Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread – Delicious Fusion Recipe

Indulge in a culinary adventure with my delightful creation, Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread. This innovative recipe stemmed from a moment of inspiration when I sought to elevate a humble garlic bread into a show-stopping dish for a gathering with friends. Combining the aromatic flavors of tandoori-spiced chicken, gooey mozzarella cheese, and buttery garlic bread, this fusion creation strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and exotic flair.

Picture this – smoky tandoori chicken nestled atop golden, garlicky bread, oozing with melted cheese and a medley of spices that dance on your taste buds. The marriage of Indian spices with the beloved garlic bread creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests asking for more. I’ve witnessed even the most discerning palates surrender to the charm of this dish, making it a star at every gathering.

Take your culinary skills to new heights by experimenting with different proteins like lamb or paneer, or opt for alternative bread bases like naan or pita to create your own unique twist on this recipe. With a bit of planning and attention to detail, you’ll master the art of crafting this tandoori chicken garlic bread that promises to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple on your menu for years to come.

Quick Benefits

• Versatile: You can customize the spice levels to suit your family’s taste preferences and even switch up the protein or bread for different variations.
• Flavorful Fusion: Combines the best of both worlds with buttery, garlicky bread, smoky tandoori chicken, and gooey melted mozzarella for a unique and delicious experience.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The tandoori chicken mixture can be prepared in advance for easy assembly, making it a convenient option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish has received rave reviews from traditional eaters, picky teenagers, and even skeptics, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread – Delicious Fusion Recipe Recipe

• Innovative Fusion: Combining the flavors of tandoori chicken with garlic bread and melted mozzarella cheese creates a unique and delicious fusion dish that offers the best of both worlds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Tested and loved by traditional eaters, picky teenagers, and even skeptics, this recipe is sure to be a hit with a wide range of palates and preferences.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice levels to suit your family’s taste preferences, and experiment with different proteins like lamb, paneer, or even vegetarian options for a versatile dish.
• Variety of Bread Options: While the recipe calls for Hawaiian rolls, you can use naan, pita bread, or other bread variations to create different textures and flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The tandoori chicken mixture can be prepared in advance for easier assembly, making it a convenient option for dinner parties or gatherings.
• Surprisingly Easy: Despite its impressive and gourmet appearance, this recipe is straightforward to make and doesn’t require a trip to specialty stores, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Memorable and Requested: Guests will be pleasantly surprised by how well the Indian spices complement the classic garlic bread, making this dish a memorable and requested favorite for future get-togethers.

Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread – Delicious Fusion Recipe

Tandoori Chicken

• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (reduce as needed)
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ cup plain, full fat yogurt
• Handful of wooden smoking chips for smoking
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder
• 1-2 tablespoons Shan tandoori masala (optional)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 400g chicken tenders (about 4-5), cubed
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 2 tablespoons oil, butter or ghee for cooking

Garlic Butter Custard

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

Assembly

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley for serving
• 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls, kept in full sheet form (or French baguette of similar size)

How to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread – Delicious Fusion Recipe

Step 1: Marinate tandoori chicken

Combine all tandoori chicken ingredients, excluding oil and smoking chips, in a large bowl. Mix well and marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook tandoori chicken

In a wok or pan, heat oil over high heat. Cook chicken with marinade for 5-8 minutes until tender and most liquid has evaporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Smoke the chicken

Wrap wooden smoking chips in aluminum foil with a small opening on top. Heat on burner until smoke appears. Transfer to wok, open foil more, cover with lid, and smoke for 5-10 minutes with exhaust on.

Step 4: Roast garlic

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss peeled garlic cloves with olive oil, then place in a mini oven-safe pot with lid. Bake for 20 minutes until cloves are soft and golden. Mash with a fork and set aside.

Step 5: Make garlic butter custard

Combine mashed roasted garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley in a bowl. Whisk until well combined.

Step 6: Prepare bread

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut sheet of bread rolls in half. Dip bread halves into garlic butter custard to coat all sides evenly.

Step 7: Bake and assemble

Arrange the bread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden. Layer the tandoori chicken and mozzarella cheese twice on top of the bread (chicken, cheese, chicken, cheese).

Step 8: Broil and serve

Preheat oven to broil. Broil for 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and serve.

Storage Tips

To store the finished tandoori chicken garlic bread, it is best to consume it fresh and hot to enjoy the crispy bread and gooey cheese at their best. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a day. To reheat, place the dish in the oven until warmed through, but note that the bread may not be as crispy upon reheating.

For better storage and to maintain the texture of the dish, consider storing the tandoori chicken mixture separately from the bread and cheese. This way, you can easily assemble and bake fresh portions whenever desired. By preparing the components in advance and keeping them separate, you can enjoy the flavors and textures of this fusion dish almost as freshly made, even when reheating the leftovers.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ingredient substitutions, if you want to make a vegetarian version of this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread, you can replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or extra-firm tofu for a protein alternative. Both paneer and tofu can absorb the rich tandoori marinade flavors and provide a satisfying texture in the dish.

If you prefer a different bread base, you can experiment with using naan bread or pita bread instead of the Hawaiian rolls or French baguette. Naan bread will add a unique flavor and soft texture, while pita bread can offer a lighter and more pocket-like structure to hold the tandoori chicken mixture. These bread alternatives can bring a new dimension to the dish while still showcasing the delicious fusion of flavors.

To enhance the sweetness in the dish, you can include caramelized onions as an additional topping. The caramelized onions will provide a sweet contrast to the savory tandoori spices, adding depth to the overall flavor profile. This substitution can elevate the dish by introducing a subtle sweetness that complements the bold Indian spices, creating a more complex and balanced taste experience.

Serving Suggestions

For a unique and flavorful twist on traditional garlic bread, consider serving this Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread as a fun appetizer or main course at your next gathering. The smoky tandoori chicken marinated in aromatic spices pairs perfectly with the buttery, garlicky Hawaiian rolls or French baguette. Top it off with a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese for that irresistible gooey factor. To take it up a notch, you can also sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

To enhance the flavors even further, try experimenting with different proteins like lamb or paneer for a vegetarian option. You can also explore using alternative bread bases such as naan or pita bread to create exciting variations. For an added touch of sweetness, consider incorporating caramelized onions into the topping mixture to complement the bold spices. Remember to plan ahead for marinating the chicken and keep a close eye during the broiling step to ensure a perfect, crispy finish every time.

FAQs for Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread – Delicious Fusion Recipe

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can try using naan, pita bread, or even a French baguette as a base for this tandoori chicken garlic bread. Different breads will create unique variations in texture and flavor.

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to marinate the chicken for at least an hour. Allowing the chicken to marinate helps the spices infuse into the meat, enhancing its taste. Planning ahead for this step is key to achieving a flavorful end result.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish to suit my family’s taste?

Absolutely! You can customize the spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili powder and chili flakes in the recipe to match your family’s tolerance for heat. Feel free to experiment with the spice levels to suit your preferences.

How should I store leftovers of this dish?

Leftovers of the tandoori chicken garlic bread can be stored in the fridge for up to a day. When reheating, it’s best to use the oven to help retain the crispiness of the bread and the gooey texture of the cheese. While the dish can be reheated, it is best enjoyed fresh and hot for optimal taste and texture.

Conclusion

As you embark on your culinary journey to create this mouthwatering Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread, remember that the heart of cooking lies in experimentation and making the recipe your own. Feel free to play around with different spice levels, protein options, and bread choices to tailor this dish to your preferences. Whether you opt for lamb, paneer, naan, or pita bread, each variation is sure to bring its own unique twist to this flavorful fusion dish.

This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread has quickly become a standout in my repertoire, impressing even the most discerning eaters with its bold flavors and comforting familiarity. So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for your next gathering or cozy night in – your guests and loved ones are bound to be wowed by this delightful creation. Embrace the joy of cooking and let the aromatic blend of spices and cheesy goodness transport you to a culinary paradise with every delectable bite of Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread.