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 created these tacos for a family game night, inspired by our love for both spicy Indian curries and build-your-own taco dinners. The sticky glaze takes them over the top and makes every bite unforgettable.
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 the Masala Sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Spice It Up:
- Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Slow Cook:
- Add marinated chicken and prepared masala sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to coat chicken evenly.
- Cook Until Tender:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish Chicken:
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Stir heavy cream into the sauce in the slow cooker, then return shredded chicken and mix well.
- 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.
- Blend 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 My kids love helping assemble these tacos, making it an interactive dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
Required Tools
You'll need a knife & cutting board, mixing bowls, skillet, slow cooker, small saucepan, and forks for shredding the chicken.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy (yogurt, cream, butter), gluten (if using flour tortillas), and soy (in glaze). Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens in tortillas and sauces.
Nutritional Information
Each taco contains about 340 calories, 13 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein.
Save Serve these tacos fresh and hot, with extra lime wedges for bright acidity. Enjoy the fusion in every bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the chicken tender?
Slow cooking the marinated chicken for 4 hours on low heat ensures tenderness and allows spices to infuse deeply.
- → Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, both corn and flour tortillas work well and can be chosen based on dietary preference or texture desired.
- → What gives the glaze its sticky texture?
The combination of honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and masala sauce is simmered to create a thick, sticky glaze.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
For more heat, add chopped green chilies to the masala sauce or increase chili powder slightly.
- → Are dairy-free alternatives possible?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and omit heavy cream or use plant-based creams to reduce dairy content.