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If you are craving something that perfectly blends the fiery zest of Indian spices with the irresistible comfort of garlic bread, then this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It takes the humble garlic bread up a notch by layering it with succulent, smoky tandoori chicken and creamy mozzarella cheese, creating a fusion dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. Whether it’s for a casual weekend snack or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this recipe brings warmth, vibrant colors, and a delightful twist to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe plays a crucial role, from the spices that bring authentic Indian flavors, to the dairy elements that add richness and softness. The combination is simple yet essential for achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma.
- 400g chicken tenders: Tender pieces that absorb the marinade beautifully for juicy bites.
- 1/2 cup plain full fat yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing base and tangy marinade carrier.
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste: Infuses wonderful warmth and pungency into the chicken.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the flavors perfectly — adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp red chili powder: Brings color and a medium spicy heat.
- 1 tsp chili flakes: Adds crunch and an adjustable kick.
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder: Provides earthiness and a vibrant golden hue.
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder: Adds subtle citrus undertones.
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder: Introduces a warm, smoky depth.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes effortlessly.
- 1/4 tsp garam masala: Gives a fragrant, complex spice blend punch.
- Optional 1-2 tbsp Shan tandoori masala: A classic spice mix to boost authentic tandoori flavor.
- 2 tbsp oil, butter or ghee: For cooking the chicken with richness and preventing sticking.
- Handful of wooden smoking chips: Essential for infusing that distinctive smoky aroma.
- 6–8 garlic cloves mixed with 2 tbsp olive oil: Roasted to aromatic perfection for the garlic butter custard.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Forms the rich base for soaking the bread.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the custard mixture and adds structure.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens and smooths the garlic butter custard texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Brings out the custard’s flavors.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky sweetness.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Freshens and brightens the entire dish.
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls: The perfect soft and slightly sweet bread base (or substitute a similar-sized French baguette).
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully with a creamy, gooey finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving: Adds that final vibrant pop of green and freshness.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tandoori Chicken
Begin by mixing your chicken tenders with the yogurt, lemon juice, and the full lineup of spices including ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. This marinade is the key to infusing deep tandoori flavors into the chicken while keeping it juicy and tender. Let the chicken rest in this mixture for at least 30 minutes to soak up every bit of the aromatic goodness.
Step 2: Cook and Smoke the Chicken
Heat your chosen fat—oil, butter, or ghee—in a pan over medium heat, then add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them until tender and fully done. To elevate the flavor, add wooden smoking chips to the pan and cover briefly, allowing the smoky aroma to wrap around the chicken, delivering that authentic tandoori charm right in your kitchen.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard
Roast the garlic cloves gently in olive oil until they become soft and fragrant. In a mixing bowl, combine this roasted garlic mixture with melted unsalted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley. Whisk everything together until you have a luscious, smooth garlic butter custard that will soak into the bread, imparting richness and a subtle herbal note.
Step 4: Assemble the Bread
Take your full sheet of Hawaiian rolls and dip it generously into the garlic butter custard, making sure every surface absorbs the flavorful sauce. Place the soaked bread onto a baking tray and bake it until it’s golden, slightly crispy, yet soft inside—a wonderful texture contrast starts here.
Step 5: Add Tandoori Chicken and Cheese
Pull the bread from the oven and blanket it with those smoky tandoori chicken pieces. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. This layering ensures every mouthful gets a burst of cheesy, spicy goodness.
Step 6: Broil to Melt Cheese
Return the assembly to the oven under the broiler, watching carefully as the mozzarella melts and bubbles with a gorgeous golden crust. This final broil step gives you that irresistible cheese pull and texture contrast that makes garlic bread so indulgent.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Warm
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Slice the bread into portions and serve while still warm, so every bite delivers that perfect combination of smoky chicken, gooey cheese, and buttery garlic bread.
How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic, but you could also add a few thin slices of red onion or a drizzle of yogurt raita to mellow out the spices and add a cooling element. The contrast of cool and hot flavors makes each bite all the more exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a tangy mint chutney to balance its rich, spicy profile. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of dal or a simple vegetable curry to keep the Indian-themed feast flowing.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of baking in one large sheet, try assembling individual mini garlic breads using small rolls or baguette slices—perfect for parties or casual snacking. You could also turn this savory treat into sliders by layering with additional fresh veggies inside the rolls for handheld perfection.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain its texture, keep the chicken and bread separate if possible and reassemble before reheating.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked tandoori chicken and the garlic butter custard separately for up to 1 month. The bread itself doesn’t freeze well after soaking, but plain rolls can be frozen and used later for a fresh assembly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bread with chicken and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms it through without drying it out. Finish with a quick broil if you want to revive the cheese’s bubbly, golden texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a sweet softness that pairs beautifully with the spices, French baguette or ciabatta slices also work well if you prefer a crustier texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with paneer cubes or marinated vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. The spices and garlic butter custard remain the same for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How spicy is this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe?
The recipe balances warmth and heat with chili powder and flakes, but you can always adjust the chili amounts to suit your spice tolerance, making it milder or hotter as you like.
Can I prepare the chicken marinade in advance?
Definitely. Marinating the chicken up to 24 hours ahead enhances the flavors even more. Just cover and refrigerate until you are ready to cook and smoke the chicken.
What type of cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild taste that complements the spices, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend for a sharper or richer flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe is truly a culinary delight that brings together the best of Indian spices and classic comfort food. Its layers of smoky chicken, garlicky butter-soaked bread, and melty cheese create an unforgettable flavor experience that is sure to impress your friends and family. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple for your gatherings and cozy nights in—give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Print
Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Description
This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread recipe is a delicious fusion appetizer combining tender, smoky tandoori-spiced chicken with rich garlic butter custard and melted mozzarella cheese atop soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfectly baked and broiled to golden perfection, this flavorful dish promises a delightful Indian-inspired twist on classic garlic bread.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 400g chicken tenders (about 4-5), cubed
- 1/2 cup plain, full fat yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp chili flakes (reduce as needed)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp Shan tandoori masala
Cooking Fat & Smoking
- 2 tbsp oil, butter or ghee for cooking
- Handful of wooden smoking chips for smoking
Garlic Butter Custard
- 6–8 garlic cloves mixed with 2 tbsp olive oil (roasted)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk (60g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Bread and Toppings
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or substitute with French baguette of similar size)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Tandoori Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken tenders with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, red chili powder, chili flakes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, onion powder, garam masala, and optional Shan tandoori masala. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly and marinate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to develop.
- Cook and Smoke the Chicken: Heat oil, butter, or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until the pieces are tender and fully cooked through. Once done, add a handful of wooden smoking chips to the pan, cover briefly to trap the smoke and allow the chicken to develop a smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard: Roast garlic cloves with olive oil until soft and fragrant. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted garlic and olive oil mixture with melted unsalted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley. Whisk well to create a rich, smooth garlic butter custard sauce.
- Assemble the Bread: Dip the whole sheet form Hawaiian rolls thoroughly into the garlic butter custard, ensuring even soaking. Arrange the soaked bread on a baking tray.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking tray in a preheated oven and bake until the bread is lightly toasted and has soaked up the custard flavor.
- Add Tandoori Chicken and Cheese: Remove the bread from the oven and generously top with the smoked tandoori chicken pieces, then evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Return the assembled bread to the oven under the broiler and broil until the mozzarella cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Slice into portions and serve warm as a tasty fusion appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes and powder to your preferred spice level.
- Wooden smoking chips can be soaked in water for 30 minutes beforehand to produce more smoke without burning too quickly.
- If unavailable, substitute Hawaiian rolls with a soft French baguette.
- The garlic butter custard can be prepared in advance and refrigerated.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
- Use ghee or butter for cooking chicken to enrich flavor.
