Perfect for 2 pounds of chicken breasts! This homemade chicken taco seasoning is smoky, flavorful, and easy to throw together. It's made specifically for chicken breasts, and I've included my favorite method for cooking them so they stay juicy and flavorful for tacos.
Chicken breast is lean and can easily turn dry or bland, so I developed this seasoning blend with enough bold flavor to season the chicken without overpowering it. It's a quick and easy way to add flavor to your chicken tacos.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is a super easy way to give your chicken a slightly smoky flavor. If you don't have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or sweet paprika. However, smoked paprika is the way to go!
- Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, nutty flavor to your chicken tacos. There isn't a substitute for cumin; if you don't have it or don't like cumin, you can omit the spice or half the amount for less cumin.
- Table Salt: You can also use 1¼ teaspoons of kosher salt or one teaspoon of fine sea salt. Different types of salt have different levels of "saltiness," which is why there is some variation in the amount of salt used.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Both add savory umami to the seasoning, making your chicken taste amazing! If you don't have one, you can double up on the other.
- Oregano: Add subtle herbal notes that work well with chicken. There are different variations of oregano, all of which work in this recipe. Mexican oregano is stronger, more citrusy, and anise-like; Greek oregano is more earthy, pungent, and slightly bitter; regular oregano you find in the store typically falls in between the two.
Mexican seasoning blend quantities and instructions for cooking chicken are on the recipe card below.
Tip
Ground spices lose their potency over time. They're best within the first three months after opening but can retain much of their flavor for 2-3 years. Check the expiration date and give them a sniff. If they no longer smell strong, it's probably time for a fresh jar.
How to Make a Big Batch of Chicken Taco Seasoning
Small Batch: This recipe is perfect for two pounds of chicken. Make the recipe and use it as much as you need.
To Make a Big Batch: If Taco Tuesday is a weekly event at your house, you might want to make a larger batch of this seasoning. Make as much as you think you'll use in 3 months. The spice mix can last several months if stored in an airtight container away from heat and moisture.
How to Cook Chicken Breasts for Tacos
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Coat with the taco seasoning and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Bake at 425°F for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred with two forks.
Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Common Questions
Is this seasoning spicy? No, this blend is mild. To add heat, mix in ⅛ teaspoon cayenne for a gentle kick or ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder for a smoky heat.
How do I know when the chicken breast is done? Pull it the moment it hits 165°F internally. A few extra minutes past that and it goes from juicy to dry, which makes shredding harder and the texture less tender in your tacos.
Can I make a big batch to keep on hand? Yes, this seasoning stores well in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot for up to 6 months. Just remember: 1 tablespoon per pound of chicken breast, or the full 2-tablespoon batch per pound of ground meat.
Can I use this with ground chicken? You can also use this taco mix for ground chicken tacos. Use a whole batch of seasoning for 1 pound of ground chicken. After browning the chicken in a skillet, add ½ cup of water and the seasoning, then let the taco meat simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
Shredded Chicken Taco Sides
- Rice - Mexican Rice and Cilantro Lime Rice are always a great addition to chicken tacos.
- Dips- Everyone loves a side of queso and guacamole with their tacos.
- Drinks - And we can't forget the drinks. To make it a fun night in, pair your tacos with a Texas Margarita or a Hibiscus Margarita!
Tried this recipe? Let everyone know how it turned out! Your feedback and tips help others decide if they should make it.
Chicken Taco Seasoning for Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Mix all of the spices together. One batch makes 2 tablespoons of seasoning. Use 1 tablespoon per pound of chicken breast and 2 tablespoons per pound of ground meat. See notes for how to cook chicken!
Notes
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Coat with the taco seasoning and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Bake at 425°F for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred with two forks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Charlotte Van Horn says
I found this recipe today and cooked it for dinner on the stovetop. We made chicken taco salads, I used organic blue corn chips and Trader Joe’s queso dip on top. And avocados too. It was FANTASTIC!!!!!!! Thank you for the recipe!
Kristi Clemans says
Megan what method of cooking do you use?
Megan Torres says
I like to bake chicken in the oven. That's what I did for these photos.
NH says
Wonderful spice recipe! Made chicken using this tonight for Chicken tacos yum! Next time I'll reduce the amount of salt as a bit salty for my preference, but still really tasty! Thanks for sharing!