Step 1: Mix the coating Add the breadcrumbs, paprika, dried onion, sugar, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the meat Lightly rub your chicken or pork chops with a thin layer of oil or mayonnaise. This helps the coating stick, but it’s optional.
Step 3: Coat the meat Press the meat into the Shake and Bake mixture until well coated.
Step 4: Bake Place the coated meat on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake until cooked through.
- Chicken: cook to 165°F internal temperature
- Pork: cook to 145°F internal temperature
Tips for the Best Homemade Shake and Bake
Use Italian breadcrumbs. They already contain herbs and seasoning that help build flavor.
Only use the amount you need. Once raw meat touches the mixture, the remaining crumbs should be discarded.
Don’t flip the meat while baking. Letting it cook undisturbed helps the coating stay crisp.
And finally, don’t cover the pan. Air circulation in the oven helps create that golden crunchy coating.
Storage
Store your homemade Shake and Bake mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one month.
Do not freeze the mixture, as the texture of the breadcrumbs can change.
More Copycat Recipes to Try
- Subway’s Sub in a Tub Recipe
- Homemade Corn Dog Recipe
- Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe
- McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce Recipe
- See all our easy copycat recipes!
How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake
Homemade Shake and Bake Recipe
Ingredients
To Make the Mix:
- 3 cups Italian style breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
To Use the Coating:
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or mayonnaise
- 3-4 pounds chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks or pork chops
Instructions
To Make the Shake and Bake Mix:
- Add the breadcrumbs, paprika, dried minced onion, sugar, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
To Use the Shake and Bake Mix:
- Pour about ¼ cup of mix per chicken breast or pork chop into a ziploc or bowl. Store remaining in cool dry place in a sealed container. ¼¼
- Lightly rub the chicken or pork chops with a thin layer of oil or mayonnaise. This helps the coating stick but is optional.
- Press the meat into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated on all sides.
- Place coated meat on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake on the center rack of a preheated 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until meat reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F for chicken or 145°F for pork).
Notes
- For extra crispy coating, lightly spray the coated meat with cooking spray or oil before baking.
- Store unused Shake and Bake mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
- Do not freeze the mixture.
- It takes about 1 cup of coating to cover 4 average pork chops or chicken breasts.
- Once raw meat touches the mixture, discard any remaining coating.
- Do not cover or flip the meat while baking, which helps the coating stay crisp.
Nutrition
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Tools We Love
- Kitchen Tongs – Every kitchen needs a good pair of tongs.
- Metal Spatula – Perfect for lifting your food!
Other Great Dinner Ideas
- Crock Pot Steak Potatoes and Corn Recipe
- Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe
- Pizza Casserole Recipe
- See all our easy dinner ideas!
Final Thoughts
This homemade Shake and Bake is one of those recipes that quietly makes dinner easier. It’s quick to mix together, easy to keep on hand, and turns simple chicken or pork chops into a crispy, flavorful meal in no time.
Once you have a jar of it in your pantry, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for it more often than you expect.
Frequently asked questions
No, but it helps the coating stick better and promotes browning. A very light layer is all you need.
Yes! This coating works great on chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and pork chops. Just be sure to cook the meat to a safe internal temperature.
About 1 cup of the mix will coat roughly 4 average chicken breasts or pork chops.
Absolutely. Store the mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to one month.
Once raw meat touches the mixture, it can introduce bacteria. Any unused coating from that batch should be discarded.
No. Leaving it undisturbed helps the coating stay crispy and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
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