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shake and bake chicken

Homemade Shake and Bake

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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 2

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
 

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

Notes

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

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

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

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