Planning a taco night but scratching your head about how much chicken to buy? Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count! After hosting countless taco parties (some more successful than others), I’ve finally nailed down the perfect chicken-to-person ratio for taco feasts.
Whether you’re planning a small family dinner or a massive fiesta for 50 people, this guide will help you avoid the two taco night disasters: running out of chicken mid-party or drowning in leftovers for days.
The Quick Answer: How Much Chicken Per Person for Tacos?
If you’re in a hurry, here’s what you need to know:
For tacos, plan on 5.5 ounces (156 grams) of cooked chicken per person
However, if you want to be extra safe or know you’re feeding hungry guests, you might want to aim for 6 ounces per person.
Factors That Affect How Much Chicken You’ll Need
The “perfect amount” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are some factors that might make you want to adjust your portions:
1. Your Guests’ Appetites
Let’s be real – some people can put away tacos like nobody’s business! Consider who you’re feeding:
- Light eaters: 4 ounces of cooked chicken per person
- Average eaters: 5.5-6 ounces per person
- Hearty eaters: 6-8 ounces per person
If you’re serving a mixed crowd, I usually err on the side of caution and go with 6 ounces per person.
2. The Side Dish Situation
Are you going all out with rice, beans, chips, and guacamole? Or are tacos the main event?
The more side dishes you offer, the less chicken each person will likely eat. If you’re serving lots of sides, you can probably get away with closer to 4-5 ounces of chicken per person. If tacos are flying solo, stick with the higher end of the range.
3. Taco Shell Size & Filling Density
Street-style tacos? Burrito-sized tortillas? This matters!
Smaller tortillas mean people will make more tacos, but each one holds less filling. Larger tortillas mean fewer tacos but more filling per taco. In my experience, standard-sized tortillas (about 6 inches) work best with the 5.5 ounce recommendation.
4. Do You Want Leftovers?
Some people (like me) LOVE having leftover taco meat for lunch the next day. If that’s you, add an extra 25% to your calculations.
How to Calculate Total Chicken Needed for Your Taco Party
Let me break this down into a simple step-by-step process:
- Count your guests: This is your starting point
- Consider kids: Count children as 0.5 of an adult
- Multiply by the per-person amount: Number of “adult equivalents” × 5.5 oz
- Account for cooking shrinkage: Raw chicken loses about 25% of its weight when cooked, so multiply your cooked chicken total by 1.33 to determine how much raw chicken to buy
Example Calculation
Let’s say you’re hosting 8 adults and 4 kids:
- Adult equivalents: 8 + (4 × 0.5) = 10
- Cooked chicken needed: 10 × 5.5 oz = 55 oz (about 3.4 pounds)
- Raw chicken to buy: 55 oz × 1.33 = 73.15 oz (about 4.6 pounds)
Planning a Larger Taco Party? Here’s What You Need
If you’re planning a taco bar for a bigger crowd, here’s a quick reference:
- Taco bar for 20 people: You’ll need about 6.9 pounds of cooked chicken (about 9.2 pounds raw)
- Taco bar for 50 people: You’ll need about 17.2 pounds of cooked chicken (about 22.9 pounds raw)
- Taco bar for 100 people: You’ll need about 34.4 pounds of cooked chicken (about 45.8 pounds raw)
The Complete Taco Bar Shopping List
When I’m hosting a taco night, chicken is just the beginning! Here’s what else you should consider adding to your shopping list for a complete taco bar:
Main Ingredients (per 10 people)
- 3.4 pounds cooked chicken (buy about 4.6 pounds raw)
- 20 taco shells
- 10 soft tortillas
- 1.3 pounds of cheese (mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack is my fave)
Popular Toppings (per 10 people)
- Lettuce: 13 ounces
- Onions: 13 ounces
- Tomatoes: 1.3 pounds
- Sour cream: 10 ounces
- Guacamole: 20 ounces (people LOVE guac!)
- Taco sauce: 10 ounces
- Pico de Gallo: 20 ounces
Optional Add-ons
- Beans: 13 ounces
- Refried beans: 20 ounces
- Olives: 7 ounces
- Bell peppers: 13 ounces
- Rice: 2.5 cups uncooked (makes about 5 cups cooked)
Tips for Cooking Chicken for Tacos
After many taco nights (including some disasters!), I’ve picked up some tips for making the perfect taco chicken:
-
Chicken type matters: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easiest to work with, but chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay moister.
-
Cook then shred: It’s usually easier to cook chicken whole and then shred it after. This helps keep the meat juicy.
-
Cooking times: For chicken breasts, plan on:
- Grilling: 6-8 minutes per side over medium heat
- Baking: 20-25 minutes at 375°F
- Slow cooking: 4 hours on low (my personal favorite method!)
-
Rotisserie chicken hack: No time to cook? A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! Just remove the skin and shred the meat.
-
Season generously: Chicken for tacos should be well-seasoned. My go-to mix includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
FAQ: Common Questions About Chicken Tacos
How much chicken do I need for 10 people?
For 10 average adults, plan on about 3.4 pounds of cooked chicken (about 4.6 pounds raw).
What if I’m using other meats like beef or pork?
Different meats have different serving sizes:
- Ground beef: 6.5 oz per person
- Pork (Carnitas): 7.0 oz per person
- Shrimp: 6.5 oz per person
How do I store leftover cooked chicken?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing.
Can I freeze cooked chicken for tacos?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for 2-3 months.
How do I reheat chicken without drying it out?
Add a little moisture when reheating. I sprinkle mine with water or broth before microwaving or reheating in a pan.
What are some vegetarian alternatives to chicken for tacos?
Black beans, pinto beans, seasoned lentils, tofu crumbles, or roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes make excellent substitutes.
Setting Up Your Taco Bar
The way you set up your taco bar can make a big difference in how smoothly your taco night goes. Here are my tried-and-true tips:
-
Use a long, thin table where all ingredients are within reach.
-
Create sections – group sauces, meats, and vegetables together.
-
Avoid overfilling the food bowls – it’s better to refill as needed.
-
For large parties (50+ people), consider having multiple smaller taco stations to prevent long lines.
-
Place plates and napkins in multiple locations.
-
Don’t forget the drinks! Place them nearby but not directly in the taco assembly line.
-
Label everything, especially if you have varying spice levels or dietary options.
The Bottom Line
Taco night doesn’t have to be complicated! With the right planning, you can ensure everyone gets their fill without wastage. Remember that 5.5 ounces of cooked chicken per person is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on who you’re feeding and what else you’re serving.
Happy taco making!
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!
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.