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.
These sticky chicken tikka masala tacos were the highlight of our last family gathering. We love experimenting with new flavor combinations, and this fusion recipe got huge requests for seconds. The slow-cooked chicken is loaded with spice and the sticky glaze makes each bite irresistible. Swapping our regular taco fillings for something a bit more adventurous brought a fun twist to taco night!
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 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Spice It Up:
- Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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:
- Add marinated chicken and prepared masala sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to coat chicken evenly.
- Cook Chicken:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred and 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, about 2 to 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 This recipe brought us together around the table and sparked a lot of laughter over who could assemble the best taco. The sticky glaze won over even picky eaters in our house!
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), soy (in glaze). May contain allergens in store-bought tortillas or sauces. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per taco: Calories: 340, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 20 g
Save Try these tacos for your next dinner and enjoy the unique fusion! They're sure to become a household favorite.
Recipe Guide
- → How is the chicken kept tender during cooking?
The chicken thighs are slow-cooked for four hours, allowing them to absorb the spices and become tender and juicy.
- → What gives the glaze its sticky texture?
The glaze combines honey, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and masala sauce, simmered until thick and sticky to coat the chicken evenly.
- → Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas are a great alternative and enhance the fusion aspect while accommodating gluten-free preferences.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Adding chopped green chilies to the masala sauce increases heat, while reducing chili powder keeps it milder.
- → What fresh toppings complement this dish?
Sliced red onion, diced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime add refreshing brightness and texture contrast.
- → Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Substituting Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and omitting butter offers a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing flavor.