Using Shake ‘N Bake to cook chicken on the grill is absolutely possible, but does require some special considerations to ensure the coating adheres properly and the chicken cooks through without burning. In the opening section of this article, we’ll provide a quick overview of how to use Shake ‘N Bake on the grill, the benefits of grilling Shake ‘N Bake chicken, and some tips for success.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about using Shake ‘N Bake on the grill:
- Yes, you can use Shake ‘N Bake coating on chicken cooked on a grill. The key is ensuring the coating sticks properly.
- To help the coating adhere, coat the chicken and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before grilling. Sprinkling some water on the coated chicken also helps.
- Cook over medium indirect heat, with the lid closed as much as possible. This allows the coating to set while the chicken cooks through.
- Watch carefully to avoid burning. Shake ‘N Bake can burn faster than plain chicken. Glazing with barbecue sauce at the end helps add flavor and avoids burning.
- Allow about 8-10 minutes per side for bone-in chicken pieces. Breasts may take only 4-6 minutes per side. Test for doneness before removing from the grill.
Benefits of Grilling Shake ‘N Bake Chicken
Cooking Shake ‘N Bake coated chicken on the grill provides several advantages over baking it in the oven:
- You get that delicious charred, smoky flavor from the grill.
- The high heat helps the coating get crispy and crunchy.
- Grilling allows excess fat to drip away rather than pooling in a baking pan.
- It’s easy to add extra flavor with a spice rub or glaze/sauce.
- You can cook other sides at the same time, like veggies in a grill basket.
The key things to keep in mind are preventing the coating from burning and making sure the chicken cooks through. As long as you monitor the temperature and grill carefully, you can absolutely achieve moist, flavorful chicken with a crispy seasoned coating.
Tips for Grilling Success
Follow these tips to get perfect Shake ‘N Bake chicken off the grill every time:
- Always start with skinless, boneless chicken breasts or bone-in thighs. The coating won’t adhere well to skin.
- Pat the chicken dry before coating so the Shake ‘N Bake sticks better.
- Use tongs to coat each piece well, pressing the coating on. Make sure all surfaces are evenly covered.
- Let sit 10-15 minutes before grilling so the coating sets. Lightly spritz with water to help it stick.
- Grill over medium indirect heat with the lid closed as much as possible. This allows the coating to cook through while the chicken cooks without burning.
- Rotate and flip the chicken every 2-3 minutes for even cooking. Brush with sauce or glaze towards the end if desired.
- Check temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally before removing from grill.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving for juicy, tender results!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for grilling delicious Shake ‘N Bake chicken:
- Prepare your grill for medium indirect cooking, around 375°F. Oil the grates well.
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Make sure to use skinless boneless breasts or bone-in thighs.
- Place Shake ‘N Bake crumbs in a shallow dish. Working one piece at a time, coat chicken completely in crumbs, pressing to adhere.
- Arrange coated chicken on a baking sheet. Lightly spritz tops with water or oil. Let sit 10-15 minutes.
- Place chicken on oiled grill grates over indirect heat. Close lid as much as possible.
- Rotate and flip chicken every 2-3 minutes, coating any uncrumbed areas with more Shake N’ Bake. Cook until coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Brush chicken with barbecue sauce or glaze during last few minutes if desired. This adds flavor and prevents burning.
- Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your crunchy, juicy Shake ‘N Bake grilled chicken!
Choosing the Right Chicken
Selecting the right cut of chicken is key for the Shake ‘N Bake to adhere properly on the grill:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – The coating will stick best to the smooth skinless surface. Pound breasts to an even thickness if very thick.
- Bone-in chicken thighs – The bones help prevent drying out. Remove skin and coat the meaty thighs thoroughly.
- Drumsticks – Another great option if you remove the skin first. The smaller cut lets the inside cook through.
- Avoid chicken wings and legs – These slimmer cuts are harder to coat evenly and will burn too quickly.
Ideally, choose thicker chicken pieces around 1 inch or pound thinner ones.uniform thickness allows even cooking. Pat the chicken very dry beforehand so the coating adheres better.
Coating Technique
For best results, follow these steps to properly coat the chicken:
- Place Shake ‘N Bake crumbs in a shallow bowl or pan. Keep the mix dry, don’t add any extra oil or liquid.
- Working one piece at a time, drop chicken into crumbs. Using tongs, turn and press to completely coat all sides.
- Gently shake off excess crumbs. Return to baking sheet. Repeat process for all pieces.
- After coating, lightly mist or drizzle chicken with water or oil. This will help crumbs adhere to the meat.
- Let chicken rest 10-15 minutes so coating sets and sticks to surface. Then it’s ready for the grill!
Taking the time to properly coat each piece will mean you get a flavorful, crunchy crust that stays on the chicken rather than falling off on the grill grates.
Grilling Methods
There are a few different ways you can grill Shake ‘N Bake chicken. The best approach depends on the number of pieces you’re cooking:
Smaller Amounts
For cooking 1-4 bone-in pieces or chicken breasts:
- Sear over direct medium heat, 2-3 minutes per side. Move to indirect heat to finish cooking through.
- Cook entirely over indirect medium heat. Rotate and flip regularly to prevent burning.
Larger Amounts
For cooking 6 or more pieces of chicken:
- Arrange chicken over indirect low-medium heat. Cover grill and cook 20-30 minutes, rotating and flipping halfway.
- Sear briefly over direct heat then move to indirect heat. Helps crisp coating while chicken cooks through.
The key is keeping the grill temperature between 350-400°F and avoiding direct high heat to prevent burning. Close the lid as much as possible to allow the coating to cook through.
Cooking Times
These estimated grilling times will help ensure food safety and prevent overcooking:
| Chicken Cut | Uncoated Grill Time | Coated Grill Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast (1 inch thick) | 8-12 minutes total | 12-18 minutes total |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 16-22 minutes total | 22-28 minutes total |
| Drumsticks | 20-25 minutes total | 25-30 minutes total |
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally before removing from grill.
Preventing Burning
It’s easy for Shake ‘N Bake coating to burn quickly on the grill. Follow these tips to avoid ruining your chicken:
- Grill over indirect medium heat around 375°F.
- Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible.
- Rotate and flip chicken frequently, every 2-3 minutes.
- Brush with sauce toward the end to add flavor and moisture.
- Move to cooler area of grill if coating browns too quickly.
- Use foil tents to shield bone ends or thinner sections if needed.
Taking the time to coat properly and monitoring temperature are the best ways to get perfectly cooked chicken with a browned, crunchy crust.
Flavor Variations
One benefit of grilling is it’s easy to add extra flavor to your Shake ‘N Bake chicken. Try these delicious ideas:
Spice Rubs
Rub or sprinkle the following on chicken before coating:
- Brown sugar
- Chili powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic powder
Sauces and Glazes
Brush chicken with sauce during last 5-10 minutes of grilling:
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey mustard
- Teriyaki sauce
- Jamaican jerk marinade
- Sweet chili sauce
Fresh Herbs and Citrus
Try adding any of these under or on top of the coating:
- Chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme
- Lemon, lime, or orange zest
- Diced garlic or shallots
- Thin citrus slices
Mix up the standard Shake ‘N Bake flavor with your own spices, sauces, and herbs! The possibilities are endless for easily jazzing up this quick and easy coated chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Crunchy, juicy Shake ‘N Bake chicken straight off the grill is delicious on its own. Or pair it with these tasty sides:
- Baked beans – Classic complement to spice-crusted grilled chicken.
- Coleslaw – Cool, creamy cabbage slaw balances the chicken’s crunch.
- Grilled veggies – Try zucchini, peppers, onions, potatoes, or corn.
- Macaroni and cheese – Comfort food match for a crunchy, savory main dish.
- Dinner rolls – Warm, buttery rolls soak up any delicious juices.
- Fruit salad – Fresh, bright counterpart to flavorful chicken.
You could also toss grilled chicken pieces on top of green salads, wrap in tortillas with fixings for tacos or fajitas, or dice and add to pasta or rice dishes. The applications are unlimited for this grillable coated chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use original or extra crispy Shake N’ Bake?
Both the original and extra crispy (crumbier) versions of Shake ‘N Bake will work fine on the grill. For best adherence, the original may be better. But the extra crispy could give you an even crunchier texture.
What’s the easiest cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the easiest to coat evenly and grill without drying out. Pound them to an even thickness and they will cook fast and evenly with a tasty coating.
Should I dip chicken in egg first?
Egging isn’t necessary as the Shake ‘N Bake will adhere to a clean, dry chicken surface. But lightly brushing beaten egg on first can help the coating stick even better.
How do I get the coating extra crispy?
Letting the coated chicken sit before grilling helps the crust get crisper. Searing over direct heat at the end will also help crunch it up. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I use a grill pan on the stovetop instead?
Yes, a grill pan on the stove can mimic the char of an outdoor grill. Use medium-high heat and keep turning chicken often. You won’t get quite as smoky of a flavor.
Conclusion
Shake ‘N Bake adds a delicious crunch and flavor to boneless chicken breasts, thighs, and other cuts when cooked on the grill. Allowing time for the coating to adhere and grilling gently over indirect heat lets you achieve crispy, cooked-through chicken safely. Follow the tips above for coating, methods, doneness, and flavor variations. Grill up this fast and easy coated chicken on a weeknight or for your next backyard barbecue!