Taste Tested Tuesday: Homemade Shake ‘n Bake
Posted by Andrea
If you grew up in the 70s or 80s, you probably dined on pork chops or chicken covered with Shake ‘n Bake. Decades later, boxes of Shake ‘n Bake can still be found on grocery store shelves but just because this convenient coating is still available for purchase, none of us are obligated to buy it!
If you’ve got a well stocked pantry you can easily create a tastier and healthier version of Shake ‘n Bake right in your kitchen. Though I think the seasoning measurements listed here are nearly perfect (I prefer to use less salt and often add a dash of cayenne pepper), you can adjust them to suit your family’s tastes. Of course you can use this coating on chicken and pork, but I find it’s just as yummy when used to coat seafood such as cod or shrimp.
Homemade Shake ‘n Bake
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine all ingredients except the chicken breasts. Add the chicken, one piece at a time and shake to coat. Place chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake for 15-20 minutes longer or until juices run clear.
Photo: Courtesy of mroach (Flickr)
This looks similar to the bread crumbs we often use with two of our family’s favorite dishes. We normally use Progresso bread crumbs and then add additional parmesan cheese.
I like the idea of adding Parmesan cheese. I think I’ll add a teaspoon the next time I mix up a batch of coating. Thanks for the tip!
Yes. This is very similar to my recipe, and I always add a bit of freshly grated parmesana reggiano. Yum!
Deidra, you should have shared your recipe with me a long time ago! I’m definitely adding cheese like you and Emily.
I remember well Shake and Bake, and still enjoy pork chops cooked with it. This looks easy and more cost efficient! Thanks for sharing. Also like the parm. cheese idea!
Joyfull, it is very cost efficient and can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a jar until ready to be used.