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 first made these sticky chicken tikka masala tacos for a small gathering and watched everyone reach for seconds. It&s now our go-to dish when we want something unexpected but comforting.
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:
- In a large bowl, combine all chicken & marinade ingredients. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Prepare masala sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer sauce:
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and honey. Season with salt and black 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 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.
- 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, about 2–3 minutes.
- Coat 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 family gets excited whenever these tacos are on the menu. We love piling them with extra toppings and gathering around the table.
Required Tools
Knife and 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). May contain allergens in store-bought tortillas or sauces.
Nutritional Information
Per taco: Calories 340, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 20 g
Save Finish with a squeeze of lime and enjoy these sticky chicken tikka masala tacos fresh. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal due to their tenderness and flavor, especially after slow cooking.
- → Can I prepare the tikka masala sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the masala sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated, which helps deepen the flavors before cooking with chicken.
- → How do I achieve the sticky glaze consistency?
Simmer honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a bit of masala sauce over medium heat until thick and syrupy, about 2–3 minutes.
- → What tortillas work best for serving?
Both small flour and corn tortillas work well; consider gluten-free options if needed.
- → How can I add some heat to the dish?
Include chopped green chilies in the masala sauce or adjust chili powder levels to your preferred spice intensity.
- → Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and omit cream or use a dairy-free alternative in the sauce.