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.
Shake and bake coatings provide a quick and easy way to add flavor and crunch to chicken, pork, and other meats. The seasoned breadcrumb mixtures adhere to the meat, sealing in juices while creating a deliciously crispy exterior. But can you use a chicken shake and bake product on pork? Let’s take a closer look.
An Overview of Shake and Bake
Shake and bake coatings have been popular kitchen staples for decades The process is simple – place raw meat pieces in a bag with the shake and bake, seal, and shake to evenly coat Then bake or fry until cooked through and crispy.
The coating contains breadcrumbs along with seasonings like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and more. Some versions also include parmesan cheese for extra flavor. The breading seals in natural juices and adds crunch, while the spices infuse taste.
Shake and bake was originally designed for chicken But the concept has expanded to coatings specifically for pork chops, fish fillets, and other proteins.
Using Chicken Shake and Bake on Pork
Can you use a chicken shake and bake product on pork chops? Yes, you can – but flavor, cooking time, and texture may differ from the pork version.
To substitute, simply coat pork chops in a bag with the chicken shake and bake, shake to distribute evenly, then bake or fry per the package instructions
However, there are a few considerations:
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Chicken seasoning contains more sage, rosemary, thyme – flavors commonly associated with poultry. This may result in a slightly “off” taste compared to traditional pork spice blends.
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Pork chops are thicker than chicken pieces so may require extra time to reach safe internal temperature. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
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Pork benefits from a coarser, more substantial breading compared to the finer crumbs used for chicken. So the texture may not have the ideal crispiness.
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If pan-frying, the thinner chicken coating may absorb more oil. So you may need to adjust the stovetop frying method.
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Adhering chicken breading to a pork’s uneven surface may be trickier than chicken’s uniform shape.
With these caveats in mind, feel free to experiment with substituting chicken for pork shake and bake in a pinch. Just be prepared to potentially adjust cooking times and methods to achieve the ideal texture.
Tips for Using Chicken Shake and Bake on Pork
To make the most of using chicken shake and bake on pork chops, here are some helpful tips:
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For best texture, really press the coating onto the pork firmly so it adheres completely before cooking.
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Let the breaded pork chops rest 5-10 minutes before frying or baking to help coating stick better.
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Flip frequently during pan frying to prevent burning since the chicken breading is thinner.
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Brush pork chops with oil or butter before breading to help the coating set and brown.
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Add some paprika, garlic powder, pepper to the chicken shake and bake for more pork-friendly flavor.
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Bake instead of fry to avoid the thinner chicken breading soaking up excess oil.
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Fry in a combo of olive oil and butter to prevent burning.
With a few easy adjustments, you can absolutely use chicken flavored shake and bake on pork chops in a pinch. While not exactly the same, it still delivers a quick, tasty breaded pork dinner.
Other Breading Options for Pork Chops
If using chicken shake and bake on pork doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other easy breading options to try:
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Traditional Bread Crumbs – For classic flavor, coat chops in egg then seasoned breadcrumbs.
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Cornflake Crumbs – Crushed cornflakes add irresistible crunch and subtle sweetness.
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Panko Breadcrumbs – Japanese-style panko makes an extra crispy, flaky crust.
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Parmesan Cheese – Grated parmesan adds rich, savory flavor to coatings.
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Crushed Crackers – Crackers like Ritz or Club create a tasty, crispy coating.
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Flavored Chips – Crush potato or corn chips for a unique texture and flavor.
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Nuts – Finely chopped pistachios, pecans or almonds add fabulous crunch.
Take your pick of these easy breading ideas or get creative with your own combinations!
Cooking Shake and Bake Pork Chops
To ensure your shake and bake pork chops come out perfectly cooked, here are some useful tips:
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Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness – pork should reach 145°F.
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For frying, use medium heat and flip frequently for even browning.
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For baking, cook at 400°F 15-20 minutes depending on thickness.
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Let rest 5+ minutes before serving so juices can redistribute.
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Bake in a single layer with space between to crisp up.
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Brush chops with oil before and during cooking for an extra crispy crust.
With the ideal cooking method, your shake and bake pork chops will come out tender and juicy on the inside with a wonderfully crunchy, flavor-packed exterior.
Serving Suggestions for Shake and Bake Pork
To make your breaded pork chops a complete meal, here are some tasty serving suggestions:
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Homemade mashed potatoes are the perfect companion.
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Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots or brussels sprouts.
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Coleslaw, potato salad or pasta salad for a tangy crunch.
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Baked beans, corn on the cob or creamed spinach.
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Fruit salsa with mango, pineapple, and red onion.
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Dinner rolls or biscuits for soaking up the yummy pan sauces.
With a well-rounded meal featuring shakes and bake pork chops as the star, you can deliver a quick and delicious family dinner. Get creative with sides based on seasonal produce or what you have on hand to complete the plate.
Shake and Bake Works on Other Proteins Too!
While shake and bake is commonly used on chicken and pork, it can also add flavor and crunch when coating other proteins:
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Fish fillets like tilapia, cod, or haddock.
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Shrimp or scallops – just watch cooking time closely.
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Turkey cutlets, chicken breasts.
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Meatballs – coat prior to baking for perfect texture.
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Tofu or tempeh – for vegetarian/vegan option.
With endless possibilities for breading and frying up various proteins, a bag of shake and bake can be a very versatile kitchen staple. Get creative with ingredients you have on hand for quick and easy meals.
So go ahead and use that chicken shake and bake on pork in a pinch for a super simple dinner. While the flavor and texture may differ slightly from the pork chop version, it still makes for a fast and delicious breaded cutlet. Just be sure to follow cooking guidelines and enjoy!
How to air fry Shake and Bake pork chops
To make air fryer shake and bake pork chops, cook at 400-degrees for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to make Shake and Bake chicken breasts (boneless)
For 15 to 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear and an instant read thermometer reads 165 degrees, cook in an oven heated to 400 degrees.
Shake ‘n Bake Pork Chops
FAQ
Can you substitute chicken for pork chops?
Why are my shake and bake pork chops not crispy?
How long to bake boneless pork chops with shake and bake?
What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?
How to make Shake & Bake pork chops?
To make Shake & Bake pork chops, shake bread crumbs and spices with pork in a bag before baking in the oven. This process, known as ‘shake and bake’, is the namesake of the dish, famously associated with Kraft’s Shake ‘N Bake boxed seasoning mix. The best pork for this recipe is 1/2-inch thick bone-in pork loin chops.
Can you use chicken shake and bake on pork?
The short answer is yes, you can use chicken Shake and Bake on pork. The seasoning mix is essentially a blend of breadcrumbs and spices, which can be used on a variety of meats. However, it’s important to note that the cooking times and temperatures may differ between chicken and pork.
Can you freeze pork chops with Shake and bake?
Pork chops with Shake and Bake should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days of cooking. If you want to freeze the pork chops, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What is the best pork for Shake-and-bake pork chops?
The best pork for Shake-and-bake pork chops is 1/2-inch thick bone-in pork loin chops. Be sure that the pork chops are all around the same size for even cooking. You can use boneless pork chops instead, but decrease the cooking time by around 5 minutes. To prepare, preheat oven to 425°F.