Shake ‘n Bake is a popular seasoned coating mix that allows you to easily bake crispy, flavorful chicken, pork chops, fish fillets, and more right at home. When using Shake ‘n Bake, there are some key considerations regarding cook time and temperature to ensure your coated foods turn out perfectly crispy and cooked through.
What is Shake ‘n Bake and How is it Used?
Shake ‘n Bake is a packaged breadcrumb coating mix that is seasoned with spices and herbs. Some common ingredients in Shake ‘n Bake include breadcrumbs, salt, sugar, monosodium glutamate (MSG), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parsley flakes.
To use Shake ‘n Bake, simply place the breaded food item in a sealed plastic bag along with some of the Shake ‘n Bake coating mix. Seal the bag closed and shake it to evenly coat the food. The shaking action helps the coating adhere. Then you simply bake the coated food in the oven until it is crispy and fully cooked.
Shake ‘n Bake allows you to easily add flavor and crunch to foods like chicken, pork, fish, and veggies without having to bread and heavily coat the items in eggs and flour. The Shake ‘n Bake coating crisps up nicely in the oven for a quick and easy meal.
Recommended Cook Times for Shake ‘n Bake Coated Foods
The cook times for Shake ‘n Bake coated foods can vary based on the specific food you are preparing, its size and thickness, as well as your desired level of doneness. Here are some general cook time guidelines for common Shake ‘n Bake foods:
Chicken
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in Shake ‘n Bake, bake at 400°F for 18-25 minutes. Chicken thighs and legs take a little longer, around 30-40 minutes at 400°F.
Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer before removing from the oven. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked through.
Pork Chops
For 1-inch thick bone-in or boneless pork chops coated in Shake ‘n Bake, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Thinner boneless chops may only need 10-12 minutes, while thicker bone-in chops can require 25-30 minutes for the coating to crisp and pork to cook through.
Fish Fillets
For flaky fish like tilapia and cod fillets coated in Shake ‘n Bake, bake at 400°F for about 8-12 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
Salmon and tuna fillets may need 10-15 minutes as they tend to be thicker. Just watch carefully to prevent overcooking.
Veggies
For coated vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, and zucchini, roast at 425°F for 15-30 minutes until tender when pierced. Toss veggies in oil before coating to help the Shake ‘n Bake crisp up.
Recommended Oven Temperatures for Baking Shake ‘n Bake Coated Foods
In addition to cook times, the oven temperature is also important when baking foods coated in Shake ‘n Bake. Here are some optimal oven temps:
- Chicken – 375°F to 425°F
- Pork Chops – 375°F to 425°F
- Fish Fillets – 400°F to 425°F
- Veggies – 400°F to 450°F
Higher oven temperatures in the 375°F to 425°F range help the Shake ‘n Bake coating achieve maximum crispness and crunch. But you want to avoid going above 450°F in most cases or the coating can burn.
For chicken and pork, aim for the lower end around 375°F if the pieces are on the thicker side. Thinner pieces can go at higher 425°F temps.
Fish fillets and vegetables should be baked at 400°F to 450°F to crisp the coating without overcooking the interior.
If you notice any overly dark or burnt spots, lower the oven temp 25°F to prevent burning.
Tips for Crispy Shake ‘n Bake Coated Foods
Follow these tips for the crispiest Shake ‘n Bake coated foods possible:
- Use buttermilk or milk when dredging – The dairy helps the coating stick better.
- Allow coated foods to sit 5-10 minutes before baking – This helps coating adhere.
- Spray coated foods lightly with oil before baking – The oil promotes even browning and extra crunch.
- Use a wire rack lined sheet pan – This allows air circulation for crisping.
- Avoid overcrowding – Leave space between coated pieces.
- Pat off excess coating – Too thick a coating can become soggy.
By following these best practices when using Shake ‘n Bake, you can enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious oven-baked chicken, pork chops, fish fillets, and more.
Common Shake ‘n Bake Recipe Variations
There are many ways to modify the standard Shake ‘n Bake recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Some popular variations include:
Low Sodium
To reduce the sodium content, use unsalted breadcrumbs, omittable salt, and sodium-free herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, and pepper.
Whole Grain
For a whole grain version, use whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs and add wheat germ, oats, or ground flaxseed to boost nutrition.
Parmesan
Add shredded or grated parmesan cheese to the coating mix for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano also pair well.
Spicy
Increase spices like cayenne, chili powder, curry powder, or crushed red pepper to kick up the heat. Jalapeño, chipotle, or cajun seasonings can also add spice.
Ranch
For a ranch flavored coating, add dried ranch dressing mix along with garlic powder, dill, parsley, onion powder, and black pepper.
Lemon Pepper
Use lemon pepper seasoning and zest along with herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano for a bright lemony coating.
Feel free to get creative and come up with your own signature Shake ‘n Bake flavor combinations!
How to Adjust Cook Time for Thicker or Larger Pieces
When working with thicker cuts or larger pieces of chicken, pork, or fish, you will need to increase the bake time to ensure the food cooks through completely.
Here are some general time adjustments to make:
- Chicken breasts over 1 inch thick – Increase bake time 5 to 7 minutes
- Pork chops over 1 1/2 inches thick – Increase bake time 10 to 15 minutes
- Thick-cut fish fillets like salmon and tuna – Add 5 to 10 extra minutes
Keep in mind that meat and fish will continue cooking slightly after removed from the oven. Check the internal temperature periodically with a meat thermometer and remove it just before it reaches the desired temperature.
The thickness of the coating can also impact cook time. If you have a thicker Shake ‘n Bake layer, it may take a few minutes longer to fully crisp and brown. Monitor closely and adjust time as needed.
How to Modify for Boneless vs. Bone-In
Bone-in cuts of meat take longer to cook than boneless ones. When baking Shake ‘n Bake coated foods, you’ll need to increase cook time for bone-in pieces.
On average, add the following additional time for bone-in:
- Chicken pieces – 7 to 15 extra minutes
- Pork chops – 10 to 15 extra minutes
The bones help conduct heat and add moisture, slowing down the cooking process. Go by temperature rather than time to ensure bone-in Shake ‘n Bake foods are fully cooked.
For boneless cuts of chicken and pork, reduce oven temperature 25°F and cook time by 5 minutes compared to bone-in to prevent drying out.
How to Adjust for Convection Oven
A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air around food. This increased air flow cooks food faster than a standard oven.
When baking Shake ‘n Bake coated items in a convection oven, reduce temperature by 25°F and cook time by about 10 to 15%. For example:
- Standard oven at 400°F for 30 minutes
- Convection oven at 375°F for 25 to 27 minutes
Monitor food closely until you get used to the faster convection times to prevent over or undercooking. Convection ovens will also promote browning and crisping of the coating.
Food Safety Tips for Cooking and Storing Breaded Foods
When dealing with raw meats and breaded coatings, proper food safety is important. Here are some tips:
- Defrost meats safely in the fridge before breading.
- Avoid rinsing raw chicken which can spread bacteria.
- Use separate plates and utensils for raw meats and cooked foods.
- Wash hands and surfaces after working with raw meats.
- Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness, especially for thick cuts.
- Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving.
- Store leftovers 3 to 4 days max.
Following proper food handling and cooking procedures will keep you safe when preparing Shake ‘n Bake and other breaded recipes.
Troubleshooting Problems
Having some issues getting perfect results with your Shake ‘n Bake recipes? Here are some common problems and solutions:
Soggy Coating
If the coating is soggy instead of crispy, try patting off excess before baking, using a light hand with the coating, and spraying with oil before baking. Do not crowd pieces on the baking sheet.
Falls Off Easily
Let coated foods sit at least 5 to 10 minutes before baking to help coating adhere. Also make sure to dredge foods thoroughly in flour or buttermilk before the Shake ‘n Bake.
Uneven Cooking
Rotate baking sheets midway through cook time and avoid overcrowding pieces so air can circulate evenly. Tent foil over thicker ends if needed.
Burned Coating
Lower oven temperature 25°F next time and watch food carefully near end of cooking time. Burned exteriors can mean the inside is undercooked.
Undercooked Interior
Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness, especially on thicker meats. Increase bake time as needed and check temperature in multiple spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bake Shake ‘n Bake without oil?
Yes, you can bake Shake ‘n Bake coated foods without oil. However, lightly misting or brushing the coated foods with oil helps promote browning and makes the coating extra crispy in the oven.
What’s the best oil to use with Shake ‘n Bake?
Good neutral oils for Shake ‘n Bake include canola, vegetable, grapeseed, sunflower, peanut, or light olive oil. Avoid heavy, strong-flavored olive oils.
Should you flip Shake ‘n Bake foods while baking?
It’s not necessary to flip Shake ‘n Bake coated items during baking. The hot air will circulate and crisp all sides. Flipping can actually cause the coating to fall off.
Can you bake Shake ‘n Bake on a sheet pan without a rack?
Yes, you can bake Shake ‘n Bake coated foods directly on a sheet pan. However, using a wire rack allows for better air circulation and prevents soggy bottoms.
Should you shake the bag hard with the Shake ‘n Bake coating?
Gently shake the bag just enough to evenly coat the food. Too much forceful shaking can cause the coating to break down and clump.
Can you use Shake ‘n Bake to bread fish and seafood?
Yes, Shake ‘n Bake works great on seafood like white fish fillets, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. Adjust cook times based on thickness and type of seafood.
Is Shake ‘n Bake gluten free?
No, traditional Shake ‘n Bake contains wheat flour so it is not gluten free. However, there are some gluten free breadcrumb options that can be used to make a homemade gluten free version.
Conclusion
Mastering the ideal cook times and oven temperatures is crucial for making perfectly crispy and delicious Shake ‘n Bake recipes. With boneless chicken and pork, aim for 375°F to 425°F for 18 to 30 minutes. Thicker cuts, bone-in pieces, fish fillets, and vegetables will need adjustments to time and temp. Following proper cooking procedures and safety tips will ensure your breaded foods have a crunchy, golden coating and fully cooked interior every time.
