This shake and bake mix recipe is so easy! Just a few ingredients, that you probably already have in your pantry. The best part? You can your own homemade shake and bake on any type of meat – chicken, beef, turkey or pork chops. Try it out today!
Whenever there's a sale for chicken drumsticks or for pork chops I try to stock up and store them in the freezer for future dinners. One of the easiest ways to prepare the meat I get on sale is to give 'em a good ol' shake and bake!
Creating a jar of homemade shake and bake is a great way to have something on hand for days when you feel like just throwing together something simple for dinner. This shake and bake recipe is super inexpensive to make and is so tasty as well!
Have you ever purchased those pre-made boxes of shake and bake with the little baggies and whatnot to coat chicken or pork chops?
I used to buy them quite often and one day realized while looking at the ingredients I could make my own version for much much cheaper and also without all the added extra “ingredients”. I started experimenting by adding different spices to bread crumbs and used them to coat various meats until I found a combination that suited my family's tastes. The recipe I'm sharing with you is the result. 🙂
My favorite combination of spices for homemade shake and bake mix includes garlic and onion powder, oregano, paprika and a little salt and pepper. It's an awesomely simple combination of seasonings and they taste so perfect together.
Sometimes I like to add some other spices to the bread crumb mixture just to change things up a bit. I've even used a little lemon pepper in this and it works sublimely as a coating for baked fish!
To make the shake and bake mix all you have to do is combine the ingredients in the recipe below (or invent your own combination) in a sealable container such as a mason jar. Once everything's in the jar I just shake it up to combine everything.
Whenever I need some shake and bake coating I just measure out about 1/4 to 1/2 cup (for every 2 lbs of meat) and drop it into a zip top baggie along with the drumsticks or whatever I'm planning on cooking that evening.
If there are any of the leftover seasonings in the bag that didn't stick to the meat I just sprinkle the rest on top before they go into the oven to cook.
What is a shake and bake?
A shake and bake is a quick and easy way to cook chicken, pork, or fish. It is basically a mixture of bread crumbs and spices that you coat your food in, then bake. This homemade version is a healthier alternative to the store-bought kind, and just as easy to make!
Is Shake and bake the same as bread crumbs?
What Ingredients are used to make homemade shake and bake:
No, Shake and bake is a breading mixture that usually contains spices, whereas bread crumbs are simply dried and ground-up bread. This Homemade Shake and Bake Mix Recipe is a great way to add flavor to your chicken, pork or fish before baking it in the oven.
This recipe for homemade shake and bake contains a mixture of Italian style seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, ground black pepper, paprika and oregano.
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How do I make this Homemade Shake and Bake Mix Recipe?
This homemade Shake and Bake mix recipe is the perfect way to get that crispy, crunchy coating on your pork, chicken, or fish without any of the unhealthy additives found in the store-bought version. Plus, it's super easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Then, add the seasoning ingredients to a large ziploc bag, add your meat, then shake shake shake! The seasonings will coat the meat!
Place the meat on broiler pan, wire rack over a baking sheet or other baking dish according to your preference.
Preheat oven to 400°F and bake chicken or pork for about 20-30 minutes, until cooked through. Fish will only take about 10-15 minutes at the same temperature.
You may need to adjust your cooking time depending on the meat you used.
This Homemade Shake and Bake Mix Recipe is a great way to add flavor and texture to your chicken, pork or fish. Give it a try the next time you're looking for a quick and easy way to dress up your meal!
How do you get shake and bake to stick to chicken?
Shake and bake will stick to your chicken or pork without any binders such as egg. The seasonings will stick to the meat when it touches the natural moisture from the meat!
Sprinkle any of the remaining mix over top of you meat after placing in its cooking dish, then you can drizzle a little oil over top to help make them a bit more crispy.
What can I use to moisten chicken for shake and Bake?
While it's not necessary to add something to moisten your chicken to make the shake and bake stick to the meat, you can definitely add something a little extra if you like!
There are a few things you can use to moisten chicken for shake and bake. One option is to brush the chicken with olive oil, canola oil or melted butter. You could also try using milk, buttermilk, or even yogurt.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you could also marinate the chicken in your favorite sauce before coating it in the shake and bake mix.
What temperature do you cook shake and bake at?
The general rule for cooking shake and bake is to cook it at 400°F. However, this may vary depending on your oven and the type of meat you are cooking. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and cook it at a lower temperature to avoid overcooking.
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make Shake and Bake Chicken/Pork in an Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and then add the shake and bake coated chicken or pork pieces. Make sure they are not touching each other in the basket.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken or pork is cooked through and the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
What can you use Shake n Bake for?
What kind of meat can I use with this Homemade Shake and Bake Mix Recipe?
This homemade Shake and Bake seasoning mix recipe is a great alternative to the store-bought stuff. It's perfect for chicken, pork chops, and even fish!
Here are some more ways you can use my homemade shake and bake mix recipe!
- as a topping for a casserole
- as a filler for meatloaf, burgers or meatballs
- as a coating for fried or baked veggies
- Zucchini sticks
- Cauliflower bites
- Sweet potato fries
- Green beans
- As coating for:
- Chicken nuggets
- Pork tenderloin, boneless pork chops
- boneless chicken; chicken breast, chicken tenders
- bone in chicken pieces; chicken thighs, chicken legs
- fish, shrimp, etc
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
Recipe Variations
Here are a few ways you can change up this Homemade Shake and Bake Mix Recipe:
- For a little extra flavor, try adding in 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil.
- If you want a bit more of a crunch, add in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts or seeds.
- For a sweeter version, add in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Other seasonings that are nice when added to shake and bake mix:
- celery salt
- dried parsley
Some other flavor combination ideas:garlic and Parmesan
- onion and poppy seed
- chili powder and cumin
- curry powder and ginger
- rosemary and lemon zest
The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative!
Leftovers – How to Store and Reheat
How long is Shake and Bake good for?
Homemade shake and bake mix will be good stored at room temperature in a sealed jar or container for about 3 months. To store, simply place in a cool, dry place.
When you're ready to use it, just give it a good shake to reincorporate the ingredients and then proceed with your recipe!
Leftover prepared shake and bake chicken or pork will be good for 3-4 days stored in the fridge in an airtight container. When stored in the freezer, it'll be good for 2-3 months.
To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F preheated oven until warmed through (about 10 minutes for chicken, 15 minutes for pork).
Leftover prepared shake and bake fish or vegetable will be good for 1-2 days stored in the fridge in an airtight container. When stored in the freezer, it'll be good for 2-3 months.
To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F preheated oven until warmed through (about 10 minutes for chicken, fish or vegetables, 15 minutes for pork).
What to Serve with Shake and Bake Chicken/Pork/etc
So you've made your delicious Homemade Shake and Bake Mix Recipe, now what? Here are some great ideas of what to serve alongside your meal!
- Roasted vegetables: Try broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked sweet potato
- Macaroni and cheese
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
Try your shake and baked goodies along with some of these dipping sauces:
- BBQ sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Onion Ring Sauce
- Easy Dill Dip
- Homemade Buffalo Sauce
There are so many possibilities when it comes to side dishes for your Homemade Shake and Bake Mix Recipe! Get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures to find what you like best.
And don't forget dessert! A simple vanilla ice cream or fruit salad would be the perfect way to finish off this fantastic meal.
Homemade Shake and Bake Mix Recipe
- Yield: About 2 cups of mix 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups Italian style bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or other air tight container.
To use the Mix
- Use 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of the mix for every 2 lbs of meat that you plan to use this with.
- In a large ziploc bag combine the mix and the meat. Now shake it until everything is covered.
- Lay the meat out on a broiler pan (sprayed with cooking spray) and sprinkle any of the remaining mix over top.
- If you'd like, you can drizzle a little vegetable oil over the tops of the meat to make them a bit more crispy.
- Bake chicken or pork in the oven at 400°F for about 20-30 minutes, until cooked through. Fish will only take about 10-15 minutes at the same temperature.
