This nostalgic '90s seasoning blend tastes even better when you make it yourself.

If you grew up in the ’90s, you likely remember the mouthwatering scent of Shake ‘N Bake filling the house as you came in from playing outside. As you sat down to finish homework, that irresistible aroma meant dinner was near, and you knew you were about to enjoy something deliciously savory.

Although Shake ‘N Bake may not be as popular these days, it’s still available in stores, and it tastes just as fantastic as it did back then. And now, we’ve got a recipe for a homemade Shake ‘N Bake mix, made from common herbs and spices you likely already have in your pantry, ready to recreate that perfect oven-cooked coating tonight.

The Origins of Shake ‘N Bake

Shake ‘N Bake is a seasoned breadcrumb coating that first hit the market in the 1960s as a shortcut to achieve the crispy, flavorful crunch of Southern fried chicken. It was designed to be a quick and easy way to bring those classic Southern flavors into the home kitchen. The kit still comes with three simple ingredients: breadcrumbs, seasoning, and a plastic bag to shake your protein—whether it’s chicken, pork, or fish—before baking in the oven.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Shake ‘N Bake

The classic Shake ‘N Bake method involves moistening your protein with a bit of water, placing it in the shaker bag, and giving it a good shake to coat the pieces. Then, just pop it in a 400°F oven—20 minutes for boneless and 45 minutes for bone-in. Try this homemade gluten-free Shake and Bake alternative for a tasty twist!

This homemade version of Shake ‘N Bake is just like the original. All you need is breadcrumbs, a plastic bag, and this seasoning mix to recreate that familiar, delicious flavor.

Check out the recipe: Gluten-Free Shake and Bake Almond Chicken

Master the Art of Shake ‘N Bake

While Shake ‘N Bake is an undeniably foolproof and easy choice for busy home cooks craving a quick and tasty meal, there are a few kitchen tips to help you get the most out of this nostalgic seasoning blend—whether you’re using the boxed version or making it from scratch.

• Separate the recipe above into portions: Home cooks who love this homemade Shake ‘N Bake recipe say that “a little coating mixture goes a long way.” Divide the mixture into 3-4 large plastic bags, and store them in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or the freezer for a few months, for future use. Just when we thought things couldn’t get any easier!
• Don’t overfill the plastic bag for shaking: To ensure that each serving of protein is evenly coated, shake the protein in batches. Place 2 to 3 pieces at a time in the breadcrumb bag to shake and coat, then repeat with remaining portions. Learn how to cut up a whole chicken like a pro.
• Place a wire rack over your sheet pan: This will help the protein to cook evenly all over, giving you a crispier, more golden result.
• Line the sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil: This is one of my favorite tips for any easy sheet pan cooking and clean-up. After baking your protein, all you have to do is crinkle it up with any drippings or crumbs and discard!