Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s dive into the world of deliciously vibrant Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread! This fusion delight melds the smoky, spicy flavor of traditional tandoori chicken with the comforting taste of cheesy garlic bread. Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this irresistible dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The marinade for the tandoori chicken adds layers of spices that are both dynamic and aromatic.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: What could be better than buttery garlic bread? Adding smoky chicken and gooey cheese takes it to a whole new level.
- Versatile and Fun: It makes for a unique appetizer, a main dish, or a delicious party pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’d be surprised how straightforward this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread recipe is! Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating that perfect alchemy of flavors. From the aromatic spices to the cheesy crust, these ingredients are a must-have in your culinary playbook.
- Chicken Tenders: They are perfect for absorbing the bold spices and stay succulent when cooked.
- Plain Yogurt: This not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a subtle tanginess to the marinade.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Who doesn’t love a gooey, melted layer of cheese on top? It complements the spices beautifully.
- Shan Tandoori Masala (Optional): For an extra punch of flavor, this pre-mixed spice blend works wonders.
Variations
One of the best things about Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is its versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for an extra spice kick or need to make a gluten-free version, customizing this dish to fit your needs is a breeze!
- Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, dial down the chili flakes and garam masala. More heat? Throw in some extra chili powder for an intense kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the Hawaiian rolls with your favorite gluten-free bread to enjoy this recipe without worrying about gluten.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken with yogurt, spices, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
Step 2: Cook and Smoke the Chicken
Cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet until it’s tender and deliciously seared. For that authentic tandoori flavor, you’ll want to smoke the chicken using wooden chips. This step adds depth to the dish that’s sure to impress.
Pro Tips for Making Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread
- Marinade Magic: Letting the chicken sit in its marinade not only enhances the flavor but also makes it juicier and more tender.
- Cheese Selection: While mozzarella is a classic choice, experimenting with cheddar or a mix can lead to a delightful creation.
- Even Smoking: Distribute the wood chips evenly and cover the skillet for a consistent smoky aroma.
- Bread Enhancement: For extra flavor, try brushing the bread with garlic butter before adding the custard.
How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread
Garnishes
Sprinkling some fresh parsley over your Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread not only enhances the visual appeal with a burst of color but also adds a fresh, herby zing to balance out the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or cucumber raita that provides a cool, creamy contrast. You could also serve it alongside a spicy lentil soup for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the dish sliced in a rustic wooden board for a family-style dinner vibe, or cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a chic, crowd-friendly appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the bread soft.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread after fully assembling it but before baking. Wrap it securely in foil and a plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes, to restore that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breast may take a bit longer to cook than tenders.
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Is there a non-dairy alternative for yogurt?
You can substitute the yogurt with coconut milk or a non-dairy yogurt alternative to make it lactose-free without compromising the rich taste.
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What if I don’t have a broiler?
No worries! You can increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and keep an eye on it until the cheese melts perfectly.
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Can I prepare the chicken a day in advance?
Yes, marinating the chicken a day ahead will only deepen the flavors. Just store it in the refrigerator and continue with the cooking process when ready.
Final Thoughts
Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a household favorite. It’s where comfort meets excitement, tradition embraces creativity, and every bite is a new experience. Don’t just take my word for it—give this delightful recipe a try and see how it transforms your meal time into something magical!
Print
Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Description
This flavorful Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread combines spicy, smoky tandoori marinated chicken with cheesy garlic bread, baked to perfection. It’s a delightful fusion dish that offers bold Indian spices with the comforting taste of garlic bread, ideal for sharing at gatherings or as a hearty appetizer.
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 mashed
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting garlic)
- 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, kept in full sheet form (or similar-sized baguette)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Tandoori Chicken: Mix all the marinade ingredients except the oil and smoking chips in a large bowl until well combined. Add the chicken cubes and coat thoroughly. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. After marination, cook the chicken in a pan over medium heat until tender and cooked through. Smoke the cooked chicken using wooden smoking chips for a smoky flavor, following your preferred smoking method.
- Make Garlic Butter Custard: Roast garlic cloves wrapped in foil or on a baking sheet with a little olive oil until soft and fragrant, about 20 minutes. Mash roasted garlic. Mix the mashed garlic with melted butter, then whisk in the egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped parsley until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Slice the sheet rolls in half if desired. Dip each bread piece into the garlic butter custard, coating thoroughly. Place the dipped rolls on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until slightly toasted. Remove from oven, then top each with shredded mozzarella cheese and the smoked tandoori chicken pieces. Return to the oven and broil for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice levels by reducing the chili flakes or chili powder if desired.
- For extra smoky flavor, use a stovetop smoking method or a smoker box if available.
- Ensure the bread is soaked enough in the garlic butter custard for maximum flavor.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
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
