Pin 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 first created these sticky chicken tikka masala tacos for a family game night, and everyone was amazed how well the flavors blended together. Now they're a weekly favorite that always disappears fast!
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:
- Combine all chicken & marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- Make Masala Sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Spice the Sauce:
- Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes:
- 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.
Pin Last Sunday, my kids helped assemble these tacos and loved customizing their toppings. It's become a fun dinner we look forward to making together.
Required Tools
Knife & cutting board, mixing bowls, skillet, slow cooker, small saucepan, forks (for shredding chicken)
Nutritional Information (per taco)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 20 g
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (yogurt, cream, butter), gluten (if using flour tortillas), soy (in glaze). May contain allergens in store-bought tortillas or sauces. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Pin Try these vibrant fusion tacos the next time you're looking for something exciting for dinner. You won't believe how flavorsome and satisfying they are!
Recipe Q&A
- → How is the chicken made tender and flavorful?
The chicken thighs are marinated with a blend of spices and yogurt, then slow-cooked for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and the meat to become tender.
- → What gives the dish its sticky glaze?
A combination of honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and masala sauce is simmered into a thick glaze that coats the shredded chicken for a balanced sweet and savory finish.
- → Can I use gluten-free tortillas for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free corn or flour tortillas can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions without altering the core flavors.
- → What fresh toppings accompany the chicken in the tacos?
Sliced red onion, diced cucumber, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime add brightness and contrast to the rich chicken filling.
- → How can I adjust the spice level of the dish?
Adding chopped green chilies to the masala sauce increases heat, while sweetness from honey balances the spice for a milder flavor.