Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the rich, smoky flavors of tandoori chicken with the comforting crunch of garlic butter bread, all topped with gooey cheese. It’s the ultimate savory indulgence, packed with layers of flavor that make it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or for a party, this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread will be a hit every time.

Ingredients

For the Tandoori Chicken:

• 400g chicken tenders (about 4-5), cubed

• ½ cup plain, full-fat yogurt

• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

• ½ teaspoon coriander powder

• ½ teaspoon cumin powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon garam masala

• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons Shan tandoori masala

• 2 tablespoons oil, butter, or ghee for cooking

• Handful of wooden smoking chips for smoking

For the Garlic Butter Custard:

• 6-8 garlic cloves, mixed with 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup milk (60g)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For Assembly:

• 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (or a similar French baguette of comparable size)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Tandoori Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients except for the oil and smoking chips. Stir until the chicken is well coated, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat the oil in a wok or pan over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Taste and adjust the spices as needed.

3. To smoke the chicken, place the wooden smoking chips in a piece of aluminum foil, leaving a small opening. Place the foil on a burner over low heat until you see smoke. Carefully transfer the foil to the wok, open it slightly, cover the pan, and let it smoke for 5-10 minutes. Make sure to turn on the exhaust during this step.

Garlic Butter Custard:

1. While the chicken marinates, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the garlic. Mix the peeled garlic cloves with olive oil and place them in a small oven-safe pot or wrap in foil. Roast for about 20 minutes, until soft and golden. Mash with a fork and set aside.

2. In a bowl, combine the mashed garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Assembly:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp knife, divide the sheet of Hawaiian rolls into two halves.

2. Dip the bread loaves into the garlic butter custard, making sure they are well coated on all sides.

3. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

4. Remove the bread from the oven and top with the cooked tandoori chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can layer the chicken and cheese (chicken, cheese, chicken, cheese) for extra flavor.

5. Change the oven setting to broil/grill, and broil for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10

• Prep time: 45 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Bread Options: If you can’t find King’s Hawaiian rolls, you can substitute with a French baguette or any soft, fluffy bread of similar size.

• Extra Veggies: For more texture and flavor, you can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the tandoori chicken mix before assembling.

• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even feta for a twist on the classic mozzarella topping.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until the bread is warm and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 30-60 seconds, though the crust may not be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without smoking the chicken?

Yes, you can skip the smoking step if you prefer. The tandoori chicken will still be delicious without the smoky flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just cut them into small cubes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this a vegetarian dish?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or roasted vegetables like cauliflower and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tandoori chicken and garlic butter custard ahead of time. Assemble the bread and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, feel free to use French baguette slices, ciabatta, or any other bread that can hold the toppings well.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and chili flakes in the tandoori chicken marinade.

Can I make this dish without butter?

You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute if you want a dairy-free or vegan version.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread as a substitute for the Hawaiian rolls to make the dish gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover tandoori chicken garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled bread before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is a flavor-packed, cheesy, and satisfying dish that brings together the smokiness of tandoori chicken with the irresistible allure of garlic butter bread. Whether served for a party or enjoyed as a delicious weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a unique, indulgent dish you won’t forget

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