Tandoori Chicken with Garlic Bread

The tandoori chicken, marinated in rich spices and grilled to perfection, is wonderfully complemented by the crunchy, buttery garlic bread. The smoky aroma from the chicken combined with the fragrant garlic bread makes this meal irresistible.

This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The smoky flavors from the tandoori chicken are balanced by the comforting crunch of garlic bread, and it’s an easy-to-make dinner that feels like a special occasion. You can customize the spice levels to suit your taste and use any type of bread for the garlic bread, from classic baguette to a more rustic loaf.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons tandoori masala

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garlic Bread:

• 4 slices of thick bread (sourdough or baguette recommended)

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the fridge.

2. Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Brush chicken with olive oil and grill or bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken is fully cooked and charred.

3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic bread. Spread butter on each bread slice, sprinkle with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and parmesan cheese. Toast in the oven until golden and crispy, about 10 minutes.

4. Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh cilantro.

5. Serve the tandoori chicken with garlic bread on the side. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

How the Dish Came to Be

The inspiration for Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread came when the chef was preparing for a casual dinner with friends. With chicken marinating in traditional tandoori spices, she had some Hawaiian rolls that were almost past their prime and wondered how to elevate this humble bread. The thought was simple yet brilliant – transforming the bread into something more substantial by adding the smoky tandoori chicken and loads of melty cheese. The result was a delightful fusion of Indian and American comfort food.

The creation quickly became a favorite among friends and family, with even the most traditional eaters giving rave reviews. The smoky flavor of the chicken, combined with the creamy cheese and buttery garlic bread, created a dish unlike anything they had tried before. It’s one of those recipes that has now become a signature dish, frequently requested at gatherings.

Mastering the Key Ingredients

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread brings together a variety of flavors and textures, each element playing an essential role in the overall experience. The key components are the chicken, the tandoori marinade, roasted garlic butter, Hawaiian rolls, and mozzarella cheese.

• Chicken: The chicken tends to be marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and aromatics, which tenderizes the meat while infusing it with the smoky, spicy tandoori flavor.

• Tandoori Marinade: The marinade, which includes ingredients like yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices (such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala), is what imparts the bold flavors to the chicken.

• Roasted Garlic Butter: The butter is infused with roasted garlic, offering a sweet and deep flavor profile. This roasted garlic butter serves as the perfect spread for the bread and brings the whole dish together.

• Hawaiian Rolls: These rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up the garlic butter. The sweetness of the bread provides a lovely contrast to the spicy chicken topping.

• Mozzarella Cheese: The melted mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and helps bind all the flavors together, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.

Step-by-Step Preparation

The preparation begins with marinating the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld together. Ideally, the chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes, although a few hours or even overnight is better for a more flavorful result. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the spices will permeate the meat.

Once marinated, the chicken is cooked until tender and slightly caramelized, creating a deep, smoky flavor. For an added touch of authenticity, a smoking step can be added, where wooden chips are heated and placed in the pan, infusing the chicken with a smoky aroma.

Meanwhile, the garlic bread is prepared by roasting garlic until it becomes soft and golden, then mixing it with butter, milk, egg, and seasonings to create a custard-like spread. The Hawaiian rolls are dipped in this roasted garlic butter mixture and baked until crispy, creating a flavorful base for the chicken topping.

The final assembly involves layering the cooked chicken and mozzarella cheese on the garlic bread and broiling it until the cheese is melted and golden brown. This process melds the flavors together into a delicious fusion dish that is both comforting and bold.

Creative Variations

The beauty of Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread lies in its versatility. While the original recipe is incredibly delicious, there are several ways to customize it to your tastes.

• Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, you can adjust the chili powder and flakes in the marinade. You can also replace the tandoori masala with a milder version or use a different spice mix altogether.

• Proteins: While chicken is the most common protein used in this recipe, you can switch it up with other meats, such as lamb, or even a vegetarian alternative like paneer (Indian cottage cheese). These variations add different textures and flavors to the dish while maintaining the tandoori theme.

• Bread Substitutes: The Hawaiian rolls work wonderfully, but you can also experiment with other types of bread, such as naan or pita. The choice of bread can influence the texture and flavor of the final dish, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

• Additional Toppings: For added depth, you can add caramelized onions or roasted bell peppers on top of the chicken before adding the cheese. These additions bring sweetness and a bit of extra flavor to balance the spices.

Serving and Storage Tips

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is best served immediately, while the bread is crispy and the cheese is still gooey. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When reheating, it’s best to place the bread under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp it back up. While it may not be as crispy as when it was first made, it will still be tasty and flavorful.

For meal prep, you can prepare the tandoori chicken and garlic butter mixture in advance and store them separately in the fridge. This will make assembly and baking a breeze when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is a fusion dish that brings the bold and flavorful spices of Indian cuisine together with the comforting appeal of garlic bread. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that works perfectly for a casual family dinner, a gathering with friends, or as a unique addition to a barbecue. The combination of smoky chicken, buttery garlic bread, and melted cheese creates an unforgettable flavor experience that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a tasty meal with your family, this dish is a guaranteed hit.