Shake ‘n Bake is a popular seasoned coating mix that provides a quick and easy way to add flavor and crunch to pork, chicken and other meats. But can you use the pork version on chicken? Let’s take a closer look at how Shake ‘n Bake works and whether the pork variety can double as a chicken coating.
What is Shake ‘n Bake and How Does it Work?
Shake ‘n Bake is a convenient packaged seasoning blend that contains breadcrumbs spices, salt, and other dry ingredients to coat meat before cooking. To use it you simply place the raw meat in a bag with the Shake ‘N Bake mix, seal the bag, and shake it to evenly coat the pieces.
The coated meat is then baked in the oven or fried in oil, which results in a flavorful, textured crust on the exterior. The breadcrumbs form a crisp outer layer while the spices and seasonings add tons of flavor. Shake ‘n Bake helps ensure consistent, fool-proof results and significantly cuts down on prep time compared to hand-breading meats.
There are different Shake ‘n Bake products formulated for specific proteins like pork, chicken, and fish. The recipes are tailored to complement the particular meat.
Can You Use Pork Shake ‘n Bake on Chicken?
The short answer is yes, Shake ‘n Bake’s pork variety can absolutely be used on chicken pieces. The seasoned breading will adhere just as well to chicken, providing a crunchy exterior and well-rounded spices.
However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
- Flavor profile – Pork Shake ‘n Bake may overpower more delicate chicken or result in a discordant flavor combination. The seasonings are geared for pork, not chicken.
- Cooking time – Chicken cooks faster than pork so the oven time will likely need adjusting so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
- Nutrition – Pork Shake ‘n Bake may have higher sodium content more suited to pork. Watch sodium for health if using frequently on chicken.
- Color – Pork Shake ‘n Bake may cause chicken to brown differently than the chicken version.
With proper cooking adjustments and flavor expectations set, pork Shake ‘N Bake can absolutely substitute for the chicken version in a pinch. You may just need to tweak recipes accordingly.
Tips for Using Pork Shake ‘N Bake on Chicken
Here are some tips for successfully using pork Shake ‘n Bake as a coating for chicken:
- Use flavorful chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks which can handle bolder seasonings better than breast meat.
- Opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces to prevent drying out and add richness to balance spices.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and cook time to 30-45 minutes depending on thickness. Check for doneness.
- Brush chicken pieces with oil first so the coating adheres well.
- Mix in some paprika or oregano to the pork Shake ‘N Bake to better complement chicken.
- Bake the chicken on a wire rack over a sheet pan so it cooks evenly.
- Pair strongly seasoned Shake ‘n Bake chicken with cool, creamy sides like coleslaw or macaroni salad to balance the flavors.
- Play around with different dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
With a few minor adjustments, pork Shake ‘N Bake can absolutely substitute for the chicken version and provide a quick and easy baked chicken meal. Next time you’re out of the chicken variety, don’t be afraid to improvise with the pork coating for tasty results.
Cooking Crispy Shake ‘n Bake Chicken in the Oven
Here is a simple oven-baked recipe for Shake ‘n Bake chicken using the pork variety:
Ingredients:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 package pork Shake ‘N Bake mix
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Brush all over with oil or melted butter.
- Place Shake ‘n Bake mix in a gallon zip-top bag. Add chicken pieces, seal bag, and shake to thoroughly coat chicken.
- Arrange coated chicken on the wire rack. Make sure pieces aren’t touching.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through. It’s done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
The pork Shake ‘n Bake delivers a crispy, seasoned crust on the juicy chicken for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner. Leftovers also make great sandwiches or wraps the next day.
Common Questions about Shake ‘n Bake on Chicken
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Shake ‘n Bake pork variety on chicken:
Can you use Shake ‘n Bake as breading for chicken fingers or cutlets?
Yes, Shake ‘n Bake pork makes a quick and easy breaded coating for chicken tenders, nuggets, cutlets, or strips. Just dip chicken pieces in milk then coat in Shake ‘n Bake and pan-fry until crispy.
How long does it take to cook Shake ‘n Bake chicken wings?
Cooking time for Shake ‘n Bake chicken wings is about 40-50 minutes in a 375°F oven, flipping halfway. Check for doneness and crispy coating.
Can you use pork Shake ‘n Bake to coat a whole chicken?
Coating a whole cut-up chicken with Shake ‘n Bake pork variety works well. Truss chicken first so coating adheres. Bake around 1 hour at 375°F until fully cooked.
Is Shake ‘n Bake healthy?
While convenient, Shake ‘n Bake is high in carbs, sodium, and preservatives. For a healthier alternative, make your own baked coating with breadcrumbs, spices, and herbs.
Can you freeze extra Shake ‘n Bake seasoned chicken?
Yes, baked Shake ‘n Bake chicken freezes well up to 3 months. Reheat frozen chicken pieces in a 375°F oven until hot and crispy again.
What spices are in pork Shake ‘n Bake?
Pork Shake ‘n Bake typically contains spices like paprika, mustard, garlic, onion, oregano, ginger, pepper, and more to complement the pork flavor.
So don’t be afraid to experiment with Shake ‘n Bake pork variety on chicken for a quick and easy dinner. Just keep cooking times and seasonings in mind. With a few tweaks, you can have deliciously golden and crispy oven-baked chicken in minutes.