Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread: The Ultimate Fusion Comfort Food

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Picture this: you’re craving something indulgent, but you can’t decide between the smoky, aromatic flavors of tandoori chicken or the irresistible pull of cheesy garlic bread. What if I told you that Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread combines both of these beloved comfort foods into one show-stopping dish?

This fusion recipe takes tender, spice-marinated chicken and nestles it into fluffy Hawaiian rolls with a rich garlic butter custard and melted mozzarella cheese. The result is a dish that’s part Indian street food, part American comfort classic, and entirely unforgettable.

I discovered this incredible combination during a late-night cooking experiment when I had leftover tandoori chicken and a craving for something warm and cheesy. What started as a creative way to use leftovers quickly became a family favorite that we now make regularly. The aromatic spices from the tandoori marinade blend beautifully with the rich, garlicky custard, creating layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tandoori chicken garlic bread isn’t just delicious—it’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for a unique dinner idea, or simply want to impress your family with something special, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort. The combination of the smoky tandoori spices with creamy garlic butter creates a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings together the best of both worlds. You get all the complex, warming spices of traditional tandoori chicken—cumin, coriander, garam masala, and that signature red chili kick—paired with the comfort of soft, buttery bread and melted cheese. Explore more trending fusion recipes here for similar creative combinations that will transform your dinner routine.

Ingredients List

Tandoori Chicken

Ingredient	Amount
Chicken tenders, cubed	400g (about 4-5 pieces)
Plain, full fat yogurt	½ cup
Ginger garlic paste	1 tbsp
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Salt	1 tsp (or to taste)
Red chili powder	1 tsp
Chili flakes	1 tsp (reduce as needed)
Turmeric powder	½ tsp
Coriander powder	½ tsp
Cumin powder	½ tsp
Onion powder	½ tsp
Garam masala	¼ tsp
Shan tandoori masala (optional)	1-2 tbsp
Oil, butter or ghee for cooking	2 tbsp
Wooden smoking chips	Handful

Garlic Butter Custard

Ingredient	Amount
Garlic cloves mixed with olive oil	6-8 cloves + 2 tbsp
Unsalted butter, melted	½ cup (113g)
Egg	1
Milk	¼ cup (60g)
Salt	½ tsp
Paprika	½ tsp
Fresh parsley, chopped	2 tbsp

Assembly

Ingredient	Amount
King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sheet Rolls	12 (kept in full sheet form)
Shredded mozzarella cheese	2 cups
Fresh parsley for serving	Chopped

Find more quick weeknight dinner ideas here to keep your meal planning exciting and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Directions

Exact Timing to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Marination Time: 2 hours (minimum 30 minutes)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (2 hours)
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, red chili powder, chili flakes, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, onion powder, garam masala, and Shan tandoori masala if using. Add cubed chicken tenders and mix thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor penetration.

Step 2: Cook the Tandoori Chicken (10 minutes)
Heat oil, butter, or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. For authentic smoky flavor, place wooden smoking chips in a small bowl, light them, and cover the cooked chicken with a lid for 2-3 minutes to infuse smoke.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Custard (5 minutes)
In a food processor, blend garlic cloves with olive oil until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the garlic mixture, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and fresh parsley until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread (5 minutes)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal slits into the Hawaiian rolls sheet, creating pockets without cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket with tandoori chicken pieces. Pour the garlic butter custard evenly over the entire sheet, ensuring it seeps into all the cuts. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake (15 minutes)
Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 3-4 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/12 of recipe)	% Daily Value
Calories	385	19%
Total Fat	18g	23%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	640mg	28%
Total Carbohydrates	28g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Total Sugars	8g	–
Protein	25g	50%
Vitamin A	180mcg	20%
Vitamin C	3mg	3%
Calcium	220mg	17%
Iron	2.1mg	12%

Nutritional Insights: This fusion dish provides excellent protein content from both chicken and cheese, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. The yogurt marinade contributes beneficial probiotics and calcium. The spice blend offers antioxidants, particularly from turmeric and coriander, which have anti-inflammatory properties. While indulgent, each serving provides nearly half the daily protein requirement.

Healthier Alternatives

Making Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. These modifications can significantly improve the nutritional profile while maintaining the dish’s appeal.

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefit
Hawaiian rolls	Whole wheat dinner rolls or cauliflower bread	Increases fiber, reduces refined carbs
Full-fat mozzarella (2 cups)	Part-skim mozzarella (1 cup) + nutritional yeast	Reduces calories by 160, adds B vitamins
½ cup melted butter	¼ cup olive oil + ¼ cup Greek yogurt	Reduces saturated fat, adds protein
Regular yogurt marinade	Greek yogurt marinade	Doubles protein content, reduces sugar
Chicken tenders	Boneless chicken breast or thighs	Leaner protein option
Whole milk	Unsweetened almond milk	Reduces calories by 35 per serving
Traditional recipe	Add diced bell peppers and onions	Increases vegetable content and fiber

Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free needs, substitute with gluten-free bread rolls. Dairy-free versions can use coconut yogurt for marination and cashew-based cheese. Find more healthy recipe ideas here for additional nutritious comfort food options.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Fresh Accompaniments: Serve your Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread alongside a crisp cucumber raita or fresh mint chutney to balance the rich, spicy flavors. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness while adding fresh vegetables to the meal.

Make it a Complete Meal: Transform this into a substantial dinner by serving with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower seasoned with similar Indian spices. The vegetables complement the tandoori flavors while adding nutritional value and color to your plate.

Perfect for Entertaining: Cut the finished garlic bread into smaller portions for appetizers or game day snacks. Serve with small bowls of different chutneys—mint, tamarind, or mango—allowing guests to customize their flavor experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Marinating the Chicken: While marination is crucial for flavor, leaving chicken in acidic yogurt marinade for more than 24 hours can break down the protein fibers, resulting in mushy texture. Stick to 2-8 hours for optimal results, ensuring the chicken remains tender but maintains its structure.

Skipping the Resting Period: Rushing to serve immediately after baking is tempting, but allowing the Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread to rest for 3-4 minutes prevents the hot custard from spilling out when cut. This brief cooling period helps the flavors meld and makes serving much cleaner.

Using Cold Ingredients for Custard: Adding cold butter or eggs directly from the refrigerator can cause the custard to seize or become lumpy. Ensure all custard ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even distribution throughout the bread.

Storing Tips

Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftover Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent the bread from drying out. The flavors actually intensify slightly after a day, making leftovers particularly delicious.

Freezing for Later: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze before baking for best results—assemble completely, wrap, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating Methods: For best texture when reheating, use a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes rather than the microwave, which can make the bread soggy. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring the center heats through completely.

FAQs

Can I make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring closer to room temperature, then bake as directed. This make-ahead option is perfect for entertaining or busy weeknight dinners.

What can I substitute if I don’t have all the spices for Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread?

While the full spice blend creates authentic flavor, you can simplify by using 2-3 tablespoons of store-bought tandoori masala powder instead of individual spices. Alternatively, a combination of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (to taste) will create a delicious, if less traditional, version of this fusion dish.

How do I prevent my Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread from becoming soggy?

The key is balancing moisture levels. Don’t oversaturate the bread with custard—it should be moist but not swimming. Also, ensure your tandoori chicken isn’t overly wet before stuffing. If using frozen Hawaiian rolls, thaw completely and pat dry. Baking uncovered for the final 5 minutes helps create a golden, slightly crispy top.

Save now, cook later!

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread: The Ultimate Fusion Comfort Food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe