How to Make Homemade Shake and Bake for Family-Friendly Finger Foods

Are fast food runs breaking your budget? Don’t worry—I’ve got a delicious solution. Instead of grabbing overpriced chicken nuggets, try this easy homemade shake-and-bake recipe. In less time than a drive-through run, you can whip up crispy, healthy chicken the whole family will love—at a fraction of the cost! Ready to shake things up?

Fast Food Prices Are Out of Control!

It’s no secret—prices on everything are going through the roof these days, but fast food? Yikes! That takes the cake… or should I say, the nugget.

The problem with fast food joints like Wendy’s, McDonald’s, or Burger King is that you’ll never catch them offering real sales. Sure, there’s the occasional coupon, but it doesn’t come close to the amazing weekly deals you can score at your local supermarket. And let’s be real—those coupons barely make a dent in the total cost.

I get it—you’re probably thinking, “But what about the chicken? Nuggets, fingers, sandwiches… they’re so convenient and always a hit with the kids!” Well, I’ve got news for you—there’s a better way.

Homemade Shake and Bake: Cheaper, Healthier, Better

Think about it: In less time than it takes to get to the drive-thru, you can make your own homemade version of fast-food favorites for a fraction of the cost. I’m talking about a crispy, delicious coating mix that rivals anything you’d find at the golden arches—and it only takes five minutes to make!

And the best part? You get three major perks:

1. Cheaper by Far

Store-bought Shake ‘n Bake costs around $12.48 per pound (just for the mix!). With my homemade version, you’ll be saving big—without sacrificing flavor.

2. Healthier and Customizable

You’re in control of the ingredients. Adjust the salt, swap in organic options if you like, and say goodbye to the hard-to-pronounce stuff.

3. Simply Better

This homemade mix isn’t just easy on the wallet, it’s better tasting too. Trust me, if your kids don’t agree, I’ll eat my own shake ‘n bake bag!

How to Make Your Own Shake and Bake Coating Mix

Ready to ditch the store-bought mix and make your own? It’s super easy and you likely have everything you need right in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups dry bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated dry onion
• 1 pinch dried basil leaves
• 1 pinch dried parsley
• 1 pinch dried oregano

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a large resealable plastic bag, seal it tight, and shake it up until everything’s mixed evenly. Store this homemade coating mix in a tightly sealed container in the pantry for up to six months or keep it in the fridge to extend its life even longer.

When you’re ready to use it, just measure out about one cup of the mix for a 3-pound chicken (cut into 6 to 8 pieces). You can also use it for chicken strips or nuggets—the only difference is how you slice the chicken!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chicken Nuggets

These homemade nuggets are a hit with kids and grown-ups alike—and they’re ready faster than a drive-thru run.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 ½- to 2-inch pieces or 1-inch strips)
• 1 ½ cups homemade Shake It, Bake It coating mix (see recipe above)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Lightly moisten the chicken pieces with water and shake off any excess.
3. Place the coating mix in a plastic bag. Add 3 or 4 pieces of chicken at a time, seal the bag, and shake until they’re fully coated.
4. Lay the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.
6. Serve hot with ranch dressing or one of the tasty dipping sauces below.

Fried Chicken Fingers For Traditional Fried Chicken Lovers

This recipe is perfect for a traditional fried chicken experience. The secret is the buttermilk marinade.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ½-inch strips or pieces of your choice)
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 quart oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Place the chicken strips in a large resealable plastic bag.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture into the bag with the chicken, seal it, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
3. In another large resealable bag, combine the flour, bread crumbs, salt, and baking powder.
4. Remove the chicken from the fridge, drain it, and discard the buttermilk mixture.
5. Add the chicken to the flour mixture bag, seal it, and shake until the pieces are well-coated.
6. Heat the oil in a large skillet to 375°F. Fry the chicken in batches for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown and juices run clear.
7. Drain the chicken on a cooling rack or paper towels.

Serve these crispy fried chicken fingers with your favorite dipping sauces.

Dipping Sauces to Complete the Meal

No chicken nugget or strip is complete without a tasty dipping sauce! These three easy-to-make options will take your meal to the next level.

• Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce: Simply combine ¾ cup white sugar, ⅓ cup white vinegar, ⅔ cup water, ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon ketchup, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, stirring continuously until it thickens.
• Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce: Mix 1 ½ cups mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice in a bowl. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.
• Asian Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup soy sauce, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon water, 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce, ¼ teaspoon minced fresh ginger (optional), and ½ teaspoon sugar. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to blend the flavors, and heat it up just before serving if desired.

These sauces are quick to make, multiply easily for larger portions, and will make any finger food meal a hit!

 

Question: What’s your family’s favorite finger food? Share your go-to meal that gets everyone excited for dinner.

 

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