For A Fresh Take On Chicken Tenders, Add This Spicy Seasoning Blend Packet

There are many reasons why fish and chips taste better at a restaurant, and for the longest time, I felt the same about home-made chicken tenders. I struggled hard to inject every scrap of flavor into those bite-sized bits of meat, from soaking them in marinades for hours to throwing just about every herb and spice I had in the pantry into the breading. Turns out, all I needed to do was rip open a packet of taco seasoning. Shake one into the breading mix, and the chicken tenders can get all the zing they need!

Most store-bought taco seasonings contain the same basics: salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and, of course, chili. Depending on the brand, the mix can also have crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Whatever the combination, the result will nearly always have a spicy, smoky quality, as well as a little heat, that will elevate your chicken tenders without overwhelming everyone's tastebuds.

The trick with taco seasoning is to remember you're pairing it with chicken, which is a milder-tasting meat than beef. We like a lot of flavor and are often tempted to be more generous when dosing, but this is not a combo that appreciates a heavy hand, in our opinion. For the best balance of flavor, heat, and meat, stick to around one pack of taco seasoning per pound of chicken.

Using a packet of taco seasoning to amp up the flavor of chicken tenders presents two main advantages. First, you get a blend of pizzazz-bringing spices that will deliver the goods practically every time you use them. As well as being consistent, packet taco seasoning is so convenient. Lots of home cooks put together homemade seasoning blends, creating their own flavor alchemy with a pinch of this and a dash of that. It can be great fun, especially if you like hotter ingredients or want to dial down the sodium levels.

But unless you're a stickler for weights and measures, have the time to play around, and the space to store all those component spices, getting the exact same blend every time can be tricky. We're all for a happy flavor accident, but there's a lot to be said for reaching into the cupboard to give a weeknight dinner an instant flavor boost courtesy of a taco seasoning packet. Don't forget to save some packet seasoning so you can blend it with sour cream for a delicious dipping sauce! 

Of course, taco seasoning mix will bring its signature smoky brightness to more than just chicken and beef. We consider a pinch sprinkled atop scrambled eggs to be a secret to majorly improve the classic breakfast dish. I also love mixing the seasoning with a little olive oil and brushing it over a fillet of salmon for a pop of flavor, while it will easily take even the humblest plate of rice to the next level.