Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Flavorful: A fusion of smoky, spiced tandoori chicken with buttery, garlicky bread and melted cheese.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this a great choice for any cook.
• Perfect for Hosting: A great appetizer or side dish for gatherings, but so delicious you may not want to share!
• Customizable: Use different types of bread, cheeses, or spice levels to suit your taste.
• Crispy and Cheesy: The bread is golden and crunchy, while the cheese adds a creamy, melty finish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tandoori Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken (cubed)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 Tablespoon oil (for cooking)
• Wooden smoking chips (optional, for extra smoky flavor)

For the Garlic Butter Custard:

• 1 whole head of garlic (roasted)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 Tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bread and Toppings:

• 1 pack King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (or any preferred bread)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
2. Add the cubed chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook and Smoke the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a pan over high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Optional Smoking Step: Heat a handful of wooden smoking chips in a small foil packet over a flame until they begin to smoke. Transfer the packet to the pan with the cooked chicken, cover with a lid, and let it absorb the smoky flavor for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard

1. Roast the garlic by wrapping the whole head in foil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes.
2. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic into a bowl.
3. Whisk in the egg, milk, melted butter, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread

1. Cut the Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally, keeping them intact as one piece.
2. Dip each side of the bread into the garlic butter custard, ensuring full coverage.
3. Place the dipped bread on a baking sheet and par-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the cooked tandoori chicken evenly over the par-baked bread.
2. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
2. Slice into individual portions and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Different Bread Options: Use a French baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough for a different texture.
• Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with paneer or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
• Extra Spicy: Add extra chili powder or top with jalapeños for more heat.
• Herb Upgrade: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or mint for an added burst of freshness.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) garlic bread for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I skip smoking the chicken?

Yes, you can omit the smoking step and still get a flavorful dish. The spices will still add great depth to the chicken.

Can I skip roasting the garlic?

While roasted garlic adds a deeper, milder flavor, you can use minced fresh garlic instead. However, use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

What kind of bread can I use instead of King’s Hawaiian Rolls?

French baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta work well. A loaf of Italian bread is also a great option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bread and store it in the fridge, then bake right before serving.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure not to oversoak the bread in the custard mixture and par-bake it before adding the toppings.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken and toss it in tandoori spices for a quick shortcut.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can mix in gouda or cheddar for a richer taste.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread and ensure your seasonings and yogurt are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course with a side salad.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Yes! Assemble the bread and place it on a grill over indirect heat until the cheese melts.

Conclusion

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying dish that combines the best of garlic bread and smoky tandoori chicken. It’s an easy yet impressive appetizer, perfect for entertaining or indulging in at home.

Whether you make it as a party snack or a side dish, this fusion of bold spices, creamy cheese, and crispy bread will become a favorite in no time. Try it today and enjoy a delicious twist on classic garlic bread!

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