Homemade Shake & Bake Chicken

Who remembers Shake & Bake?! I was feeling nostalgic for it this week and decided that I needed to create my own version, and it turned out so good that I knew I had to share it. This homemade shake and bake mix is an easy pantry seasoning that gives chicken or pork a crispy, flavorful coating without needing a store-bought packet.

We’re making the breaded seasoning mix from scratch, and I’m also sharing exactly how to use it for both chicken (my personal favorite!) and pork. Just coat the meat, bake or air fry, and you’ll end up with a golden, crunchy crust that makes dinner feel a little more exciting.

It’s kid-friendly, easy enough for busy weeknights, and one of those go-to recipes that helps turn simple ingredients into a satisfying family meal with extra crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Please note that as always, I’ve included a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, complete with ingredients and instructions. 

• Italian-style bread crumbs: These form the base of the coating and give it that classic crispy texture. Using Italian-style crumbs adds a little extra seasoning right from the start.

• Vegetable oil: Helps the coating crisp up in the oven or air fryer and gives it that signature shake-and-bake texture.

• Paprika: Adds warm flavor and gives the coating its classic golden color.

• Dried minced onion: Brings a mild savory flavor that helps round out the seasoning mix.

• Granulated sugar: Just a small amount helps balance the spices and adds subtle depth to the coating.

• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the mixture and helps season the chicken as it cooks.

• Black pepper: Adds a little gentle heat and extra savory flavor.

• Cayenne pepper: Gives the coating a slight kick. It’s mild in this amount but adds a nice background warmth.

• Garlic powder: A simple way to add that classic savory flavor that works so well in breaded coatings.

How To Make Shake & Bake 

• Add all of the ingredients, except the oil, to a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined.

• Drizzle in the oil and mix again until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

• Use the coating right away, or store it in an airtight container for later use.

How To Use Your Shake & Bake Seasoning 

To use the coating, start by lightly brushing or spraying your chicken with oil so the mixture sticks well. You can also dip the chicken in a little milk or beaten egg if you prefer.

Place the coating mixture in a shallow bowl or a large zip-top bag. Add the chicken pieces and toss or shake until they’re evenly coated on all sides.

Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece so they crisp up properly.

Oven: Bake at 400°F for about 20–30 minutes, depending on the size and cut of the chicken, until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.

Air fryer: Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 12–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.

While chicken is the classic choice, this coating also works really well with pork chops, pork tenderloin slices, or even fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you’re using.

Recipe Notes

• Store the shake and bake mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month. Freezing isn’t recommended.

• Plan on using about 1 cup of the mixture to coat roughly 4 average pork chops or chicken breasts.

• Once raw meat has been added to the coating mixture, any leftovers should be discarded. To avoid waste, pour out only the amount you need and keep the rest separate.

Serving Ideas 

Once you’ve coated and cooked your chicken or pork, it’s easy to turn it into a full, satisfying meal with a few simple sides.

Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or crispy air fryer potatoes for a classic comfort-food dinner. A side of mac and cheese also pairs perfectly with the crunchy coating.

For vegetables, try roasted broccoli, green beans, corn, or a simple side salad to balance things out.

You can also slice the chicken and use it in wraps, sandwiches, or salads the next day.

Print Recipe

Homemade Shake & Bake Seasoning

This homemade shake and bake is an easy pantry mix that gives chicken or pork a crispy, flavorful coating without needing a store-bought packet. Made with breadcrumbs, simple spices, and a little oil, it bakes up golden and crunchy in the oven or air fryer. It’s quick to mix together, budget-friendly, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 3 Cups Italian Style Bread Crumbs
• ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Paprika
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Minced Onion
• ½ Tablespoon White Granulated Sugar
• 2 Teaspoon Salt
• ½ Teaspoon Pepper
• ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients, except the oil, to a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
• Drizzle in the oil and mix again until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Use the coating right away, or store it in an airtight container for later use.

This is such a great pantry staple to be able to make at home with a handful of simple ingredients, and it makes a meal that everyone at your table will love! Give it a try and let me know what you think. Be sure to leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback means the world to me, and it also helps other readers who might be thinking about making this for the first time!