Shake And Bake Chicken Drumsticks

Shake and Bake Chicken Drumsticks: A Crispy, Flavorful Journey from Oven to Table

Are you craving juicy, crispy chicken drumsticks without the deep-frying mess? Then you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will delve into the art of making Shake and Bake chicken drumsticks, exploring everything from the history of this classic method to advanced tips and tricks for achieving perfectly golden-brown, flavorful results. We'll cover the science behind the crispy coating, answer frequently asked questions, and even provide variations to suit your taste preferences. Get ready to embark on a delicious adventure!

A Brief History of Shake and Bake

Shake and Bake, initially a brand name owned by General Mills, revolutionized home cooking in the mid-20th century. Before the advent of this convenient coating mix, achieving that signature crispy, flavorful crust on chicken required considerable skill and time. The pre-mixed seasoning blend, combined with the simple shaking method, democratized crispy fried chicken, making it accessible to home cooks of all levels. While the original brand may have evolved, the Shake and Bake method lives on, a testament to its simplicity and delicious results. Today, you can easily recreate this classic taste using readily available ingredients or a store-bought seasoning mix.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe focuses on creating your own Shake and Bake mix, allowing for greater control over flavor and ingredients. You can easily adapt it using store-bought options, following their package instructions.

• Chicken Drumsticks: Approximately 2 pounds (or adjust to your needs). Ensure the drumsticks are patted thoroughly dry for optimal crispiness.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups. Provides the base for the coating and helps create a crispy texture.
• Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons. Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon. Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
• Paprika: 1 tablespoon. Imparts a smoky, sweet flavor and a beautiful reddish hue.
• Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon. Adds a savory garlic aroma and flavor.
• Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon. Complements the garlic powder and adds depth of flavor.
• Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon. Provides an earthy, herbaceous note.
• Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon. Adds a slightly bitter and pungent aroma.
• Eggs: 2 large, beaten. Acts as a binder, helping the coating adhere to the chicken.
• Cooking Oil Spray: For lightly greasing the baking pan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Shake and Bake Chicken Drumsticks:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from crisping properly.

2. Create the Shake and Bake Mixture: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well to ensure even distribution of seasonings.

3. Coat the Chicken: If using a bowl, dredge each chicken drumstick in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. If using a resealable bag, add the coated chicken and shake vigorously until evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent, flavorful crust.

4. Dip in Egg: Dip each flour-coated drumstick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. This helps bind the flour mixture to the chicken.

5. Second Coating: Return each egg-washed drumstick to the flour mixture and repeat the shaking or dredging process. This double-coating enhances the crispiness.

6. Arrange and Bake: Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking oil spray. Arrange the coated drumsticks in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding will result in steaming rather than crisping.

7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You may need to flip the drumsticks halfway through for even cooking.

8. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

The Science Behind the Crispy Coating:

The crispiness of Shake and Bake chicken drumsticks is a result of several factors working in harmony:

• Dehydration: Thoroughly drying the chicken before coating is paramount. Moisture inhibits the Maillard reaction, the chemical process responsible for the browning and development of flavor compounds.

• Flour Coating: The flour provides a structural base for the crispy coating. It absorbs some of the moisture from the chicken, further promoting crisping.

• Egg Binder: The egg acts as a glue, binding the flour mixture to the chicken and creating a more uniform coating.

• High Oven Temperature: Baking at a high temperature promotes rapid dehydration and enhances the Maillard reaction, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of drumsticks? Absolutely! This method works well with various cuts of chicken. Adjust baking time as needed.

• How do I know if the chicken is cooked through? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Can I use panko bread crumbs instead of flour? Yes, you can experiment with different breading options, but the flour provides a different texture and flavor profile.

• Can I make this ahead of time? While you can coat the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, it's best to bake it fresh for optimal crispiness.

• What can I do with leftover Shake and Bake chicken? Leftovers are delicious in salads, sandwiches, or as part of a hearty soup.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements:

The beauty of Shake and Bake is its adaptability. Here are some exciting variations:

• Spicy Shake and Bake: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture for a fiery kick.

• Herby Shake and Bake: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or chives.

• Parmesan Shake and Bake: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a cheesy twist.

• Lemon Pepper Shake and Bake: Substitute lemon pepper seasoning for part of the basic seasoning blend.

Conclusion:

Shake and Bake chicken drumsticks are a timeless classic for a reason. The simplicity of the method, combined with the incredibly flavorful and crispy results, makes it a winner for weeknight dinners or special occasions. By understanding the science behind the process and employing a few simple tips and tricks, you can consistently achieve perfectly golden-brown, juicy, and flavorful chicken drumsticks every time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Shake and Bake chicken! Enjoy!