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 made these tacos for a weekend get-together, and everyone loved the unique blend of creamy masala filling inside soft tortillas. The sticky glaze elevates every bite, making these an instant favorite at home.
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 the 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.
- Toast Spices:
- Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce Base:
- 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.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred & Finish Sauce:
- 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.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Drizzle the sticky glaze over the shredded chicken and toss to coat.
- Warm & Fill Tortillas:
- 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 Sharing these tacos during a family movie night made everyone smile. The mix of warm spices and fresh vegetables is comforting, and it's fun letting everyone build their own taco.
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). Always check ingredient labels for additional allergens in tortillas or sauces.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 20 g per taco
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these tacos fresh and warm, with plenty of lime and cilantro. They make a lively, crowd-pleasing meal for any night of the week.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and ability to absorb the marinade well.
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate for at least one hour, but letting it rest overnight enhances the flavors deeply.
- → Can I use gluten-free tortillas?
Yes, gluten-free tortillas can be used to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.
- → What does the sticky glaze add to the dish?
The glaze imparts a balanced sweetness and savory depth, coating the chicken for a glossy finish.
- → Is it possible to make it spicier?
Adding chopped green chilies to the masala sauce will increase the heat for those who prefer spice.