Chicken Tikka Tacos – Smoky, Spicy & Ready in 30 Minutes!
Craving a bold, flavorful twist on taco night? These Chicken Tikka Tacos combine the smoky, spicy goodness of Indian chicken tikka with the handheld perfection of Mexican tacos. This Indian-Mexican fusion recipe is perfect for foodies, spice lovers, and anyone looking to elevate their taco game. Ready to dive into this easy, high-protein taco recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tikka Tacos
Chicken tikka, a staple of Indian cuisine, features tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. Paired with soft tortillas, fresh veggies, and a tangy yogurt drizzle, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Bold Flavors: The spicy, smoky marinade makes every bite unforgettable.
- High-Protein: With ~39g of protein per serving, they’re ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Visually Stunning: Vibrant red tikka and fresh garnishes make these tacos Instagram-worthy.
Chicken Tikka Tacos – Smoky, Spicy & Ready in 20 Minutes!
If you're a fan of Indian flavors and Mexican street food, these Chicken Tikka Tacos are a must-try. Marinated chicken tikka, grilled to perfection, tucked into soft tortillas and topped with fresh veggies, herbs, and a cool yogurt-mint chutney—every bite is an explosion of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tikka
- 400 gm boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain thick yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
For the Tacos
- 8 small tortillas (or mini naans)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup mint-coriander chutney
- 1 small onion thinly slices
- 1 medium tomato, diced diced
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Curd-Mint-Coriander Chutney
- ½ cup plain curd
- 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 green chili
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tbsp water (to blend)
Instructions
How to Make Chicken Tikka Taco
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine curd, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powders, and salt.
- Add chicken pieces and coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken Tikka
- Grill Method: Skewer the chicken and grill on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Stovetop Method: Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until charred and fully cooked.
- Step 3: Prepare the Curd-Mint-Coriander Chutney
- In a blender , combine curd, mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, roasted cumin powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth. Add 1-2 tbsp water if the chutney is too thick, blending again to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas.
- Place a layer of shredded lettuce on each tortilla.
- Add a portion of chicken tikka, followed by diced tomatoes, red onions, and coriander.
- Drizzle with Curd-Mint-Coriander Chutney.
- Serve with lime wedges .
Notes
Tip: Marinating for at least an hour enhances the tenderness and flavor of this chicken tikka recipe.
Spice it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Make it Quick: Use pre-marinated chicken or store-bought tikka masala sauce for faster prep.
Go Vegan: Swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Meal Prep: Marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal.
