Shake 'n Bake is DEAD (Long Live Shake 'n Bake)

TL;DR

Shake 'n Bake is outdated and overpriced, but its core technique is worth reviving with a homemade upgrade for crispier, cheaper oven-fried chicken.

Key Points

• 1.Shake 'n Bake has become a poor value product. Two quarter-cup packets cost $5 and no longer include the bag, making the brand nearly obsolete compared to a simple DIY version.
• 2.Making your own version offers better flavor and seasoning control. Use a Ziploc bag with plain breadcrumbs and salt-free spices, seasoning the meat separately so salinity stays consistent across thin cuts, thick cuts, or nuggets.
• 3.Three key upgrades beat the box instructions. Bake at 450°F with convection instead of 400°F, flip chicken halfway through, and pull breasts at 150°F internal temp rather than following package cook times.
• 4.A lazy 'dress and press' method skips the bag entirely. Coat chicken cutlets in mayo directly on the sheet pan, press breadcrumbs in by hand — the mayo's fat content makes the result even closer to fried chicken.