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.
As a busy home cook, I often find myself with leftovers of shake and bake pork chops. While delicious when fresh, reheating them can be tricky. The coating can lose its crispiness and the meat can dry out. However, with the right techniques, you can revive those leftovers to be just as mouthwatering as the original meal!
In this article, I’ll share my best tips for reheating shake and bake pork chops so they come out crispy, juicy, and full of flavor every time. Whether you use the oven stove or even an air fryer, follow these simple steps for pork chop perfection.
Storing Shake and Bake Pork Chops for Later
Proper storage is the first step for delicious shake and bake pork chop leftovers. Here are a few guidelines I follow
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Allow the cooked pork chops to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation which can make the coating soggy.
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Place the cooled pork chops in an airtight container. This could be a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The crispy coating stays intact best when chilled.
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For longer storage, freeze pork chops for 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
Following these tips locks in moisture and maintains the crispy exterior on the chops. Now let’s talk reheating methods!
Oven Reheating – Crispiness Galore
The oven is my go-to for reviving crispy shake and bake pork chops. The dry heat from the oven recrisps the coating beautifully. Here’s how I do it:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Use a lower temp to avoid overcooking.
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Place chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. I check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F.
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For extra crispy coating, broil the chops for 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
The key is not to overcrowd the pan. Too many chops touching prevents even reheating. I also tent the baking sheet lightly with foil to seal in moisture.
Stovetop Pan Reheating – Quick and Easy
For a speedy reheating method, use the stovetop! Here are my tips:
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Choose a nonstick skillet and heat over medium. No need to add extra oil since the coating contains oil already.
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Place chops in skillet, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
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Press down gently with a spatula to maximize contact with the hot pan. This crisps up the coating nicely.
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Check temperature and cook until it reaches 145°F internally.
The direct conductive heat from the skillet crisps up the exterior coating on the pork chops quickly. It takes just 10-15 minutes total!
To Air Fry or Not To Air Fry?
Wondering if an air fryer can crisp up shake and bake pork chops? The answer is yes! Follow these simple steps:
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Preheating air fryer to 390°F. The super hot air will make that coating extra crispy.
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Place chops in air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
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Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Check internal temp, cooking until 145°F is reached.
The air fryer’s convection heat thoroughly and evenly reheats the chops. While the oven may take a bit longer, the air fryer yields consistent crispy results in less time.
Finish with Flavor Enhancers
Don’t stop after simply reheating your shake and bake pork chops! Adding a few easy finishers amps up the flavor even more. Here are some of my favorites:
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Brush with butter or olive oil – Adding some fat boosts juiciness as the chops reheat.
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Toss chopped veggies like onions or peppers into the oven pan or air fryer. It turns into a complete meal!
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Drizzle with hot sauce or barbecue sauce – Extra sauce brings a delicious flavor boost.
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Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme for a pop of freshness.
With these simple flavor finishers, your reheated crispy chops will taste even better than the original!
Store and Reheat with Confidence
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.
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.
Shake ‘n Bake Pork Chops
FAQ
What is the best way to reheat shake and bake pork chops?
How do you reheat baked pork chops without drying them out?
Why aren’t my shake and bake pork chops crispy?
How do you reheat pork chops?
Heat your oven to 350°F. Remove the leftover chops from the fridge and place them in a glass baking dish (the size will depend on the number of pork chops you’re reheating, but the closer they are together, the better). Then add 1 tablespoon of liquid per pork chop and cover the whole dish tightly with foil and set the dish in the oven.
How long should I reheat Shake n bake pork chops?
To reheat Shake n bake pork chops, use an air fryer at 350ºF (175ºC) for 4-5 minutes until heated to your satisfaction. This method helps preserve the crispy texture of the breading. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 400ºF (205ºC/Gas Mark 6) for 10-15 minutes. (Original Passage: How Long Do You Shake N’ Bake Pork Chops?)
How long can you keep Shake & Bake pork chops?
You can store any leftover Shake & Bake pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are best stored in a shallow container in a single layer. Leftover Shake & Bake pork chops can be reheated in the air fryer at 350ºF (175ºC) for 4-5 minutes until heated to your satisfaction.
How to cook pork chops in oven?
Place the pork in a baking dish and add the liquid. It can be a broth of either chicken, vegetables, or beef. It doesn’t matter which one you choose. Add a few tablespoons of it along with the meat to nicely restore the juiciness, then cover the pan with aluminum foil. Put the pork chops in the oven and leave it that way for 10 to 15 minutes.