(StatePoint) Fifty-one percent of families find it challenging to get new ideas for meal planning. If you’re like most Americans and stuck in a recipe rut, or you’re often tired when it’s time to prepare dinner and want something fast and easy, it’s time to expand your repertoire of go-to meals that you can make in 30 minutes or less.
Here to inspire more flavor variety is McCormick. The brand’s more than 40 dry Recipe Mixes—which are single-use spice packets—can help you create quick, convenient meals with the perfect combination of seasonings—from homestyle classics like chili and meatloaf to flavors from around the world like gyros and stir fry. To give weeknight meals new life in minutes, check out recipes from the brand:
Tender and Juicy Chicken
Tired of dry, flavorless chicken? This recipe for Garlic Ranch Crunchy Chicken is tender and juicy on the inside and crispy-crunchy on the outside. Requiring just 5 minutes of prep, it makes for a low effort but memorable main dish any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 package McCormick Garlic Ranch Crunchy Chicken Seasoning Mix
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, about 1/2 to 1-inch thickness (about 1 3/4 pounds)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place chicken on a large foil-lined sheet pan sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.
- Brush top of chicken breasts with mayonnaise. Coat top of chicken breasts with Seasoning Mix, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F).
Test kitchen tips: Try substituting BBQ sauce or a mixture of mayonnaise and hot sauce or sour cream in place of mayonnaise.
For the air fryer: Preheat to 360 degrees F for 3 minutes. Place chicken, coating-side up, in a single layer in the air fryer. Air fry 10 to 12 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F).
Taco Night Twist
There is no such thing as a bad taco, but if you’re bored and want a twist on your standard taco night, McCormick has you covered. Inspired by the flavor of the popular Mexican street food, elotes, these insanely delicious Mexican Style Street Corn Tacos can be made in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 package McCormick Mexican Style Street Corn Taco Seasoning Mix, divided
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 1 cup corn, fresh, frozen or canned (drained)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1-pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: Cotija cheese, cilantro, avocado and lime wedges
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add corn; cook and stir for 3 minutes or until heated through. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the Seasoning Mix. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in mayonnaise; set aside.
- Heat remaining oil in the same skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining Seasoning Mix and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 to 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Spoon chicken into warm tortillas. Top with corn mixture and serve with desired toppings.
For more recipes and flavor inspiration, visit mccormick.com.
You don’t have to resort to the same humdrum meals again and again. Using the right ingredients, easy-to-prepare dishes will become new family favorites.