Shake ‘n Bake Chicken : There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic flavors of Shake ‘n Bake Chicken—a recipe that brings back memories of weeknight dinners and comforting meals around the table. Whether you grew up eating it or are just discovering this simple yet delicious way of cooking chicken, Shake ‘n Bake offers a crispy, flavorful coating without the need for deep frying.
What is Shake ‘n Bake Chicken?
Shake ‘n Bake is a prepackaged seasoning mix sold by Kraft Foods, but the concept is simple enough to recreate at home. You “shake” the chicken in a bag with a flavorful breadcrumb coating, then “bake” it to crispy perfection. The result? Golden, crunchy chicken that’s moist on the inside—no frying required!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shake ‘n Bake Chicken
- Pat your chicken dry before shaking it in the coating. This ensures the breadcrumb mix sticks better and crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave some space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. The larger crumbs create more crunch when baked.
- If you’re short on time, you can coat the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This allows the flavors to absorb better into the meat.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about Shake ‘n Bake chicken is its versatility. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Parmesan Herb Shake ‘n Bake
For a more Italian-inspired flavor, double the amount of Parmesan and add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil into the coating mixture.
BBQ Shake ‘n Bake
Love smoky barbecue flavors? Add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar to the breadcrumb mix. You can also brush a light layer of your favorite BBQ sauce on the chicken 10 minutes before it’s done baking for a sticky, flavorful finish.
Low-Carb Shake ‘n Bake
For a keto-friendly version, replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Both options will give you that same crunchy coating without the carbs.
Spicy Buffalo Shake ‘n Bake
For heat lovers, mix in 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or buffalo sauce with the olive oil before combining it with the breadcrumbs. Serve with a side of blue cheese dressing to complete the buffalo chicken experience.
How to Serve Shake ‘n Bake Chicken
This crispy chicken can be the star of a meal or a side dish for your favorite veggies and grains. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing—rich, buttery mashed potatoes balance the crunchiness of the chicken.
- On a Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it on a bed of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Top with ranch or Caesar dressing for a complete meal.
- In a Sandwich: For a Shake ‘n Bake chicken sandwich, layer the chicken with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. It’s an easy and delicious lunch option!
- With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a balanced and healthy meal.
How to Store and Reheat Shake ‘n Bake Chicken
Storing:
- Leftover Shake ‘n Bake chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- To maintain the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Freezing:
You can also freeze the cooked chicken. Once cooled, place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let the chicken thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Both boneless and skinless thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer than breasts.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
While it’s not necessary, marinating the chicken in buttermilk or a simple saltwater brine for 30 minutes can make it even juicier. This step is optional but worth trying if you have extra time.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Shake 'n Bake Chicken
Shake 'n Bake Chicken : There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic flavors of Shake 'n Bake Chicken—a recipe that brings back memories of weeknight dinners and comforting meals around the table.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (or ½" thick boneless pork chops)
- 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs
- ¾ tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 ½ tsp sugar
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil or oregano
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F, placing a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with foil, or leave it ungreased.
- Mix Seasoned Breadcrumbs: In a large zip-top bag, combine breadcrumbs, salt, sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, cayenne (if using), and basil. Seal and shake to blend.
- Add Oil: Open the bag, drizzle in the vegetable oil, then reseal and mix again until the breadcrumbs are fully coated.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour about ½ inch of water into a pie pan. Dip each chicken breast in the water, letting excess drip off, then place in the breadcrumb bag. Seal and shake, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken on the baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden and an internal temp of 165°F is reached. (For pork chops, bake for 15-18 minutes or until 145°F.)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 570Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 193mgSodium: 1142mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 74g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shake ‘n Bake chicken is an easy, versatile, and healthier alternative to fried chicken. With its customizable coating and simple preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even impressing guests with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the classic flavor or try one of the recipe variations, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
So grab your chicken, shake it up, and bake your way to a crispy, delicious meal tonight!
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