shake and bake homemade recipe

The Best shake and bake homemade recipe

I’ve always been a fan of Shake and Bake, that convenient pre-packaged meal that’s easy to prepare and tastes great. But what I’ve come to appreciate even more is making it from scratch. The process is surprisingly simple, and the results are just as delicious as the store-bought version.

I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of having a homemade meal on the table in under an hour? It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when everyone’s running around like crazy, or for when you’re hosting a family gathering and want something easy but impressive. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control exactly what goes into it, so you can avoid any preservatives or artificial ingredients that might be lurking in the packaged mix.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe – they get to mix and shake all the ingredients together, which is always a fun part of the process. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chicken and herbs wafting through the house. It’s one of those comforting scents that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

But what really sets this recipe apart is how healthy it is compared to other fried foods. By using whole chicken pieces and baking them in the oven instead of deep-frying, we’re cutting down on a lot of extra calories and fat. And because we’re using herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt and sugar, we’re also getting more nutrients out of our food.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can make it with chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. And because it’s so easy to customize with different seasonings and spices, you can make it fit whatever theme or occasion you’re celebrating.

Homemade Shake and Bake

Homemade Shake and Bake

4.7 from 1618 votes

A crispy, flavorful coating for chicken or pork made from scratch. This easy mix uses common pantry spices and creates a crunchy crust without deep frying.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Coating Mix

1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Protein

4 bone-in chicken pieces (about 2 pounds) or 4 pork chops
2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk (optional, for extra adhesion)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper if using.
4Drizzle the vegetable oil over the mixture and stir with a fork until the oil is evenly distributed and the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
5If using milk or buttermilk, pour it into a shallow dish.
6Pat the chicken pieces or pork chops dry with paper towels.
7Dip each piece into the milk (if using), then place it into the breadcrumb mixture.
8Press the coating firmly onto all sides of the meat, ensuring an even layer.
9Place the coated pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
10Bake for 25 to 30 minutes for chicken or 20 to 25 minutes for pork chops, until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for chicken or 145°F (63°C) for pork.
11Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Shallow dish or pie plate
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Store leftover coating mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of plain. You can also add 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the mix.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Shake and Bake Works

I always keep some extra Shake and Bake mix on hand for when company comes over or when I need a quick weeknight meal.

And because it’s so versatile, I love experimenting with different seasonings and spices to give it a unique twist.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that this recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something easy for yourself.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shake and Bake

Q: What’s the difference between Shake and Bake and regular baked chicken?

This recipe uses a special blend of herbs and spices that gives it a unique flavor profile compared to regular baked chicken.

Q: Can I use this recipe for other types of meat?

Yes! You can make this recipe with chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Q: How long does it take to make this recipe?

This recipe is quick and easy to make – under an hour from start to finish!

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses gluten-free ingredients.

Q: Can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Yes! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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