Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos
Craving a fusion dish that’s bursting with flavor and innovation? Look no further than these Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos! This delightful blend of Indian and Mexican cuisine will take your taste buds on a journey you won’t soon forget. Tender pieces of chicken, marinated in aromatic spices, are enveloped in warm, soft chapatis and topped with refreshing raita and vibrant garnishes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a cozy night in, these tacos are sure to impress!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly versatile. It allows you to control the spice level to fit your preferences and can easily be adapted to suit dietary needs. The combination of chicken tikka masala, a classic Indian dish, with the convenience of tacos creates a unique meal that feels both familiar and exciting. Plus, the raita adds a cooling component, balancing out the spices perfectly.
Ingredient Breakdown
To recreate these Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Chicken Tikka Masala:
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- Plain yogurt for marinating
- Garam masala, a spice blend
- Turmeric for color
- Ground coriander
- Ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
- For the Raita:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 English cucumber, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, small dice
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- For the Chapati:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour, plus more for rolling
- A large pinch of Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup water
- Ghee or vegetable spray for cooking
- Toppings:
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 1 small handful cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Equipment & Tools
To whip up these Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Mixing bowls for marinating and combining ingredients
- A frying pan or griddle for cooking chapatis
- A skillet for cooking the chicken
- A knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
- A whisk or spoon for mixing the raita
Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos in Steps
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken with yogurt and the spices: garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Raita
While the chicken marinates, prepare the raita. In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, chopped cucumber, red onion, mint, ground cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and then the marinated chicken. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Chapatis
In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt. Gradually add water and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
When ready, divide the dough into equal portions and roll them out into thin circles. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each chapati, adding a little ghee or vegetable spray until golden brown on both sides.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble, place a generous amount of chicken tikka masala on a chapati, then top with a dollop of raita. Add sliced red onion, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos warm with some lime wedges on the side. Enjoy this delightful fusion dish with family and friends!
Healthier Substitutions
If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe, consider the following substitutions:
- Swap chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Use low-fat Greek yogurt in the raita to reduce calories.
- Opt for whole grain or gluten-free tortillas instead of chapatis.
- Reduce the amount of oil used in cooking to make it lighter.
Cook’s Notes
These Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos are incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your heat preference. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken marinade. Leftover chicken tikka masala can be stored in the fridge and used in other dishes, such as salads or grain bowls.
- Prepare the raita a day in advance for deeper flavor.
- Make extra chapatis and freeze them for quick meals later.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To store leftovers, place the chicken, raita, and chapatis in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the chicken tikka masala, it can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Chapatis can be reheated in a pan or microwaved for a few seconds.
Quick Q&A
Can I use store-bought chicken tikka masala instead?
Absolutely! For a quicker meal, you can use store-bought chicken tikka masala. Just warm it up and follow the remaining steps for assembly.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the raita?
If you prefer, you can use regular yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the raita.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on your taste. You can reduce the cayenne pepper in the raita and control the number of jalapeños used as toppings.
Can I meal prep Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken, raita, and chapatis in advance and store them separately. This makes for an easy assembly during busy weeknights.
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The Last Word
These Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos are a perfect marriage of flavors and cultures. The tender chicken, aromatic spices, and refreshing raita come together to create a unique and satisfying meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a casual dinner, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own, adding your favorite toppings and spices. Your taste buds will thank you!
Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken. Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken with yogurt and the spices: garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Step 2: Prepare the Raita. While the chicken marinates, prepare the raita. In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, chopped cucumber, red onion, mint, ground cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and then the marinated chicken. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.
- Step 4: Make the Chapatis. In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt. Gradually add water and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 20 minutes. When ready, divide the dough into equal portions and roll them out into thin circles. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each chapati, adding a little ghee or vegetable spray until golden brown on both sides.
- Step 5: Assemble the Tacos. To assemble, place a generous amount of chicken tikka masala on a chapati, then top with a dollop of raita. Add sliced red onion, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos warm with some lime wedges on the side. Enjoy this delightful fusion dish with family and friends!
Notes
- Prepare the raita a day in advance for deeper flavor.
- Make extra chapatis and freeze them for quick meals later.
- Feel free to adjust spices based on your heat preference.
