Shake and Bake chicken is a popular seasoned coating mix used to bread and fry chicken pieces quickly and easily. The Shake and Bake mix was first introduced by General Foods Corporation in 1965 and has become a staple in many home kitchens. But what exactly is in the famous Shake and Bake recipe and coating that gives the chicken its distinctive flavor and crispy texture?
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in Shake and Bake are:
- Flour – Usually wheat flour acts as the base and bulk of the coating.
- Bread crumbs – Dry bread crumbs provide crunch and texture.
- Salt and pepper – Salt and pepper season the coating.
- Spices and herbs – Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices like oregano, thyme, or basil are commonly used to add flavor.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – MSG enhances the savory umami taste.
- Sugar – A small amount of sugar balances flavors and aids browning when fried.
- Dried parsley – Dried parsley flakes add flavoring and aesthetic green flecks.
While the exact proprietary spice blend may vary between Shake and Bake flavors or versions, these tend to be the main generic components in a typical Shake and Bake breading mix.
Coating Process
To coat the chicken, the wet and dry ingredients are kept separate. The chicken pieces are first dredged through the dry Shake and Bake mix, then dipped in a wet batter like milk or egg, and finally coated again in the dry crumb mixture. This process of double dredging helps adhere the crunchy coating securely to the meat when fried.
Shake and Bake Flavors
The original Shake and Bake flavor was just called “Original Chicken”, but over the years various flavors have been introduced like:
- Extra Crispy
- Crispy Buffalo
- Mesquite BBQ
- Cheddar Ranch
- Honey BBQ
- Crispy Southwest
While the seasonings change, the core ingredients of flour, crumbs, salt, and spices remain the same. Popular flavors include buffalo, barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, and cajun styles.
Nutrition Information
Since Shake and Bake is primarily made of flour, bread crumbs, and seasonings, the nutrition facts focus on these main contents:
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 690mg |
As you can see, the majority of calories come from carbohydrates like wheat flour. There is very little fat or protein. However, Shake n Bake does contain a high amount of sodium, which is typical for these quick seasoning mixes. Checking the label for your specific flavor can provide more detailed nutritional values.
Cost
Shake and Bake is a very affordable mix, especially when used to coat cheaper chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks. A typical 2.5-3 oz box or bag costs between $1-$3 depending on the retailer. Store brands or generic versions are usually a little cheaper than the Kraft name brand. Buying larger sizes like a 14.5 oz bag can help lower the cost per ounce as well. Coupons or sales can also reduce the price. So Shake and Bake provides a fast and budget-friendly way to add flavor to chicken.
Is Shake and Bake Healthy?
While Shake and Bake adds lots of taste, the health factor is lower. The refined carbohydrates, salt, and MSG used mean it is not the most nutritious choice. However, the coating can be made a little healthier by:
- Using egg whites and reduced fat milk as the wet mixture instead of whole eggs and full fat milk.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to the crumbs.
- Serving the fried chicken with fresh vegetables as a side dish.
- Baking the breaded chicken in the oven instead of frying in oil.
So while not the healthiest choice, Shake and Bake can be modified to be less unhealthy. Overall though, it is best enjoyed occasionally as a convenient and delicious treat.
History of Shake and Bake
Shake and Bake has become an iconic American brand and product since its start in 1965. Here is a brief history:
- 1965 – Shake and Bake is launched by General Foods.
- 1977 – Kraft Foods acquires Shake and Bake after buying General Foods.
- 2003 – A lower sodium version is introduced.
- 2004 – Shake and Bake releases oven-baked flavors.
- 2007 – Shake and Bake Pretzel Chicken flavor debuts.
- 2010 – Package design is updated.
- 2022 – Various limited edition flavors released like Ranch and Bacon.
Through clever marketing campaigns and catchy slogans, Shake and Bake has become one of Kraft Heinz’s most recognizable brands. Many taglines like “Shake, Shake, Shake” and “Bake it Great with Shake and Bake” are lodged into consumers’ memories.
Shake and Bake Around the World
While Shake and Bake originated in America, variants can be found globally like:
- Canada – Kraft Shake n Bake Canadian version.
- United Kingdom – Shake ‘n’ Bake branded coating mix.
- Australia – Shake ‘N’ Bake product made by McCormick.
- South Africa – Chicken Shake ‘n Bake seasoning.
The name, logo, and packaging may differ slightly in international markets, but the concept remains the same – a quick way to add flavor and crunch to chicken through a dry seasoning breading mix.
Conclusion
Shake and Bake is essentially a blend of flour, breadcrumbs, salt, spices, and herbs that conveniently and quickly seasons chicken with great flavor and texture. While not the most nutritious choice, it has become a staple shortcut for home cooks looking to jazz up a weeknight chicken dinner. The signature crispy coating and versatility of Shake and Bake has made it an enduring and iconic product for over 50 years.