Shake 'n Bake is Dead (Long Live Shake 'n Bake)
Shake 'n Bake is DEAD (Long Live Shake 'n Bake) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Internet Shaquille on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 59 min
Cost: $10.29 total, $2.57 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, cut into 4 equal pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning the meat before coating)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cups Plain Breadcrumbs (store‑bought or homemade, unsalted)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (adds extra lightness and crispness)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet, for flavor)
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder (adds depth)
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (optional, for the "dress‑and‑press" shortcut; helps crumbs adhere)
- 1 spray Cooking Spray (optional, light coating on sheet pan for extra crispness)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the convection oven to 450°F and allow it to preheat fully (about 15 minutes).
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 450°F
Make Breadcrumb Mix
In a mixing bowl combine plain breadcrumbs, panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and any extra spices you like. Let rest 2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Coat the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the large Ziploc bag. Add the breadcrumb mixture, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until each piece is fully coated.
Time: PT5M
Arrange on Sheet Pan
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the coated chicken pieces on the sheet, leaving space between each piece.
Time: PT2M
First Half of Baking
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 12 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 450°F
Flip the Chicken
Using tongs, carefully flip each piece to expose the unbrowned side.
Time: PT2M
Finish Baking
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 12 minutes, or until the thickest part of the breast reaches 150°F (or 165°F for safety).
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 450°F
Check Internal Temperature
Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of each piece. Remove from oven when it reads 150°F for breasts (hold 3 minutes) or 170°F for thighs.
Time: PT2M
Rest and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This locks in juices.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free option available with GF breadcrumbs, High‑Protein, Low‑Carb (if using almond flour substitute)
Allergens: Wheat, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Chicken Thighs, Turkey Breast
- Instead of Salt: Kosher Salt, Sea Salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
- Instead of Plain Breadcrumbs: Panko Breadcrumbs, Gluten‑Free Breadcrumbs
- Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular Breadcrumbs
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked Paprika
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh Minced Garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: Granulated Onion
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek Yogurt, Sour Cream
- Instead of Cooking Spray: Olive Oil Brush
Equipment Needed
- Convection Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Large Ziploc Bag (gallon)
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
- Tongs
- Oven Mitts
- Spray Bottle (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season chicken with salt before coating
- Shake chicken in bag to coat evenly
- Bake at 450°F with convection and flip halfway
- Check internal temperature to ensure safety
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumb mixture in a dry skillet for 2 minutes before using.
- Add a pinch of dried herbs (thyme or oregano) to the breadcrumb mix for an aromatic twist.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half the plain breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes.
Troubleshooting
Coating falls off during baking
Pat the chicken very dry before seasoning and add a thin layer of mayo or a light spray of oil before shaking to improve adhesion.
Breadcrumbs turn soggy
Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 450°F and avoid overcrowding the pan; use convection for better airflow.
Chicken is undercooked in the center
Check the thickest part with a thermometer; if below 150°F, continue baking in 3‑minute increments.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag; keep for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; discard if left out >2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix the breadcrumb blend and store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
- Season and coat the chicken, then refrigerate on a tray for up to 12 hours before baking.
- Pre‑measure spices and keep them in a small container for quick assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Shake ’n Bake in American cuisine?
Shake ’n Bake was introduced in the 1970s as a convenient way for home cooks to achieve an “oven‑fried” texture without deep‑frying, reflecting the era’s focus on quick, packaged convenience foods in the United States.
How does the homemade version of Shake ’n Bake differ from the original Kraft‑Heinz product?
The homemade blend omits pre‑added salt, allowing you to season the meat separately for precise salinity, and lets you customize the spice profile and breadcrumb type (e.g., panko, gluten‑free) for a fresher, crisper crust.
What traditional regional variations of breaded chicken exist in American Southern cooking compared to this Shake ’n Bake method?
Southern fried chicken traditionally uses a three‑step dredge (flour, egg, seasoned flour) and deep‑frying in oil, whereas Shake ’n Bake mimics the crispness with a single breadcrumb coating baked in a convection oven, offering a lower‑fat alternative.
What occasions or celebrations is baked breaded chicken commonly served at in the United States?
Baked breaded chicken is popular for family weeknight meals, potlucks, game‑day gatherings, and casual celebrations like birthdays because it’s easy to prepare in large batches and stays juicy for leftovers.
How does this Shake ’n Bake technique fit into the broader trend of healthier American comfort food?
It replaces deep‑frying with oven baking, reduces added oil, and lets cooks control sodium and gluten content, aligning with modern American preferences for lower‑fat, high‑protein comfort dishes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade Shake ’n Bake chicken?
Common errors include adding salt to the breadcrumb mix (which can over‑season the crust), overcrowding the sheet pan (causing steaming), and not flipping the chicken halfway, which leads to uneven browning.
Why does this recipe recommend baking at 450°F with convection instead of the box’s 400°F instruction?
A higher temperature accelerates browning of the breadcrumb coating while the convection fan circulates hot air, ensuring the crust crisps quickly without overcooking the interior meat.
Can I make this Shake ’n Bake chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can coat the chicken, place it on a parchment‑lined tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken is done?
The coating should be golden‑brown and firm to the touch, while the meat inside should be opaque and juicy. A thermometer reading of 150°F (breasts) or 170°F (thighs) confirms doneness.
What does the YouTube channel Internet Shaquille specialize in?
The YouTube channel Internet Shaquille focuses on practical home‑cooking hacks, equipment reviews, and modern twists on classic American comfort foods, often highlighting time‑saving techniques for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Internet Shaquille’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Internet Shaquille blends humor with detailed equipment demos (like smart ovens and wireless thermometers) and emphasizes low‑effort, high‑flavor shortcuts, whereas many channels prioritize elaborate plating or gourmet techniques.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
