Tacos are a fun, flavorful meal that can feed a crowd But figuring out how much chicken to make can be tricky. You want to have enough so everyone gets their fill, but not so much that you’re stuck eating tacos all week This comprehensive guide will teach you how to calculate the perfect chicken quantity for taco night.
How Much Chicken Do You Need For Tacos?
The standard recommendation is 4-6 ounces of cooked, shredded chicken per adult. Using the lower end of the range allows for lighter eaters, while the higher end accommodates heartier appetites For kids, plan on 2-3 ounces each
So for a group of 4 adults and 2 kids, you’d need:
- 4 adults x 5 ounces chicken = 20 ounces
- 2 kids x 2.5 ounces chicken = 5 ounces
- Total: 25 ounces of cooked chicken
Raw chicken loses about 25% of its weight when cooked. To determine how much raw chicken to buy, multiply the cooked amount by 1.33.
So in this example, you’d purchase 33 ounces (about 2 pounds) of raw chicken.
Always round up slightly to account for uneven pieces.
Factors That Influence Chicken Portions
Several factors impact how much chicken tacos each person will realistically eat. Consider the following when planning your quantities:
Appetite Levels
- Light eaters: 4 oz
- Average eaters: 5-6 oz
- Hearty eaters: 6-8 oz
ages of Kids
- Toddlers (under 2): 1-2 oz
- Young kids (3-7): 2-3 oz
- Older kids (8-12): 3-4 oz
- Teens: 4-6 oz
Number of Tacos
- Street taco size: Allow 3-4 per adult
- Burrito size: Allow 2-3 per adult
Taco Fillings
- Just chicken: More chicken needed to fill taco
- Chicken plus veggies/sauce: Less chicken needed
Side Dishes
- More sides = less chicken needed
- Less sides = more chicken needed
Leftovers
- Don’t want leftovers? Estimate exactly enough chicken
- Want leftovers? Make extra chicken
Calculating Chicken for Your Taco Dinner
Follow these steps to determine the right amount of chicken for your next taco feast:
-
Count total number of adults and kids, noting ages.
-
Estimate average appetite level for group.
-
Decide on taco size and fillings. More fillings = less chicken.
-
Consider number of sides you’ll provide.
-
Determine if you want leftovers.
-
Assign appropriate chicken portion size for each person based on factors above.
-
Multiply portions by number of people to get total cooked chicken amount.
-
Increase raw chicken amount by 33% to account for cooking loss.
-
Round up slightly and add extra if making leftovers.
-
Shop for the calculated amount of raw chicken.
Let’s look at a detailed example for a taco dinner party:
- 8 adults
- 4 kids age 10
- Appetites are average
- Using street taco size
- Chicken plus veggies and sauce as filling
- Serving rice and beans as sides
- Want a few servings of leftovers
Based on these factors:
- Adults: 6 oz chicken each
- Kids: 4 oz chicken each
- Total chicken needed = 8 * 6 oz + 4 * 4 oz = 64 oz (4 lbs)
- Add 33% for raw weight = 64 * 1.33 = 85 oz (5.3 lbs)
- Round up to 6 lbs with extra for leftovers
- Purchase 6 lbs of raw chicken
Adjust the portions, numbers, and factors based on your particular taco dinner situation. With this easy calculation method, you’ll get it right every time!
Handy Chicken Taco Tips
Here are some additional tips for preparing the perfect chicken for tacos:
-
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts – easiest to cook, shred, and season
-
Cook chicken whole, then shred – retains moisture better
-
Season simply with taco seasoning or cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano
-
Sear, bake or simmer chicken until just cooked through
-
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before shredding – juices redistribute
-
Shred chicken into bite-size pieces when cool enough to handle
-
Use two forks to shred chicken – quick and easy
-
Stir in a little sauce after shredding to add flavor and moisture
-
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours – stays fresh for 3-4 days
-
Freeze extras for future tacos – lasts 2-3 months
FAQs About Chicken Tacos
What’s the easiest way to cook chicken for tacos?
Simmering boneless chicken breasts in a little liquid like broth, salsa, or taco sauce makes the chicken incredibly moist and tender. Cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is just cooked through.
How can I add flavor to my chicken?
Marinate the chicken for 30 mins – 2 hours before cooking. Or season while cooking with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and oregano. Stir in sauce or salsa after shredding.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook up tender and shred easily. Dark meat chicken can also be used but requires more trimming.
Can I use a rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and use it right away or store it for later.
How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
3-4 days. Be sure to refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store chicken in an airtight container.
Can I freeze leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Chicken freezes very well for 2-3 months. Let cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in airtight bags before freezing. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.
What if I run out of chicken at my taco party?
Keep a backup stash of frozen cooked chicken on hand. You can quickly thaw it in the microwave and supplement if you underestimated how much you need. Better safe than sorry!
Alternatives for Vegetarian Tacos
If you prefer meatless tacos, try substituting the chicken with these flavorful options:
-
Cubed and roasted extra-firm tofu
-
Mashed or refried black beans
-
Chickpeas seasoned with taco spices
-
Diced and sautéed seitan or tempeh
-
Lentils cooked in taco broth
-
Fire-roasted or sautéed veggies like corn, peppers, onions, sweet potatoes
-
Mushrooms cooked with taco seasonings
Make Your Best Chicken Tacos Yet!
With this comprehensive guide, you can confidently determine the perfect quantity of chicken for tacos to satisfy your crowd. Consider all the factors that impact chicken portions, use the easy calculation method, and adjust for your needs. Throw in some flavor-boosting tips, and you’re guaranteed taco success!
For more tips on nailing chicken proportions for other dishes, check out my articles on how much chicken per person for stir fry, fajitas, pasta, salad, and soup. Tacos are just the beginning of chicken meal mastery! Now get cooking and enjoy taco night with family, friends or just yourself.
How Much Chicken for Chicken Tacos?
Since we add lots of toppings and cheese, I allow for about ½ chicken breast per person give or take. If you’re using shredded chicken I account for ¼ cup of chicken per taco.
How to Make Chicken Tacos
Making chicken tacos is as easy as 1,2,3! You need just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes!
You can use taco seasoning on chicken, I prefer to make homemade.
- Toss diced chicken in taco seasoning (see recipe below).
- Saute chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned. Then add lime juice and zest.
- Warm tortillas by placing them in the microwave. Then keep them in a ceramic tortilla warmer or a casserole dish set on a warm towel.
- Place chicken mixture and toppings in the center of the warmed tortilla.
Set out an array of taco toppings including Pico de Gallo and guacamole. Just let your guests assemble their own and then settle in for the big game!