Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe

If you love bold flavors, melty cheese, and crave-worthy snacks, prepare to fall head over heels for Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread! It’s a wildly delicious mashup of spicy, smoky tandoori-style chicken, pillowy garlic butter bread, and stretchy mozzarella. This is the kind of comfort food that disappears faster than you can say “seconds,” perfect for cozy nights or your next party spread.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

From everyday pantry spices to a fluffy pack of Hawaiian rolls, each ingredient in this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread brings something special! Every element of this recipe is carefully chosen for flavor, texture, and color, making the final result both impressive and delicious.

• Chicken tenders: Using boneless, skinless chicken tenders means juicy, tender bites that cook quickly and soak up all the marinade flavor.
• Plain, full-fat yogurt: Yogurt is the secret to succulent, tangy chicken with authentic tandoori character.
• Ginger garlic paste: This aromatic blend gives the marinade real depth and that unmistakable Indian flavor punch.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick and further tenderizes the chicken.
• Spice blend (chili powder, chili flakes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, onion powder, garam masala): Each spice adds its own layer of warmth, smokiness, and color—don’t be shy with your favorite blend!
• Optional: Shan tandoori masala: This ready-made masala adds an extra aromatic dimension; feel free to use your favorite tandoori blend instead.
• Oil, butter, or ghee: For sautéing the chicken and ensuring a luscious, glossy finish.
• Wooden smoking chips: Just a handful imparts a subtle, irresistible smoky essence to the chicken (worth the step!).
• Garlic cloves and olive oil: Roasting mellow the garlic, giving your butter custard a sweet, velvety base note.
• Unsalted butter: For that classic, rich garlic bread flavor.
• Egg & milk: Whisked into the garlic butter for custardy richness and golden color.
• Paprika and fresh parsley: These add color and tons of fresh, herbal flavor.
• King’s Hawaiian Original Sheet Rolls (or French baguette): Soft, slightly sweet rolls give the garlic bread a pillowy texture that soaks up all the buttery custard.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you those dreamy, stretchy cheese pulls.
• Chopped parsley: The finishing touch for pop and freshness when serving.

Variations

This is one recipe you can absolutely make your own! Whether you’re looking to turn down the heat, go gluten-free, or make it vegetarian, these swaps will help you craft your own signature Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread.

• Vegetarian Swap: Sub in roasted cauliflower, paneer, or mushrooms for the chicken for an equally flavorful, meatless take.
• Spice Level Control: Cut back on chili powder and flakes for a mild version, or add extra for a true spice lover’s treat.
• Low-Carb Option: Use your favorite low-carb bread or even cauliflower bread base for a lighter version.
• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Try a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack for even more gooey, melty fun.
• Fresh Herbs: Mix in chopped cilantro or mint with the parsley for a different herby finish.

How to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Tandoori Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, and all the gorgeous spices. Massage well—every nook and cranny should be coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes to guarantee deep, complex flavor and juicy chicken. Then, cook the chicken over high heat in a pan with a bit of oil until it’s tender and most of the marinade has evaporated, turning the pieces gently so they pick up a bit of color and char.

Step 2: Infuse Smokiness

If you want that authentic tandoori aroma, make a smoking packet with wooden chips in foil—poke a hole, get them smoking on the stovetop, then nestle the smoking pouch with the chicken and cover. Just 5–10 minutes of “smoke spa” will add a next-level twist to your tandoori chicken. Make sure to keep your kitchen well-ventilated during this part!

Step 3: Make the Roasted Garlic Butter Custard

While the chicken marinates, roast your garlic cloves in olive oil at 400°F until meltingly golden and sweet, about 20 minutes. Smush the softened garlic into a paste, then whisk it with melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley. This step transforms regular garlic bread into a dreamy, custardy delight—don’t skip it!

Step 4: Prepare and Bake the Bread

Turn your oven to 350°F. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the sheet rolls (or baguette) in half, making two thinner slabs. Gently dip each bread half into the garlic butter custard, totally coating all sides and allowing the bread to soak up the flavors. Place on a baking sheet and bake until golden and slightly crisp—about 15–18 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 5: Add Chicken & Cheese, Broil to Finish

Layer the hot, roasted bread with a generous helping of tandoori chicken and then shredded mozzarella. For ultimate gooeyness, add a second layer of each. Turn the oven to broil and cook until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown (5–8 minutes, but keep an eye on it). Remove, sprinkle with fresh parsley, slice, and let the party begin—Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread in all its melty, spicy glory!

How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread

Garnishes

A shower of fresh, chopped parsley—or even cilantro—brings every slice of Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread to life with a burst of color and freshness. If you love a little zing, add a squeeze of lemon or scatter a few paper-thin red onion slices for even more flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This bold, cheesy bread shines solo as a snack, but it’s also incredible with veggie-packed salads, a tangy raita, or a bowl of tomato or lentil soup. For a game-day spread, pair it with dill pickles, crisp slaw, or crunchy veggie sticks and dip.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread into finger-friendly strips for parties, or serve it as a dramatic centerpiece on a big wooden board surrounded by dips and fresh veggies. For dinner, pair half-sheets with a small salad for an instantly impressive meal. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chili flakes for a spicy, gourmet finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bread stays surprisingly soft and flavorful—even a quick reheat in the oven brings it right back to life!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap slices or pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop in a freezer bag for up to a month. For best results, freeze before broiling with cheese, then bake and broil fresh for extra-gooey cheese and crispiness.

Reheating

Gently reheat Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread in a 350°F oven until cheese is bubbly and the bread is hot—about 8–10 minutes. To avoid sogginess, place it directly on the oven rack or a heated baking tray, and never microwave if you want that beautiful crisp!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, you just can’t go wrong with Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread. It’s the ultimate treat for cheese lovers, spice seekers, and comfort food fans alike—promise me you’ll give it a go! Let this be the snack (or meal) you share with friends, family, or anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up. Enjoy every melty, magical bite!

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