Sticky Chicken Tikka Tacos (Print Version)

Tender chicken tikka masala nestled in soft tortillas with a sweet, sticky glaze and fresh garnishes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
05 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
06 - 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
07 - 1.5 teaspoons ground coriander
08 - 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
11 - 1.5 teaspoons salt

→ Masala Sauce

12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
14 - 2 teaspoons grated ginger
15 - 2 teaspoons minced garlic
16 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
17 - 2 teaspoons garam masala
18 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
19 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
20 - 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
21 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
22 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
23 - 2 tablespoons honey
24 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Sticky Glaze

25 - 2 tablespoons honey
26 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
27 - 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
28 - 2 tablespoons masala sauce (prepared above)

→ For Serving

29 - 6 small flour or corn tortillas
30 - 1 red onion, thinly sliced
31 - Fresh cilantro leaves
32 - 1 small cucumber, diced
33 - Lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine chicken thighs with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
02 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, grated ginger, and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
03 - Add ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and honey. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
05 - Place marinated chicken and prepared masala sauce into a slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly, cover, and cook on low for 4 hours until chicken is tender.
06 - Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with forks. Stir heavy cream into the sauce, return shredded chicken, and mix well.
07 - Combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of masala sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until thick and sticky, about 2–3 minutes.
08 - Drizzle the sticky glaze over shredded chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
09 - Warm tortillas per package directions. Fill each with sticky chicken tikka masala, then top with sliced red onion, diced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Unique fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors
  • Easy slow cooker preparation
02 -
  • Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens
  • Slow cooker delivers super tender chicken for tacos
03 -
  • Add chopped green chilies for extra heat
  • Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt for dairy-free
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