This recipe for Shake and Bake Pork Chops is a homemade take on the childhood favorite. Juicy pork chops are coated in a tasty breadcrumb mixture and baked until golden brown and delicious.
I believe that I have yet to make any recipe that calls for deep frying. I vow to someday get over that fear. BUT I get nervous around a pot of hot oil. It looks like the temperature has to be just right, and I’m always afraid that my coating won’t stick, the meat will be raw inside, it will be too greasy, etc. etc. etc.
Shake N Bake is manufactured by Kraft Foods and was first introduced in 1965. With ads like “Why fry? Shake N Bake” and “Shake N Bake: It’s better than frying,” it has been marketed as a healthier and less-greasy way to cook.
The coating is flavored bread crumbs and is made for chicken and pork. It comes in a baggie so you can shake your meat to cover it with the coating.
I remember eating Shake and Bake as a kid, growing up. Even though it’s been a while, I still think this version tastes a lot like the last one!
Fill a Ziploc bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Shake the bag until the chops (or chicken pieces) are covered in the crumb mixture. Then bake until the coating gets nice and brown and crispy.
Can I Grill Shake And Bake Pork Chops? What You Need To KnowPork chops are a delicious and versatile meat that can be prepared in endless ways. From pan frying to roasting and everything in between, pork chops always make for a satisfying meal. One unique and flavorful preparation method is shake and bake pork chops. But can you actually grill shake and bake pork chops to get that crispy, crunchy coating without deep frying? The answer is yes you absolutely can!
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make melt-in-your-mouth grilled shake and bake pork chops, from brining to breading to cooking on the grill. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can enjoy this classic dish without heating up the kitchen So fire up that grill and let’s get shaking!
What Is Shake And Bake?
For those unfamiliar, shake and bake refers to a seasoned breadcrumb coating mix that helps provide a crispy exterior on meats when baked. It originated in the 1960s and was marketed as a quick and easy alternative to deep frying pork chops, chicken, and other proteins. The coating gets its signature crunch from the panko-style breadcrumbs. And it packs some serious flavor from the blend of spices like garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and black pepper.
While the Shake ‘N Bake brand is perhaps the most recognizable, there are lots of copycat recipes out there for homemade shake and bake mixes. This lets you control the ingredients and spice blend to suit your tastes. When paired with juicy, brined pork chops hot off the grill, you get that same crispy coating and tender interior for next-level flavor.
Why Brining Is KeyBrining is hands down one of the most important steps when making grilled shake and bake pork chops What does brining do exactly? This wet marinating process helps infuse moisture deep into the meat while also enhancing the flavor
The brine is typically made by dissolving salt, sugar, and aromatics like garlic, herbs, and spices into water. This allows the chops to soak up some of the liquid, ensuring they stay ultra juicy and seasoned when cooked. It also breaks down some of the proteins in the meat, tenderizing it so you get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
When it comes to brine ratios, a good rule of thumb is 1⁄2 cup of kosher salt and 1⁄4 cup of sugar per quart of water. For flavor enhancers, add 3-4 smashed garlic cloves, a few sprigs of thyme, rosemary, or other sturdy herbs, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of whole black peppercorns. Submerge your pork chops in the brine, covering them completely, and let them hang out for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
Breading Basics
Once your pork chops have had a nice brine bath, it’s time to coat them in the flavorful shake and bake breading. You’ll want to set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with egg wash, and one with your homemade shake and bake mix.
Start by dredging the chops in the flour, coating them completely and evenly. Gently shake off any excess. This helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs adhere.
Next, dip the chops into the egg wash – typically eggs whisked with a bit of water or milk to thin it out. The egg wash acts as the “glue”, allowing the shake and bake coating to really stick.
Finally, place the chops in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure there are no bare spots. The double-dipping process ensures you get an extra thick and crunchy coating. Refrigerate the breaded chops for about 15 minutes before grilling to help the coating set.
Grilling To Perfection
Now for the fun part – firing up the grill! You’ll want the grill preheated to around 400°F to ensure the breading gets beautifully crisp without burning. Use a grill brush to clean the grates thoroughly. Then brush or rub them with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Place the breaded chops on the grill and close the lid. After about 5 minutes, rotate each chop a quarter turn to get those good grill marks. Cook for another 3-4 minutes with the lid down. Flip and repeat on the other side until the chops register 145°F internally. This helps render the fat and cook the chops through without drying them out.
The whole grilling process should take 15-20 minutes total depending on thickness. Resist the urge to press down on the chops as they cook. This can cause the breading to detach and make a big mess. Just let them sizzle away undisturbed for the perfect crunchy coating.
Serving Suggestions
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving up these tasty grilled shake and bake pork chops! They pair especially well with classic barbecue sides like:
- Baked beans
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes or potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Macaroni and cheese
- Roasted vegetables
For a more elegant presentation, serve the chops with a rice pilaf or fresh green salad topped with grilled peaches, tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles. No matter how you slice it, this easy grilled dinner is sure satisfy.
Shake Things Up!
Once you master the art of making these grilled shake and bake pork chops, feel free to start experimenting with your own variations. Switch up the brine or breading to put a unique spin on this classic. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Use buttermilk instead of egg wash for extra moist chops.
- Add parmesan, peppers, or other mix-ins to the breadcrumb coating.
- Brine in apple juice or beer for a sweet or malty flavor.
- Top with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Bone-in or boneless chops both work great.
- For a lower carb option, try coating in crushed up pork rinds.
The possibilities are endless when you get creative with shakes, brines, and rubs. Play around with flavors to make this iconic dish your own.
The Takeaway
Who would have thought that such delicious, crispy, fried-like pork chops could come off the grill? With a little brining, breading, and grill-master skills, you can totally nail grilled shake and bake pork chops. The key is keeping them over direct heat so that crust gets perfectly crunchy. While frying may be quicker, the grilled version is unbeatable in terms of flavor. The smokiness from the grill complements the seasoned breading so well. Not to mention, you avoid heating up the kitchen or submerging the chops in hot oil. So fire up the grill and get shaking for your best pork chops yet!
How to bake Shake and Bake pork chops
Cook in a 425-degree oven for 25 minutes, until the internal temperature registers 145-degrees on a meat thermometer. I prefer to use boneless pork chops for this recipe, but you can also use bone-in pork chops.
If you’re cooking other items alongside your pork chops, you can adjust the temperature:
- Cook pork chops at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Cook pork chops at 375 degrees for 35 minutes.
- Cook pork chops at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
How to store and reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Or, pop them in an air fryer basket and cook at 350-degrees for 4-5 minutes.
Shake ‘n Bake Pork Chops
FAQ
Is it better to bake or grill pork chops?
Why are my shake and bake pork chops soggy?
Why aren’t my shake and bake pork chops crispy?
Can you cook pork chops in a shake and bake mix?
Use my Homemade Shake and Bake Mix to cover pork chops to make them crunchy and well seasoned. You won’t believe how fast it is to cook this for dinner. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Mix up the Homemade Shake and Bake. Add the pork chops to a plastic bag with the oil. Massage and coat the pork chops.
How do you cook pork chops with breadcrumbs?
Place one pork chop at a time into the bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Close the bag and shake to coat the pork chop evenly. Press the breadcrumbs onto the pork chop for a thicker coating. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the coated pork chops onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining pork chops.
How do you coat pork chops with breadcrumb & seasoning?
Seal the bag, leaving a bit of air in the bag so there’s room to shake the coating. Shake. Next, shake gently to coat the breadcrumb and seasoning mixture over the entire pork chop until completely coated on all sides. Place the coated pork chop onto your parchment-lined baking sheet.
What is a Shake & Bake Pork Chop?
The two major actions (shake and bake) are its namesake, famously known from Kraft’s Shake ‘N Bake boxed seasoning mix. The best pork for shake-and-bake pork chops is 1/2-inch thick bone-in pork loin chops. As with all pork chop recipes, be sure that the pork chops are all around the same size so they finish cooking at the same time.