Shake and bake chicken holds a special place in many home cooks’ hearts. That iconic crunchy coating enveloping juicy, tender chicken is hard to resist! But after one too many mediocre shake and bake chicken dinners, you may be itching to revamp this classic.
Luckily, with a few simple tricks up your sleeve, you can easily doctor up basic shake and bake chicken to take it to the next level. Read on to discover 12 clever ways to add serious flavor, crunch, and excitement to this weeknight staple.
Start with High-Quality Chicken
You can’t make incredible shake and bake chicken without incredible chicken! Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for maximum moisture and flavor. The skin also helps the coating stick better. Remove the skin after cooking if you prefer. Free-range and organic chickens typically have more flavor. Pat the chicken dry before coating for best results.
Boost the Spice in the Coating
The pre-made shake and bake seasoning is just the beginning. Add a teaspoon of any of the following spices to really amp up the flavor:
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Ground ginger
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Get creative with spice blends like jerk seasoning, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. The possibilities are endless!
Use Flavored Breadcrumbs
For next-level crunch and flavor, use homemade or store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs instead of plain. Italian-style, garlic and herb lemon-pepper and Parmesan are all excellent options. Panko breadcrumbs also yield an extra crispy coating.
Coat with Mayo or Mustard
Slathering the chicken in mayo or mustard before dredging helps the coating stick better and seals in moisture. The tangy flavor also comes through subtly.
Double Up on the Coating
Really load up on the crunch by double-dredging. Coat the chicken in the shake and bake, then wet it slightly with buttermilk, egg, or water and coat again in more shake and bake. Press the coating on firmly so it doesn’t fall off.
Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar Parmesan, or Mexican-blend over the coated chicken before baking for an ooey-gooey coating.
Layer on Extra Breadcrumbs
For maximum crunch, press extra breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers or cereal on top of the seasoned coating. Spritz with oil or brush with melted butter first to help them stick and brown.
Use a Flavored Oil
Drizzle or brush olive oil, melted butter, or other flavored oil like chili oil over the chicken before baking. This adds moisture and infuses even more flavor.
Marinate First
Soak the chicken in a marinade for a few hours (or up to overnight) before coating and baking. The marinade will penetrate the meat and add a ton of flavor. Try yogurt, lemon juice, buttermilk, Italian dressing, teriyaki, or your favorite spices and herbs.
Glaze at the End
During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with your favorite glaze, sauce, or melted butter with herbs and garlic. Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and teriyaki sauce are all excellent choices. The sugars will caramelize and create a beautiful sheen.
Bake at High Heat
Crank up the heat! Baking at 450°F instead of 350°F makes the coating extra crispy without drying out the chicken. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Finish on the Grill
Get the best of both worlds by baking the chicken until almost done then finishing on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side. The char from the grill takes the flavor over the top.
So next time basic shake and bake just won’t cut it, use these clever tricks to seriously upgrade your chicken. With crispy, juicy, ultra-flavored chicken, this reimagined classic is guaranteed to be a new family favorite. Get creative with spices, coatings, sauces, and cooking techniques for endless variety. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Is Shake and Bake High in Carbs?
Kraft Shake n Bake Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix contains 6 grams of total and 6 grams of net carbs per serving. It also includes 0.5 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein, and 35 calories, making it a relatively low-carb option for a breaded coating mix.
Shake and Bake Chicken Variations
- Herb-Crusted: Add dried thyme, oregano, and basil to the breading mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Include cayenne pepper or chili powder for some heat.
- Panko Crunch: Substitute regular bread crumbs with panko for an extra crispy texture.
- Parmesan Crust: Mix grated cheese into the breading for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Shake ‘n Bake Chicken
FAQ
How to enhance shake and bake chicken?
- Herb-Crusted: Add dried thyme, oregano, and basil to the breading mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Include cayenne pepper or chili powder for some heat.
- Panko Crunch: Substitute regular bread crumbs with panko for an extra crispy texture.
How to jazz up shake and bake?
Stir in dry seasonings with the Shake ‘N Bake crumbs before dipping the chicken. Add in ½ tsp. each of seasonings like oregano, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, cumin or chili powder for more flavor in the chicken coating.
How to moisten meat for shake and bake?
- Broth or Stock: Simmer the dry meat in broth or stock on low heat until it absorbs moisture.
- Marinades: Soak the meat in a marinade (oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices) for several hours or overnight.
- Water: If the meat is not too dry, soaking it in water for a few hours can help rehydrate it.
Should I dip chicken in egg before shake and bake?
Sure. It’s not really any different than using bread crumbs for deep frying. Just dip your chicken in egg first and then in the shake n bake to bind it to the chicken during the frying process. I literally made homemade chicken strips a few days ago and they came out beautifully.
How do you cook shake and bake chicken?
Tongs: For safely turning the chicken pieces during baking if necessary. For perfect Shake and Bake chicken, ensure your meat is dry before coating. Use a ziplock bag for even application, and bake on a wire rack for crispy skin. Shake and bake chicken offers a crispy, golden crust without the mess of traditional frying.
What is shake and bake chicken?
Shake and Bake Chicken involves coating chicken pieces in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, then baking them until they’re crispy on the outside and juicy inside. This method offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken, capturing that delightful crunch without all the oil. How long does it take to cook Shake and Bake Chicken?
How do you cook chicken before baking?
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken before baking. Dip the meat in sauces like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey mustard after the meat is cooked. Shake ‘N Bake is a packaged coating for chicken and other meats. The mixture adds crispiness and flavor to the meat before baking for a quick meal.
How do you make a healthy Shake & Bake?
Gathering the necessary ingredients for shake and bake is the first step towards a delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need: Protein of your choice: Chicken, pork chops, or fish fillets work great for shake and bake. Make sure they are fresh and of good quality.
What is Shake n Bake?
Shake ‘N Bake is a packaged coating for chicken and other meats. The mixture adds crispiness and flavor to the meat before baking for a quick meal. The basic directions instruct users to dip the chicken or other meat into water before placing them in a bag of crumbs and shaking.
How do you shake and bake meat?
To use shake and bake, you simply coat the raw meat in an egg wash or buttermilk, then shake the meat in the coating mix to evenly adhere the crumbs. The coated meat is then baked until the coating is crispy and the interior is cooked through. Why Does Shake and Bake Get Soggy?