Imagine the perfect fusion of Indian spices with the comfort of European cuisine, all in one bite. That’s what you’ll get with this scrumptious Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread. It’s spicy, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy—a real crowd-pleaser you won’t soon forget!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Flavor Fusion: The combination of spicy tandoori chicken with creamy garlic bread is a match made in heaven.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A wonderful dish to wow guests with its unique taste and delightful presentation.
- Customizable to Your Taste: The recipe allows for easy adjustments in spice levels and bread choices.
- Simple to Make: With just a few steps, you’ve got a gourmet meal ready for your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread relies on straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Each component is essential in crafting this delectable fusion dish. Let’s break them down!
- Chicken Tenders: Opt for tender and juicy cuts, perfect for absorbing all the flavorful marinades.
- Yogurt: A key ingredient that ensures the chicken stays tender while imparting a subtle tang.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: The aromatic backbone of the marinade providing a fresh, spicy kick.
- Red Chili Powder and Flakes: Add heat that’s easily adjustable to your preference.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls or Baguette: Select soft, sweet rolls for a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing that ideal cheesy pull.
Variations
Customizing your Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is a breeze, making it versatile enough to cater to various taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some exciting variations!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for paneer or tofu to create a delightful veggie version.
- Extra Spice: Increase the amount of red chili powder or garam masala for a fiery kick.
- Different Breads: Feel free to use naan or ciabatta instead of the Hawaiian rolls for a different texture.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the tandoori chicken, except the oil and smoking chips. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the spices and yogurt to tenderize and infuse the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cook the marinated chicken in a pan with your choice of oil, butter, or ghee until tender. Use wooden chips to impart a subtle smoky flavor, taking this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard
Roast garlic mixed with olive oil, then blend with melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley. This will serve as the flavorful soak for the bread, adding depth and richness.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
Dip the bread in garlic butter custard, ensuring each piece is well coated. Layer with the cooked tandoori chicken, sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese, and broil until the cheese bubbles and melts to perfection.
Pro Tips for Making Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread
- Smoking Chicken: Use a handful of wood chips for an extra smoky finish that’s reminiscent of traditional tandoor ovens.
- Custard Soaking: Ensure the bread is thoroughly soaked in garlic butter custard for a moist and flavorful base.
- Cheese Melting: Keep an eye on the cheese while broiling. It should be bubbly and just starting to brown for the perfect finish.
- Ingredient Quality: Fresh, high-quality spices are crucial for the tandoori marinade to make the flavors pop.
How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and an added burst of freshness that complements the intense flavors of the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair with a light salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a complete, satisfying meal that balances the spiciness and richness of the garlic bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into small, bite-sized squares and serve as a crowd-favorite appetizer during parties, or lay it out whole for a statement centerpiece dish that draws everyone in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, offering an even more flavorful experience the next day.
Freezing
Freeze the assembled garlic bread before broiling. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator, then broil for a freshly baked taste to savor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through. This will refresh the bread and melt the cheese without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Simply increase the amount of red chili powder or add extra chili flakes to the marinade to suit your spicy cravings.
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What can I use instead of King’s Hawaiian Rolls?
Feel free to use any soft bread, such as a French baguette, which provides a nice, crispy contrast to the creamy toppings.
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Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
You can make the tandoori chicken and garlic butter custard ahead of time. Assemble and broil when ready to serve for the freshest results.
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How do I ensure the bread doesn’t become soggy?
A quick soak in the custard is sufficient—just enough to absorb flavors without becoming oversaturated. Broiling also helps achieve that perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delightful Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Go ahead and indulge yourself and your guests in this flavorful journey—it’s a dish worth sharing!
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, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Description
This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread combines flavorful marinated chicken with gooey melted cheese on garlic butter-infused bread, finished with a smoky tandoori twist. It’s a perfect fusion dish ideal for parties or an indulgent dinner, offering smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Tandoori Chicken:
– 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 tablespoon Shan tandoori masala
– 2 tbsp oil, butter or ghee for cooking
– Handful of wooden smoking chips for smoking
Garlic Butter Custard:
– 6-8 garlic cloves, roasted and mixed with 2 tbsp olive oil
– 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
Assembly:
– 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (or similar size bread like a French baguette)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Mix all the ingredients listed under Tandoori Chicken except the oil and smoking chips in a large bowl. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Cook & Smoke Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken in a pan until tender and cooked through. Then, add smoked wood chips to a smoker box or wrap in foil with holes and set on the heat source to infuse smoky flavor, or use a stovetop smoking method if available, to lightly smoke the chicken for additional flavor.
- Roast Garlic: Roast garlic cloves until soft and fragrant, then mash or blend with olive oil to make garlic mixture for the custard.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Custard: In a bowl, combine the roasted garlic and olive oil, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley. Whisk until smooth.
- Assemble Bread: Dip the bread sheets or slices into the garlic butter custard until well coated. Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake Base: Bake the coated bread in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Assemble Tandoori Chicken & Cheese: Spread shredded mozzarella cheese on the partially baked bread. Top with the smoked tandoori chicken pieces.
- Broil & Garnish: Broil the assembled bread until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For an authentic smoky flavor, use a dedicated smoking apparatus or stovetop smoking method.
- Adjust the spice levels of the marinade and custard according to taste.
- For larger servings, use a whole baguette sliced into sections for easier sharing.
- Want extra heat? Add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
