People from all over the world love Tex-Mex food, especially tacos. It’s impossible to say no to the tasty, seasoned ground beef or chicken inside a warm tortilla. But if you don’t use the right amount of taco seasoning, it can be hard to make the meat filling taste like it came from Mexico. Under-seasoned meat filling ends up bland and disappointing. Over-seasoned filling can taste unpleasantly salty or spicy. This complete guide tells you how much taco seasoning you need per pound of chicken to make tasty chicken tacos without adding too much.
Finding the Ideal Taco Seasoning Ratio
Two to three tablespoons of taco seasoning should be used for every pound of chicken. This gives the meat just the right amount of seasoning to make it taste great without making it too salty. But the exact amount can change because of these things:
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Type of taco seasoning Homemade seasoning mixes allow you to control the flavor profile and spice level, Store-bought mixes can vary widely in intensity Start with less store-bought seasoning and adjust up if needed
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If you like your tacos very spicy, use a seasoning that has more chili powder or cayenne pepper in it. For milder flavor, use less spicy blends.
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Cooking method Grilling imparts smoky flavors from the grill, so you may need less seasoning Slow-cooked meats absorb more seasoning, so start with less
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Type of chicken: Boneless chicken breasts need more seasoning than bone-in thigh meat.
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Using a marinade: Marinated meats require less seasoning since the marinade provides flavor.
The bottom line is that the 2-3 tablespoon ratio is a starting point. Taste the chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed for your preferences.
Choosing Your Taco Seasoning
You have two basic options when it comes to taco seasoning – homemade blends or store-bought mixes. Each has its pros and cons:
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Complete control over flavor profile and spice level
- No preservatives or additives
- Lower sodium content
- Requires gathering and measuring spices
Store-Bought Taco Seasoning
- Super convenient, mixes are pre-made
- Consistent flavor in each package
- Can be high in sodium and preservatives
- Limited control over spice level
To make a healthier, more personal taco seasoning mix, many cooks choose to make their own blends. But store-bought mixes can still be a quick way to make tacos during the week.
Taco Seasoning Ingredients Breakdown
Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, it helps to understand what’s in taco seasoning and how each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor.
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Chili Powder: The base that provides depth of flavor and heat.
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Cumin: Earthy, smoky flavor.
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Paprika: Adds rich color and mild sweetness.
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Onion Powder: Subtle onion flavor.
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Garlic Powder: Savory, umami punch.
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Oregano: Woodsy, slightly bitter notes.
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Cayenne Pepper: Brings the heat (optional).
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Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
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Black Pepper: A little bite.
The proportions of each ingredient make a difference in the end result. More chili powder and cayenne means spicier seasoning. Extra cumin gives an earthier taste. Play around with the blend to suit your preferences.
Prepping the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
To get the most flavor infusion into the chicken, proper prep is key:
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Pat the chicken dry to remove excess moisture that can block seasoning absorption.
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Coat the chicken evenly with seasoning on all sides, not just on one side.
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Consider scoring chicken breasts to allow seasoning to penetrate the thicker meat better.
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Let sit at least 5 minutes after seasoning to allow the flavors to start permeating before cooking. Up to overnight in the fridge is even better for marinated chicken.
Cooking Methods for Perfectly Seasoned Chicken
The cooking method can impact how deeply the seasoning flavors the chicken and how much you need to use. Here are some tips:
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Pan-frying: Cook seasoned chicken over high heat to quickly sear in flavors.
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Baking: Rub seasoning all over chicken and bake until cooked through and nicely browned.
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Grilling: Use a marinade or baste grilled chicken to prevent dryness and lost moisture.
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Slow cooker: Layer seasonings under and over chicken. Slow cooking melds flavors deeply.
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Pressure cooker: Pressure and steam infuse seasonings into the chicken. Use a bit less seasoning.
No matter the cooking method, always taste and adjust seasonings once cooked. The flavor will concentrate as the chicken cooks down.
Seasoning Chicken Pieces vs. Ground Chicken
Seasoning requirements also depend on whether you are preparing:
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Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs): Use 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound. Pay attention to evenly coating all over.
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Ground chicken: Use 1-2 tablespoons per pound since ground meat has much more surface area to season. Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.
For stew meat or bite sized chicken pieces, season somewhere in between the recommendations for whole pieces vs. ground chicken depending on size.
Perfectly Balanced Taco Chicken Filling
With the right ratio of seasoning to chicken, proper preparation, and choice of cooking method, you can achieve the ultimate flavorful chicken taco meat. Here are some final tips:
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Brown the chicken well for deeper flavor.
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Add extras like diced onions, peppers, or cilantro.
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Shred or chop the chicken for easier taco filling.
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Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and extra cilantro.
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Wrap in warm corn tortillas with all your favorite toppings!
So don’t let improperly seasoned chicken ruin your next taco night! With this comprehensive guide to seasoning chicken for tacos, you can confidently create your new go-to taco recipe that will have the whole family cheering for more. Just be careful not to go overboard on the taco seasoning, no matter how tempted you might be! Moderation is the key to taco perfection.
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About This BlendTacos are an “all-in-the-family” type of weekly meal – someone browns the meat, another one shreds the cheese, another dices the veggies, and so on. Half the fun is preparing them just the way you like them, there is no wrong or right way!
What is taco seasoning made of?
Taco Seasoning is made of Masa Harina, chiles, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, cumin, and more.
How many tablespoons are in a packet of taco seasoning?
Typically, small packets taco seasoning has 2 tablespoons worth of the spice mix. But our Medium Jar of Taco Seasoning holds about 7 tablespoons, about 3.5x what youll find in a grocery store packet of taco seasoning.
How much taco seasoning do I need for 1 pound of meat?
2-4 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix is enough for about 1 to 2 pounds of taco meat.
How many tacos will 1lb of meat make?
A pound of meat can make up to 8 tacos. When making tacos, it takes about 2 ounces of pure taco meat per taco shell. You can make even more tacos by adding rice, beans, and/or other fillings to the taco meat.
Why do you add water when making taco meat?
Taco seasonings & spices need water as a medium for making sure the taco seasoning is mixed evenly with the meat. Some people also prefer not to use water since it brings out more flavor from the meat, especially when the taco meat has enough oil or fat.
Does taco seasoning have MSG in it?
Taco seasoning from different manufacturers may contain MSG while others do not. Our Taco Seasoning does not contain MSG. If this is something that matters to you, it is important that you first read the label to see if it contains MSG.
How long does opened taco seasoning last?
How long taco seasoning lasts after opened depends on the blend, how its stored, and other factors. When properly stored, spices dont typically go badper se, but they do lose flavor. To maximize your taco seasonings shelf life, make sure the container is tightly sealed after every use and that your spices are stored in a cool, dry place.
Masa Harina, salt, chiles, tomato powder, garlic, cumin, California paprika, onion, white sugar, Mexican oregano, allspice
The ONLY taco seasoning I use now! #tacotuesday #easyrecipes
FAQ
How much taco seasoning to put in a pound of meat?
To prepare 1 pound of taco meat, use about 4 1/2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend along with 3/4 cup water.
How much seasoning per pound of chicken?
How much taco seasoning per pound of chicken breast?
I typically use 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning for every pound of meat (this recipe makes exactly 3 tablespoons). This recipe is so versatile that you can use it to season ground chicken, ground turkey, like my ground turkey sliders and ground beef, like my Tex-Mex burgers.
How much seasoning should you use per pound of meat?
Getting Your Meat Rub Just Right At the very least, you should add about one tablespoon of meat seasoning for every pound of meat. Apply the dry rub evenly so that every mouth has flavor. For the perfect steak, make sure to use beef seasoning.