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 tried combining chicken tikka masala and tacos for a casual game night, and everyone was surprised by how the creamy masala sauce and fresh toppings worked so well together. Since then, this mashup has become my go-to recipe for sharing a fun fusion feast with friends.
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).
- Make 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.
- Finish 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.
- Shred and Cream:
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Stir heavy cream into the sauce in the slow cooker, then return shredded chicken and mix well.
- Prepare 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.
- Glaze the 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 Making these tacos has become a family tradition for our Friday night gatherings. Everyone loves assembling their own tacos and adding plenty of fresh cilantro and lime—it turns dinner into an occasion.
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 as store-bought tortillas and sauces may include other allergens.
Nutritional Information (per taco)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 20 g
Save Let guests top their tacos with their favorite garnishes and enjoy the saucy fusion. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh and warm; leftovers make great next-day wraps as well.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs remain tender and juicy during slow cooking, ideal for absorbing spices and sauce.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Incorporating heavy cream towards the end of cooking enriches the masala sauce with a smooth, velvety texture.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Adding chopped green chilies or increasing chili powder intensifies the heat; reduce these for a milder outcome.
- → What is the purpose of the sticky glaze?
The sticky glaze adds a sweet-savory layer that enhances the chicken's flavor and creates a glossy finish.
- → What tortillas suit this dish best?
Soft flour or corn tortillas hold the filling well and complement the rich masala, but gluten-free options can be substituted as needed.