Homemade Classic Herb & Garlic Shake and Bake (90s Nostalgia, Made From Scratch)

If you grew up in the 90s, there’s a good chance Shake ’n Bake played a role in your childhood dinners. It was easy, reliable, and somehow made weeknight meat feel special.

This homemade version brings all that nostalgia back — without the preservatives, fillers, or mystery ingredients. Same crispy coating, same herb-and-garlic flavor… just made in your own kitchen.

WANT MORE? This recipe is my classic herb & garlic base, and it’s the foundation for a whole lineup of homemade shake and bake flavors. If you want to have them all, go ahead a click below.

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Why Make Homemade Shake and Bake?

The original boxed version was all about convenience, but once you realize how easy it is to make at home, it just makes sense.

• You control the ingredients
• You can adjust salt and seasoning
• No preservatives or additives
• Works with more than just pork
• Costs less than store-bought

And honestly? It tastes better.

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A Quick Note About the Original Shake and Bake

The classic boxed Shake ’n Bake did include sugar.
I’m leaving it out here on purpose — but if you want that nostalgic sweetness, you absolutely can add it back.

👉 Optional: Add 1 teaspoon sugar to the mix for a closer-to-the-original flavor.

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What This Version Tastes Like

This herb & garlic version is:

• Savory
• Lightly herby
• Garlicky without being overpowering
• Crispy when baked or air fried

It’s familiar in the best way — like the Shake ’n Bake you remember, just upgraded.

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Ingredient Notes

• Plain breadcrumbs: Create the classic crispy coating
• Dried parsley & basil: Give that signature herb flavor
• Garlic & onion powder: The backbone of the seasoning
• Kosher salt: Brings everything together
• Black pepper: Adds just enough bite

Simple pantry ingredients, big payoff.

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How to Use Homemade Shake and Bake

This mix is incredibly versatile. I’m using it on pork, but it works beautifully with:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Pork chops or tenderloin
• Fish fillets
• Tofu
• Roasted vegetables

Binder Ideas

Before coating, lightly coat your protein with:

• Olive oil
• Mayo
• Dijon mustard
• Egg wash

Then add the shake and bake mix to a zip-top bag, shake to coat, and cook.

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Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight jar or container
• Keep in a cool, dry pantry
• Best used within 3 months

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Classic Herb & Garlic Shake and Bake

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: Varies by protein
Yield: About 1 cup seasoning

Ingredients

• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp sugar (for classic Shake ’n Bake flavor)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a bowl or jar.
2. Mix or shake until fully combined.
3. Store in an airtight container.

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Why This Recipe Is Just the Beginning 👀

This classic herb & garlic blend is just one flavor.

I created a full Homemade Shake and Bake Ebook with 13 different flavors — everything from smoky and spicy to cheesy and bold — all designed to make weeknight dinners easier and more exciting.

If you love this recipe, the ebook gives you endless variations using the same simple method.

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Final Thoughts

This recipe is proof that some of the best meals are the ones we grew up with — just made a little better.

Whether you’re cooking pork chops like I did, or switching it up with chicken, fish, tofu, or veggies, this homemade shake and bake is one you’ll keep coming back to.

Chicken Cooking Instructions

Best Cuts for Shake & Bake:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced or whole)
• Boneless thighs
• Drumsticks or wings (adjust cook time)

Oven Instructions:

• Temp: 400°F (205°C)
• Time:
  • Thin breasts or thighs: 18–22 minutes
  • Whole breasts: 25–30 minutes
  • Drumsticks/wings: 35–40 minutes
• Tip: Always bake on a wire rack over a sheet pan for even crispiness. Use parchment for easy cleanup.

Internal Temp: 165°F (74°C)

Great Side Dish Pairings:

• Roasted garlic green beans
• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Coconut rice
• Garden salad with citrus vinaigrette

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Pork Cooking Instructions

Best Cuts for Shake & Bake:

• Boneless pork chops (¾ to 1 inch thick)
• Bone-in pork chops (adjust cook time)
• Pork tenderloin (sliced medallions work well)

Oven Instructions:

• Temp: 425°F (220°C)
• Time:
  • Boneless chops: 20–25 minutes
  • Bone-in chops: 25–30 minutes
  • Tenderloin medallions: 15–20 minutes
• Tip: Lightly coat pork with mayo or mustard before shaking to help coating stick and stay juicy.

Internal Temp: 145°F (63°C) + 3-minute rest

Great Side Dish Pairings:

• Applesauce or baked apples
• Roasted carrots and parsnips
• Creamy slaw
• Buttered egg noodles

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Tofu Cooking Instructions

Best Types:

• Extra-firm or super-firm tofu only
• Press for 15–30 minutes to remove excess moisture

Oven Instructions:

• Temp: 400°F (205°C)
• Time: 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway
• Tip: Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch or mayo first, then into the Shake & Bake mix for extra crunch.

Texture Tip: Air fry for 15–18 minutes at 390°F for an even crispier version.

Great Side Dish Pairings:

• Coconut jasmine rice
• Stir-fried snow peas
• Spicy peanut noodles
• Cucumber salad

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Shrimp Cooking Instructions

Best Type:

• Large peeled & deveined shrimp, tail-on or off
• Pat dry thoroughly

Oven Instructions:

• Temp: 400°F (205°C)
• Time: 8–10 minutes (watch closely!)
• Tip: Shake shrimp in coating, then lightly spray with oil before baking. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Optional: Air fry at 390°F for 6–8 minutes for max crisp.

Great Side Dish Pairings:

• Cilantro lime rice
• Pineapple slaw
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic butter green beans

WANT MORE?

I created a full Homemade Shake and Bake Ebook with 13 different flavors — everything from smoky and spicy to cheesy and bold — all designed to make weeknight dinners easier and more exciting.