Save A fusion of Indian and Mexican favorites: tender slow-cooked chicken tikka masala wrapped in soft taco shells, finished with a sticky, flavorful glaze and fresh toppings.
I first tried combining the classic chicken tikka masala with tacos on a family movie night. The flavors instantly won everyone over and since then, it's become the go-to for dinner parties when I want something both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade: 700 g (1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 150 g (2/3 cup) plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp ginger (freshly grated), 1 tbsp garlic (minced), 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1.5 tsp ground coriander, 1.5 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1.5 tsp salt
- Masala Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 medium onion (finely diced), 2 tsp ginger (grated), 2 tsp garlic (minced), 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp honey, salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Sticky Glaze: 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark brown sugar, 2 tbsp masala sauce (from above)
- For Serving: 6 small flour tortillas or corn tortillas, 1 red onion (thinly sliced), fresh cilantro leaves, 1 small cucumber (diced), lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine all chicken & marinade ingredients. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- Prepare Masala Sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Slow Cook Chicken:
- Add marinated chicken and prepared masala sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to coat chicken evenly. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish Filling:
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Stir heavy cream into the sauce in the slow cooker, then return shredded chicken and mix well.
- Make Sticky Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and 2 tbsp of the masala sauce. Simmer over medium heat until thickened and sticky, 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble Tacos:
- Drizzle the sticky glaze over the shredded chicken and toss to coat. Warm tortillas according to package instructions. Fill each with sticky chicken tikka masala, then top with sliced onion, cucumber, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Save We love making these tacos for family gatherings because everyone can customize their toppings. Watching my kids reach for seconds is always the highlight of our meal.
Required Tools
Knife & cutting board, mixing bowls, skillet, slow cooker, small saucepan, forks (for shredding chicken)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (yogurt, cream, butter), gluten (if using flour tortillas), and soy (in glaze). May contain allergens in store-bought tortillas or sauces. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each taco provides approximately 340 calories, 13 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein.
Save These sticky chicken tikka masala tacos will impress guests and satisfy weeknight cravings alike. Enjoy each bite and don't forget a squeeze of lime!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the chicken tender for these tacos?
Slow-cooking the marinated chicken thighs in the masala sauce for four hours ensures they become tender and flavorful enough to shred easily.
- → Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Yes, both flour and corn tortillas work well. Gluten-free options can be used to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What adds the sticky glaze effect?
A combination of honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and masala sauce is simmered until thick to create a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats the chicken.
- → How can I increase the spice level?
Add chopped green chilies to the masala sauce during cooking to introduce extra heat and complexity.
- → What fresh toppings complement the tacos?
Thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.