This Beloved ’90s Seasoning Blend Is Even Better Homemade

If you came up in the ’90s, chances are you’re familiar with the rich, flavorful, and truly unmistakable aroma of Shake ‘N Bake wafting through the door as you barged in from playing outside after school. You’d sit down to finish that last bit of homework, your stomach rumbling in response to that distinct warm and comforting smell of Shake ‘N Bake cooking in the oven, knowing all too well that you were in for a savory treat for dinner that night.

We may not hear about Shake ‘N Bake as often anymore, but it’s still available on supermarket shelves, and it tastes just as good as it did back in the day. Plus, we’re sharing a homemade Shake and Bake mixture that you can make yourself right at home with a handful of commonly used dried herbs and spices. I bet most, if not all, of the ingredients below are already hanging out in your pantry, ready to shake and bake up some magic in the oven tonight.

The History of Shake ‘N Bake

Shake ‘N Bake is a seasoned bread crumb coating which was originally marketed in the 1960s to imitate the flavor and texture of traditional Southern fried chicken, making it quick, easy, and accessible for anyone to bring the flavors of the South into their own home kitchen. It was, and still is, sold in a box containing just three simple items: breadcrumbs, seasoning, and a plastic bag meant for (drum roll please) shaking your protein of choice such as chicken, pork, or fish  before baking it in the oven.

How to Make Your Own Shake ‘N Bake at Home

Traditionally, Shake ‘N Bake calls for home cooks to lightly moisten their protein with water, place it in the shaker bag, and shake the bag vigorously until each piece is coated. Then all you have to do is bake the protein in a 400 F degree oven for 20 minutes if it’s boneless or 45 minutes if it’s bone-in. Check out this homemade gluten-free Shake and Bake option!

Similar to the original Shake ‘N Bake formula, all you need for this homemade version is breadcrumbs, a plastic bag, and this seasoning mix to get a nostalgic and equally flavorful result.

Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Shake and Bake Almond Chicken

Become A Shake ‘N Bake Pro

Yes, Shake ‘N Bake can totally be classified as a foolproof, easy option for home cooks looking to create a quick and delicious meal. However, when it comes to using this nostalgic seasoning blend, whether it’s boxed or homemade, there are some tips you can apply in the kitchen in order to achieve the best results.

• Separate the recipe above into portions: Home cooks who love this homemade Shake ‘N Bake recipe say that “a little coating mixture goes a long way.” Divide the mixture into 3-4 large plastic bags, and store them in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or the freezer for a few months, for future use. Just when we thought things couldn’t get any easier!
• Don’t overfill the plastic bag for shaking: To ensure that each serving of protein is evenly coated, shake the protein in batches. Place 2 to 3 pieces at a time in the breadcrumb bag to shake and coat, then repeat with remaining portions. Learn how to cut up a whole chicken like a pro.
• Place a wire rack over your sheet pan: This will help the protein to cook evenly all over, giving you a crispier, more golden result.
• Line the sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil: This is one of my favorite tips for any easy sheet pan cooking and clean-up. After baking your protein, all you have to do is crinkle it up with any drippings or crumbs and discard!