Name: Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: PT-487465H46M27S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 400 g chicken tenders, 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 for less heat); 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 tbsp Shan tandoori masala; 2 tbsp oil, butter, or ghee for cooking; 6–8 garlic cloves, mixed with 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g); 1 egg; 1/4 cup milk (60 g); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 12 Hawaiian rolls (kept whole) or 1 French baguette; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Chopped parsley for garnish

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This recipe transforms classic garlic bread into a bold, flavour-packed feast by topping it with smoky, spiced tandoori chicken and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or serving as a crowd-pleasing appetiser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the richness of garlic bread with the spice of tandoori chicken.
Smoky, cheesy, and indulgent all in one bite.
Great for parties, game nights, or special dinners.
Flexible — works with Hawaiian rolls, baguette, or your favourite bread.
Can be prepped ahead and assembled just before baking.

Ingredients

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

Tandoori Chicken

400 g chicken tenders, 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 (reduce for less heat)
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
Wooden smoking chips (optional, for added flavour)

Garlic Butter Custard

6–8 garlic cloves, mixed with 2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
1 egg
¼ cup milk (60 g)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Bread & Toppings

12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (kept whole) or 1 French baguette
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Make The Tandoori Chicken
- Mix all tandoori chicken ingredients (except oil and smoking chips) in a bowl. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or pan on high heat. Cook chicken with marinade for 5–8 minutes until tender and liquid has evaporated.
- Optional: Smoke chicken by placing smoking chips in foil over low heat until smoking, then transfer to the pan and cover for 5–10 minutes.
Roast Garlic & Make Garlic Butter Custard
- Roast garlic cloves in olive oil at 400°F for ~20 minutes until soft and golden. Mash.
- Whisk mashed garlic with melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley.
Prepare The Bread
- Reduce oven to 350°F. Slice bread rolls into two halves horizontally.
- Dip bread into garlic butter custard, coating all sides.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
Assemble & Bake
- Top bread with a layer of tandoori chicken, then mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of chicken and cheese.
- Broil for 5–8 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
Serve
- Garnish with parsley, slice, and enjoy hot.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 40 minutes (including marinating)
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Use naan bread instead of Hawaiian rolls.
Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Mix cheddar with mozzarella for a sharper flavour.

Storage/Reheating

Best eaten fresh.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 8–10 minutes until hot.

FAQs

Can I Make The Chicken Ahead?

Yes, cook and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling.

Can I Skip The Smoking Step?

Yes, it’s optional but adds depth of flavour.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

Yes, but toss it in the marinade and quickly sauté for flavour before assembling.

Can I Use Store-Bought Garlic Bread?

Yes, just skip the garlic butter custard step.

Can I Make It Spicier?

Add extra chili flakes or a touch of hot sauce to the chicken.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Freeze the bread and chicken separately, then assemble before baking.

Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread?

Yes, substitute with your preferred gluten-free loaf.

Can I Make It Without Cheese?

Yes, though cheese helps hold the toppings together.

What’s The Best Bread To Use?

Soft rolls or baguette work well; avoid bread that’s too dense.

How Do I Stop It From Getting Soggy?

Bake the bread before adding toppings to keep it crisp.

Conclusion

Tandoori chicken garlic bread is a rich, bold, and irresistible twist on a classic favourite. With smoky spiced chicken, buttery garlic bread, and melted cheese, it’s a show-stopping snack or appetiser that’s sure to impress.

Maggie