Highlight
This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is my kind of crowd-pleasing appetizer loaded with spicy chicken nestled on crispy buttery bread all under a blanket of melty cheese This mash-up makes for the ultimate snack or party side
When I first made this for a game night it disappeared almost instantly My family started requesting it for every holiday and it always brings everyone into the kitchen
Gather Your Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: Look for fresh juicy chicken for maximum tenderness
- Full fat yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and keeps it juicy Greek is a great choice for creaminess
- Ginger garlic paste: Gives the chicken its aromatic punch make your own for a stronger flavor
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps the marinade penetrate
- Salt: Brings together all the flavors use good quality sea salt
- Red chili powder: For color and heat you can choose Kashmiri chili for vivid color
- Chili flakes: For extra kick can be reduced for mild versions
- Turmeric powder: Earthy and warm pick a fresh bright yellow powder
- Coriander powder: Adds a citrusy note ground fresh if possible
- Cumin powder: Smoky undertones choose a freshly ground spice for more flavor
- Onion powder: For subtle sweetness
- Garam masala: Brings all the spice notes together
- Tandoori masala: Optional for an extra punch the right blend gives authenticity
- Oil butter or ghee: Aids in cooking and deepening flavor ghee adds a richer taste
- Wooden smoking chips: For an authentic smoky aroma use food grade chips
- Garlic cloves: Adds the essential garlic punch pick firm heavy bulbs
- Olive oil: For roasting the garlic and pulling flavor use extra virgin
- Unsalted butter: Essential for the custard pick high quality for richness
- Egg: Binds everything together and gives creaminess use fresh eggs
- Milk: Adds lightness and helps custard soak into the bread
- Paprika: For subtle warm spice and color use smoked for extra depth
- Fresh parsley: Brings color and freshness flat-leaf has stronger flavor
- Kings Hawaiian Sheet Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet the perfect bread base any soft pull-apart bread or baguette works
- Mozzarella cheese: For that gooey melt choose whole milk mozzarella for better melt
- Fresh parsley: To finish adds brightness and a pop of color
How to Make It
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine cubed chicken yogurt ginger garlic paste lemon juice all spices and tandoori masala in a large bowl Stir until chicken is thoroughly coated Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge Longer marination brings more flavor
- Cook and Smoke the Chicken:
- Heat oil or ghee in a large wok over high heat Add chicken with all marinade Cook while stirring for 5 to 8 minutes until the chicken is done and most liquid evaporates Taste and adjust spices if desired For an extra smoky aroma ignite smoking chips in foil on a low burner When smoky add to wok opening the foil and cover Let the smoke infuse the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes Keep your exhaust fan running
- Roast Garlic for Custard:
- Place peeled garlic cloves in olive oil in a small oven safe pot with a lid or foil cover Roast at 400F for about 20 minutes until cloves are soft and golden Remove from oven and mash well
- Make Garlic Butter Custard:
- In a mixing bowl whisk the mashed roasted garlic melted butter egg milk salt paprika and chopped parsley until smooth This will soak and flavor your bread
- Prepare and Soak Bread:
- After roasting garlic reduce oven to 350F Slice the sheet of rolls horizontally making two flat slabs Dip each slab carefully in the garlic butter custard ensuring all sides are evenly coated Allow the bread to soak up as much custard as possible
- Bake the Bread:
- Place the custard-soaked bread slabs on a baking sheet Bake at 350F for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden and slightly crisp on the outside
- Top and Bake Again:
- Spread the cooked tandoori chicken evenly over the baked bread Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese Repeat with a second layer if desired Set oven to broil and broil for 5 to 8 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden attention during this step is key to avoid burning
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cheesy bread Slice into pieces and serve immediately The aroma will draw everyone in
My favorite part of this recipe is the way the roasted garlic marries with the gooey cheese When I made this for my cousins they actually argued over the last piece That combination of smoky chicken and buttery bread always reminds me of our family’s summer get-togethers
Flavor Boosters
Brush the bread with custard just before baking to maintain crispness and avoid sogginess Roast the garlic until deeply golden this step cannot be rushed Try adding a pinch of smoked salt for an even bolder smoky flavor if you have it on hand
Serving Suggestions
Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread works well with a side of tangy chutney or a crisp summer salad For a party cut it into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks My family likes it paired with chilled mango lassi for a real fusion treat
Creative Twists
You can swap the chicken tenders for boneless skinless thighs for extra juiciness For a vegetarian version use sautéed mushrooms or paneer Instead of mozzarella try cheddar or Monterey Jack for a sharper bite In the summer grill your bread on the barbecue and infuse even more smokiness In the winter make the chicken extra spicy to warm everyone up Try adding roasted bell peppers or caramelized onions as toppings when they are in season
Friends always ask for the recipe when I bring this to a potluck I heard from a neighbor who made it with leftover roast chicken and her kids cleaned the tray before dinner
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → How do you get the chicken smoky?
Use wooden smoking chips in the cooking process and let the cooked chicken absorb smoke with a covered pan for authentic tandoori aroma.
- → What bread works best for this dish?
King's Hawaiian sheet rolls or a similar French baguette provide a soft, fluffy base that absorbs the garlic custard well.
- → Can I make this in advance?
Yes, prep the chicken and garlic butter ahead, then assemble and broil just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → Is there a vegetarian version?
Swap chicken with paneer or mixed veggies marinated in the same spices for a vegetarian-friendly topping.
- → How do you achieve a golden cheesy top?
Broil the assembled bread for a few minutes, keeping an eye out until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.