Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is the perfect mashup of two serious comfort foods It starts with pillowy bread bathed in garlicky butter custard then gets topped with smoky tandoori chicken and gooey cheese The result is cheesy savory and slightly spicy with a little tang and crunch in every bite When I made this for our weekend movie night it disappeared faster than popcorn

The day I tried this for a potluck everyone wanted the recipe and there was not a single crumb left

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders cubed: pick fresh ones for tender results
• Plain full fat yogurt: makes the chicken extra juicy and tender
• Ginger garlic paste: brings out the classic tandoori aroma
• Lemon juice: adds brightness and helps tenderize
• Salt: seasons everything perfectly
• Red chili powder and chili flakes: for heat and color dial down if you prefer less spice
• Turmeric coriander cumin onion powder: adds earthy depth to the marinade
• Garam masala: boosts fragrance of the chicken
• Shan tandoori masala: totally optional but brings authentic tandoori flavor use your favorite brand if you can find it
• Oil butter or ghee: for that rich finish when cooking
• Smoking chips: help create a smoky tandoori flavor at home
• Garlic cloves and olive oil: for roasting bringing mild sweet garlic notes
• Unsalted butter melted: gives richness to the custard
• Egg and milk: turns the butter into a creamy mixture that soaks the bread
• Paprika: adds a subtle bump in flavor and color
• Chopped fresh parsley: freshness on top and in the custard
• Kings Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls: soft and fluffy you could swap for a French baguette if needed
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts creamy and chewy choose whole milk mozzarella for best stretch
• Extra parsley: for a bright fresh finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl mix chicken yogurt ginger garlic paste lemon juice seasonings and optional tandoori masala Stir until every piece is well coated and let it rest for at least thirty minutes Allowing it to sit longer makes the flavor even richer

Cook the Chicken:

Heat oil or ghee in a wok or wide pan over high heat Add the marinated chicken with any leftover marinade Spread the chicken so it sears evenly Cook for five to eight minutes stirring regularly until the chicken is fully cooked and most of the moisture evaporates Taste and add more spice if you like

Smoke the Chicken:

For that real tandoori edge wrap a handful of wood chips in foil Make a small opening in the packet Heat it over a burner until it begins smoking Move the hot packet to the chicken pan open it up confidently and quickly then seal the pan with a tight lid Let the smoke infuse the chicken for five to ten minutes with your exhaust on for safety This step is pure magic

Roast the Garlic:

While the chicken marinates mix peeled garlic cloves in olive oil Place them in a small oven safe pot covered with a lid or foil Bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty minutes until the garlic is soft and golden Mash it into a mellow fragrant paste

Make the Garlic Butter Custard:

Whisk together the mashed roasted garlic melted butter egg milk salt paprika and fresh parsley in a bowl Make sure everything is smoothly combined so every bite of bread will have garlicky goodness

Prep the Bread:

Lower the oven temp to three hundred fifty degrees after roasting garlic Slice the bread sheet in half horizontally Get every inch covered by dunking the bread gently into the garlic butter custard Let it soak up as much as possible without getting soggy

Bake the Bread:

Move the soaked bread onto a baking sheet Bake for fifteen to eighteen minutes until the top looks golden crisp and the edges get just a little crunch

Layer Chicken and Cheese:

Load up the golden bread with half the tandoori chicken and half the cheese Then repeat another layer of each for extra gooey melt

Broil Until Golden:

Switch your oven to broil or high grill Place the tray underneath and broil for five to eight minutes Keep an eye out so the cheese bubbles and browns but doesn’t burn

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle with plenty of fresh parsley Let it cool briefly before slicing and serving This is best eaten hot when the cheese is perfectly stretchy

Save

I am always amazed how the fragrant roasted garlic custard transforms basic bread into a rich savory base Every time I make this my kids stand next to the oven waiting for the gooey cheesy top to finish bubbling

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to two days Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best texture The bread stays crispier if you reheat uncovered Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread tough and the cheese a little rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out chicken tenders for boneless thigh pieces for extra juiciness If you cannot find King’s Hawaiian rolls any fluffy bread or a French loaf cut in half will work For spice shy eaters reduce the chili powder and flakes or skip the tandoori masala Dairy free cheese and vegan butter can be used for a plant based version

Serving Suggestions

Slice this bread into chunky rectangles or wedges Serve as a starter next to green chutney for dipping or add a salad to make it a meal It is also a great addition to a party snack table I like to plate it with extra yogurt and a sprinkle of lemon juice for brightness

Save

A Taste of Fusion

This recipe is a blend of classic Indian and Western comfort foods Tandoori chicken has roots in North Indian clay oven dishes while garlic bread is beloved in Italian American culture This mashup was inspired by a love for both spicy grilled chicken and buttery cheesy bread a true crowd pleaser in my home

Recipe FAQs

→ How is the tandoori chicken prepared?

The chicken is marinated in yogurt, spices, and lemon, then cooked and smoked with wooden chips to infuse a deep, smoky flavor.

→ What kind of bread works best for this dish?

King's Hawaiian Rolls create a soft, fluffy base, but a French baguette or similar-sized loaf holds up well to the garlic custard and toppings.

→ Is it necessary to roast the garlic for the butter custard?

Roasting the garlic adds sweetness and mellows its sharpness, making the butter custard extra rich and flavorful.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Reduce the chili flakes and powder for a milder flavor, or add extra for more heat.

→ How do I achieve maximum cheese melt and crust?

After assembling, use the broil or grill setting for several minutes. This melts the mozzarella and creates a golden crust on top.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Slice while hot and serve as a party appetizer, snack, or alongside a salad for a full meal.