Save to Pinterest 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 served these tacos at a family gathering and everyone loved the bold spices combined with fresh toppings. They have quickly become a favorite in my household.
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
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl combine all chicken & marinade ingredients. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- Step 2:
- In a skillet over medium heat melt butter. Add onion ginger and garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3:
- Stir in cumin garam masala smoked paprika and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add crushed tomatoes tomato paste and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Step 5:
- Add marinated chicken and prepared masala sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to coat chicken evenly.
- Step 6:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 7:
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Stir heavy cream into the sauce in the slow cooker then return shredded chicken and mix well.
- Step 8:
- 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 to 3 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Drizzle the sticky glaze over the shredded chicken and toss to coat.
- Step 10:
- 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 to Pinterest This recipe always brings the family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and enjoying a colorful dish full of flavor.
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), soy (in glaze), and potential allergens in store-bought tortillas or sauces. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 20 g per taco
Save to Pinterest These tacos are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that bring a unique fusion twist to your meal rotation. Serve fresh and enjoy every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour up to overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- → Can I use a different yogurt for the marinade?
Yes, substitute plain Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.
- → What is the best way to shred the cooked chicken?
Use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently once tender for consistent shredded texture.
- → How do I make the sticky glaze?
Simmer honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a bit of masala sauce over medium heat until thickened and sticky.
- → Are gluten-free tortillas suitable for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free tortillas can be used to accommodate dietary needs without altering flavor.
- → What toppings pair well with the chicken filling?
Sliced red onion, fresh cilantro, diced cucumber, and lime wedges add freshness and balance to the rich flavors.