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 tacos on a busy weeknight, merging my love for comforting Indian flavors and festive taco nights. The slow cooker method makes it simple to prep ahead, and the sticky glaze takes the dish over the top!
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 (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. Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 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 slow cooker. Stir to coat chicken evenly. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish Sauce & Chicken:
- Remove chicken and shred with forks. Stir heavy cream into sauce in 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 masala sauce. Simmer over medium heat until thickened and sticky, 2–3 minutes.
- Glaze Chicken:
- Drizzle sticky glaze over shredded chicken in slow cooker and toss to coat.
- Assemble Tacos:
- Warm tortillas as per package instructions. Fill with sticky chicken tikka masala, top with sliced onion, cucumber, cilantro, and lime.
Save These tacos always remind me of our family game nights, where bold flavors and creative twists bring everyone to the table. They're a delicious way to enjoy favorite cuisines together.
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). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens in store-bought items.
Nutritional Information
Per taco: Calories: 340, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 20 g
Save Sticky chicken tikka masala tacos are hearty, fun, and always a hit at gatherings. Enjoy experimenting with toppings and tweaks to make them your own!
Cooking Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay tender and juicy during slow cooking, absorbing the masala flavors well.
- → Can I prepare the masala sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the masala sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to deepen before cooking the chicken.
- → How do I achieve the sticky glaze consistency?
Simmer honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and masala sauce until thickened and glossy, about 2–3 minutes over medium heat.
- → What are good tortilla options for this dish?
Small flour or corn tortillas work well; gluten-free alternatives are also suitable depending on dietary needs.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add chopped green chilies to the masala sauce for more heat or reduce chili powder if a milder taste is preferred.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for the yogurt and cream?
Yes, substituting plain Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and omitting or replacing cream with a plant-based alternative works well.