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If you love bold flavors, irresistible cheese pulls, and a little culinary adventure on your plate, then I am beyond excited to share this sensational Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread with Melty Mozzarella Recipe. Imagine tender, smoky tandoori-spiced chicken nestled atop garlicky, buttery bread, all crowned with molten mozzarella that bubbles and browns to perfection. This fusion delight takes the comfort of garlic bread to a whole new level by infusing it with the vibrant spices of tandoori chicken, making every bite an unforgettable party in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping appetizer or a cozy snack, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for impressing friends and family with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread with Melty Mozzarella Recipe, you’ll want to gather some simple yet vibrant ingredients that bring together texture, flavor, and a stunning color palette. Every component here plays a vital role in building layers of taste, from spicy marinades to creamy garlic butter and stretchy cheese.
- Chicken tenders (400g): Tender, juicy pieces perfect for soaking up the tandoori marinade.
- Plain full-fat yogurt (1/2 cup): The base that tenderizes chicken and balances spices with creamy tang.
- Ginger garlic paste (1 tbsp): Adds a punch of aromatic warmth essential for authentic flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the marinade, adding freshness and a little zing.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, but feel free to adjust to taste.
- Red chili powder (1 tsp) and chili flakes (1 tsp): Bring heat and vibrancy; you can tone them down if you prefer milder bites.
- Turmeric, coriander, cumin, onion powder, garam masala (various spices, 1/2 tsp each): These warm spices weave together the iconic tandoori profile.
- Shan tandoori masala (optional, 1-2 tbsp): A ready spice blend that amps up authenticity and convenience.
- Oil, butter, or ghee (2 tbsp): For cooking the chicken and enriching the layers of flavor.
- Wooden smoking chips (a handful): The secret to adding a subtle smokiness that elevates the chicken.
- Garlic cloves (6–8) mixed with olive oil (2 tbsp): Roasted to mellow the garlic and infuse buttery richness.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Creates a luscious custard for soaking the bread.
- Egg (1) and milk (1/4 cup): Combine with butter to make a silky, flavorful dipping sauce for the bread.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp) and chopped fresh parsley (2 tbsp): Add color and herbaceous notes to the garlic butter custard.
- King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls (12): Soft, sweet bread that serves as the perfect vessel; you can substitute a French baguette if you prefer.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The crowning glory of melty, gooey indulgence that ties everything together.
- Extra chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh garnish that brightens each slice.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread with Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken tenders in a vibrant marinade made with creamy yogurt, zingy lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, and a custom blend of spices that includes chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Let your chicken soak in this fragrant bath for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the meat with intense flavor while tenderizing it for juicy, flavorful bites.
Step 2: Cook and Smoke the Chicken
Next, heat oil or butter in a pan and cook the marinated chicken until tender and fully cooked. Here’s a fun twist: add a handful of wooden smoking chips to the pan and cover it briefly to trap the smoke, giving the chicken a signature smoky note that adds depth and a restaurant-quality touch your taste buds will adore.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard
Roast garlic cloves until they become soft and fragrant in olive oil, then blend them with melted butter, an egg, milk, salt, paprika, and fresh parsley to create a rich, savory custard. This luscious mixture will soak into your bread, lending every bite a heavenly garlic aroma and silky texture that complements the spicy chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Soak and Bake the Bread
Dip your Hawaiian rolls, kept in their full sheet form, into the garlicky butter custard until they soak up all that luscious flavor. Arrange the soaked bread on a baking tray and slide it into a preheated oven. Baking the bread until lightly toasted locks in moisture while developing a beautiful golden crust that holds up to the toppings.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Cheese
Once your bread is perfectly toasted, generously layer it with the smoky tandoori chicken pieces. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for that irresistible cheesy layer that brings everything together.
Step 6: Broil to Melty Perfection
Pop the assembled bread under the broiler and watch closely as the mozzarella melts into a golden-bubbly masterpiece. This final step delivers the signature ooey-gooey cheese pull, making every slice a melt-in-your-mouth delight.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove your Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread with Melty Mozzarella Recipe from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley atop to add a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Slice into shareable pieces and get ready for all the compliments coming your way!
How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread with Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh parsley is perfect for adding vibrant green contrast and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. If you want to get creative, a drizzle of tangy yogurt raita or a few dashes of chili flakes can elevate the experience even more.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a star on its own, but pairing it with a fresh cucumber salad or a tangy, cooling mint chutney balances the spice and richness beautifully. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a simple bowl of lentil dal or crisp green beans with lemon zest.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the garlic bread on a rustic wooden board with mini skewers for easy picking. Alternatively, slice the bread into individual portions and arrange them on colorful platters paired with small bowls of raita or chutney for an interactive, shareable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the bread from getting soggy, separate the chicken and store it separately, then reassemble before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked tandoori chicken separately for up to 3 months. For the bread, freeze the soaked but unbaked rolls wrapped tightly in foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking and topping with chicken and cheese.
Reheating
Reheat the assembled Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread with Melty Mozzarella Recipe in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave for reheating to maintain that crispy crust and melty cheese goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a sweet softness, a French baguette or ciabatta also work beautifully. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the custard soak and toppings without falling apart.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of chili powder and flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili or omit the flakes. The richness of the cheese and garlic butter helps balance the spice nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for gatherings since it’s made in sheet form and can be sliced into many servings. Just scale the ingredients up or down depending on your guest list, and it’s sure to be a hit.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Try substituting the chicken with spiced paneer cubes or roasted vegetables marinated in the same tandoori spice blend. This keeps the vibrant flavor profile intact while catering to vegetarian preferences.
What can I use instead of smoking chips?
If you don’t have smoking chips, adding a small pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade or finishing with a dash of liquid smoke can give a similar smoky aroma and flavor without the extra cook time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines heat, creaminess, and a bit of indulgence, the Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread with Melty Mozzarella Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s an easy recipe to fall in love with and share, whether for casual snacking or a stunning party appetizer. Get ready to wow your taste buds and everyone around your table—this one’s a keeper!
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Print
Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread with Melty Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Description
This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread recipe is an indulgent fusion appetizer that combines spicy, smoky tandoori chicken with rich garlic butter soaked bread, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for sharing, this flavorful dish blends Indian spices with comforting garlic bread for a unique twist that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Tandoori Chicken Marinade
- 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 tbsp Shan tandoori masala
For Cooking the Chicken
- 2 tbsp oil, butter or ghee for cooking
- Handful of wooden smoking chips for smoking
For Garlic Butter Custard Sauce
- 6–8 garlic cloves mixed with 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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
For Bread and Toppings
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in the full sheet form (or replace with a French baguette of similar size)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, red chili powder, chili flakes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, onion powder, garam masala, and optionally Shan tandoori masala. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Cook and Smoke the Chicken: Heat oil, butter, or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until tender and fully cooked through. Once done, add a handful of wooden smoking chips to the pan, cover briefly to trap smoke, and let the chicken absorb a smoky flavor.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Custard: Roast garlic cloves with olive oil until fragrant and soft. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted garlic, melted unsalted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and chopped fresh parsley. Whisk well to create a flavorful garlic butter custard sauce.
- Soak the Bread: Dip the entire sheet form of Hawaiian rolls evenly into the garlic butter custard, allowing the bread to absorb the mixture thoroughly. Arrange the soaked bread on a baking tray prepared for baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the tray with the soaked bread into a preheated oven. Bake until the bread is lightly toasted and has absorbed the custard flavors, achieving a soft yet slightly crisp texture.
- Assemble Toppings: Remove the baked bread from the oven. Evenly spread the smoked tandoori chicken pieces over the bread, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Broil for Finish: Return the assembled bread to the oven under the broiler. Broil until the mozzarella cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown. Take care to monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Slice the bread and serve warm as a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a stronger smoky flavor, soak your smoking chips in water before adding them to the pan.
- You can substitute the Hawaiian rolls with a French baguette cut into sections if preferred.
- Adjust the chili flakes quantity to control the heat level to your taste.
- If you want a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use roasted vegetables instead, though this will alter the recipe.
- Use fresh parsley to garnish just before serving to retain its bright flavor and color.
