Save A fusion of Indian & Mexican favorites: tender slow-cooked chicken tikka masala wrapped in soft taco shells, finished with a sticky, flavorful glaze and fresh toppings.
I created these tacos for a family weekend, and everyone loved how the familiar flavors of tikka masala melded with the fun and casual taco format. It was a hit with both kids and adults—each person could top their tacos as they liked.
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 & 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.
- Cook Spices:
- Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Tomato 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. 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 Chicken:
- Drizzle the sticky glaze over the shredded chicken and toss to coat.
- Assemble Tacos:
- 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 Serving these for dinner brought out lively conversation and a lot of recipe requests from cousins who rarely agree on favorites. It has become our go-to for game nights.
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). Check store-bought tortillas and sauces for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information (per taco)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 20 g
Save Enjoy these tacos fresh and piping hot for the fullest flavor. You'll taste the blissful blend of spicy, sticky, and cool in each bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they remain tender and juicy during slow cooking.
- → Can this be prepared without a slow cooker?
Yes, simmer the chicken gently on the stovetop in the masala sauce until tender, though slow cooking deepens the flavors.
- → What makes the glaze sticky and flavorful?
A combination of honey, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and masala sauce creates a rich, sticky coating that enhances the chicken.
- → Are there alternatives for dairy in the marinade?
Greek yogurt can be substituted with coconut yogurt to keep the marinade creamy while avoiding dairy.
- → What tortillas work best for serving?
Both small flour and corn tortillas are suitable; gluten-free tortillas can be used if dietary restrictions apply.
- → How can the spice level be adjusted?
Adding chopped green chilies to the masala sauce enhances heat, while omitting them keeps it milder.