If you love bold, exciting flavors packed into a comfy, cheesy bite, then you are going to adore this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe. This unique fusion dish blends the smoky, spicy notes of traditional tandoori chicken with the irresistible aroma of garlic butter and melty mozzarella, all served atop soft, pillowy bread. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping snack or appetizer perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe lies in its well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the tender marinated chicken that brings fiery warmth, to the rich garlic butter custard that soaks into the bread for that luscious texture and flavor balance. It’s simple pantry staples elevated to delicious new heights.
- 400g chicken tenders (about 4-5), cubed: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best tenderness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup plain, full fat yogurt: Provides a creamy base to tenderize and marinate the chicken deeply.
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste: Essential for that punch of aromatic spice in every bite.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the rich spices.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 tsp red chili powder: Brings a vibrant heat that defines the tandoori style.
- 1 tsp chili flakes (reduce as needed): Adds extra kick and texture.
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder: Gives that signature warm color and earthiness.
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder: Grounds the spice mix with a subtle citrus tone.
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder: Imparts a slightly smoky, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Deepens the savory profile.
- 1/4 tsp garam masala: A final aromatic touch that layers in complexity.
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp Shan tandoori masala: For an authentic extra boost of tandoori flavour.
- 2 tbsp oil, butter or ghee for cooking: To sear the chicken beautifully and add richness.
- Handful of wooden smoking chips for smoking: Crucial for infusing that sought-after smoky aroma.
- 6–8 garlic cloves mixed with 2 tbsp olive oil: Roasting these creates a mellow yet intense garlic base.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g): Makes the garlic butter custard silky and indulgent.
- 1 egg: Binds the custard so it clings to the bread.
- 1/4 cup milk (60g): Adds creaminess without heaviness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the custard’s flavors.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds color and a subtle sweetness.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the taste.
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or a French baguette of similar size): Soft, sweet, and perfect for soaking up all the buttery goodness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty finish every cheesy bread needs.
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving: For a pretty, flavorful garnish that invites everyone to dig in.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your cubed chicken tenders with the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, red chili powder, chili flakes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, onion powder, garam masala, and the optional Shan tandoori masala in a large bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish – it tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with layers of bold, spicy flavors. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes so that every morsel absorbs the delicious blend.
Step 2: Cook and Smoke the Chicken
Heat your choice of oil, butter, or ghee in a pan over medium heat and add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re tender and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes depending on size. Here’s the fun twist: toss in a handful of wooden smoking chips, cover the pan briefly to trap the smoke, and watch as your kitchen fills with that mouthwatering smoky scent that makes this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard
Roast the garlic cloves mixed with olive oil until soft and fragrant—this soft roast transforms the garlic’s sharpness into a rich, mellow flavor. In a mixing bowl, whisk together these roasted garlic cloves with melted unsalted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped fresh parsley. This custard sauce will soak into the bread and make every bite buttery, garlicky, and irresistibly soft.
Step 4: Soak and Bake the Bread
Dip your full sheet of Hawaiian rolls or a similar sized baguette into the prepared garlic butter custard, allowing it to soak evenly but not become soggy. Lay the soaked bread onto a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven until it’s lightly toasted on the edges and has soaked up those flavors beautifully. This step ensures the base is soft yet holds together perfectly under the toppings.
Step 5: Add the Tandoori Chicken and Cheese
Once your bread is baked, generously top it with the smoked tandoori chicken pieces. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This layering creates a perfect balance between smoky meat and creamy cheese that melds beautifully under the broiler.
Step 6: Broil for the Perfect Melt
Pop the assembled bread back in the oven under the broiler and keep a close watch as the mozzarella melts and bubbles to a gorgeous golden brown. This finishing touch adds a crispy cheese crust, enhancing the texture that makes this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe ridiculously good.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top. Slice it into portions and serve while warm. The inviting aroma and vibrant colors will have everyone reaching for seconds in no time.
How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a splash of bright green, but it also brings a fresh, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the rich, smoky flavors. For a bit of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top before serving can elevate those bold spices even more.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but if you want to create a full spread, serve it alongside a cooling cucumber raita or a fresh salad with crunchy veggies and a tangy yogurt dressing. The crisp freshness balances out the warmth and richness of the bread and chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, consider slicing the Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe into bite-sized pieces and serving it on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls of mint chutney or tamarind sauce. This adds a stunning visual contrast and invites guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread can be tightly wrapped in foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the bread from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the chicken and bread separately if possible, then reassemble before reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To retain the crisp texture, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese re-melts. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect garlic bread crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a wonderful sweetness and softness, you can substitute with a French baguette or any sturdy bread that soaks up the butter custard well without falling apart.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the combination of chili powder and flakes. However, you can easily reduce or omit the chili flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for marinated paneer cubes or even roasted vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
What is the purpose of smoking the chicken?
Smoking adds a subtle yet distinctive smoky aroma and flavor, replicating traditional tandoori cooking methods and making the chicken stand out with that authentic grilled essence.
Can I prepare the garlic butter custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the garlic and prepare the custard a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good whisk before soaking the bread to bring it back together.
Final Thoughts
This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe is a true flavor bomb that marries the warmth of Indian spices with the universal love of garlic bread and melty cheese. It is perfect for anytime you want a comforting snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a twist. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes to impress guests or treat yourself.
Print
Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Description
This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread recipe combines the smoky, spicy flavors of marinated and smoked tandoori chicken with rich, garlicky butter-soaked bread topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a fusion appetizer that blends Indian spices and traditional garlic bread techniques to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack perfect for parties or a flavorful treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Tandoori 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
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp oil, butter or ghee for cooking
- Handful of wooden smoking chips for smoking
For the Garlic Butter Custard Sauce
- 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
For the Bread and Topping
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or substitute with a French baguette of similar size)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the 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 optionally Shan tandoori masala. Mix thoroughly to coat all chicken pieces evenly. Allow this mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Cook and Smoke the Chicken: Heat oil, butter, or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until tender and fully cooked through. Once cooked, add a handful of wooden smoking chips to the pan, cover briefly to trap the smoke, and impart a rich smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Custard Sauce: Roast garlic cloves in olive oil until fragrant and soft. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the roasted garlic mixture, melted unsalted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped fresh parsley until well blended, forming a rich garlic butter custard sauce.
- Soak the Bread: Dip the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls into the garlic butter custard sauce to soak evenly. Place the soaked bread on a baking tray. Preheat the oven and bake until the bread is lightly toasted and has absorbed the custard flavors.
- Assemble with Chicken and Cheese: Remove the bread from the oven, top generously with the smoked tandoori chicken pieces, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil to Finish: Return the assembled bread to the oven under the broiler. Broil until the mozzarella melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm as a flavorful fusion appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies the flavor.
- If Hawaiian rolls are not available, a similar sized French baguette can be used.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Wooden smoking chips add authentic smoky flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Keep a close watch during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
- Leftover chicken makes great filling for other dishes or sandwiches.
