Pin It 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.
The first time I made these tacos, my friends were amazed by the punchy flavors and how well the sticky masala glaze worked with the soft tortillas. It's a dinner I love to share when I want something cozy yet a little different.
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).
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Spice the Sauce:
- Stir in cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer 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:
- 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.
- Sticky Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and 2 tbsp of the masala sauce. Simmer over medium heat until thickened and sticky, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Gloss Chicken:
- Drizzle sticky glaze over shredded chicken and toss to coat.
- Assemble:
- Warm tortillas. Fill each with sticky chicken tikka masala, then top with onion, cucumber, cilantro, and lime.
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Our family gathers around the table for these tacos on weekends, each person building their own with favorite toppings. It always sparks lively conversation and a little playful competition for the best taco creation!
Required Tools
Knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, skillet, slow cooker, small saucepan, forks for shredding chicken.
Nutritional Information
Each taco contains about 340 calories, 13 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add chopped green chilies to the masala sauce. Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version. Use gluten-free tortillas if desired. These tacos pair well with a crisp lager or light Riesling.
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Try these tacos for your next gathering: your guests will love the unexpected fusion. Save any leftovers for a crave-worthy lunch the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the spices to infuse, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- → Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Yes, both flour and corn tortillas work well. Gluten-free options are suitable if dietary restrictions apply.
- → What gives the dish its sticky texture?
A glaze made from honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and masala sauce is simmered until thick and coats the shredded chicken beautifully.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chopped green chilies to the masala sauce during cooking to increase heat according to your preference.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Light beverages such as a crisp lager or Riesling complement the complex flavors without overpowering them.