Can I skip the smoking step?

Absolutely! While the smoke adds that signature tandoori finish, the dish is still delicious if you leave this part out. The marinade and spices bring plenty of flavor on their own.

What’s the best bread to use if I can’t find King’s Hawaiian rolls?

Any soft, slightly sweet bread works wonderfully! A French baguette (split lengthwise), brioche, or a big loaf of challah are all fantastic options. Just make sure to slice it thick enough to hold all those toppings.

Can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Yes, and it’s easy! Cut the chili powder and chili flakes by half or leave them out completely. You can also add a dollop of plain yogurt or a mild cheese to tone down the heat.

Do I have to roast the garlic for the custard?

Roasting the garlic isn’t strictly necessary, but it mellows and sweetens the flavor, keeping the custard from being too sharp. If you’re in a hurry, use raw garlic but reduce the amount by half.

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe

Name: Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-American)
Ingredients: 400g chicken tenders (about 4-5), cubed; ½ 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); ½ tsp turmeric powder; ½ tsp coriander powder; ½ tsp cumin powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp garam masala; Optional: 1-2 tbsp Shan tandoori masala; 2 tbsp oil, butter or ghee for cooking; Handful of wooden smoking chips for smoking; 6-8 garlic cloves, mixed with 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g); 1 egg; ¼ cup milk (60g); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp paprika; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 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

This Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is not just a recipe—it’s an irresistible mashup that promises the smoky, spicy flavors of classic tandoori chicken fused with the gooey comfort of cheesy garlic bread. In just over an hour, you can have a wildly flavorful dish that’s crispy, creamy, and packed with bold Indian spices—all layered over pillowy soft bread. Whether you’re hosting a spontaneous get-together or looking for a crowd-pleasing family dinner, this fusion favorite delivers on both ease and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick marination and speedy assembly mean you can have a showstopping meal on the table faster than takeout.
Impossible to Resist: Each bite is loaded with juicy, spiced chicken, creamy mozzarella, and a subtle hint of roasted garlic.
So Customizable: From spicy heat to the bread you use, you can make this dish entirely your own.
Fun to Make and Eat: It’s tactile, it’s hands-on, and it brings major comfort food energy—ideal for sharing and experimenting in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these key ingredients and you’ll be well on your way to making the best garlic bread you’ve ever tasted—spiced and smoky in all the right ways.

For the Tandoori Chicken:

Chicken tenders: Cut into bite-sized cubes for fast, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Plain yogurt: Full-fat is a must for creamy marination and authentic tenderness.
Ginger garlic paste: Brings warmth and irresistible aromatics; pre-made or homemade both work beautifully.
Spices: Red chili powder, chili flakes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, onion powder, garam masala—adjust for your preferred spice level.
Lemon juice: Adds tang, helps tenderize the meat, and brightens every bite.
Tandoori masala: Totally optional, but it bumps up the smoky, restaurant-quality flavor.
Oil, butter, or ghee: For cooking and enhancing shine and depth.
Wood smoking chips: For a gentle, aromatic smokiness, just like in a classic tandoor.

For the Garlic Butter Custard:

Garlic cloves: Roasted for sweetness and depth—don’t skip this! It transforms the whole dish.
Olive oil: For roasting the garlic and infusing every bite with silky flavor.
Unsalted butter: The base for the custardy mixture; use melted for easy blending.
Egg: Adds richness and helps the custard set perfectly.
Milk: For a touch of creaminess.
Salt & paprika: Brings out all the other flavors and a hint of color.
Chopped fresh parsley: Bright, herbal finish—save extra for garnishing.

For Assembly:

Sheet rolls or French baguette: King’s Hawaiian Original Rolls keep things extra soft and slightly sweet, but any sturdy bread works.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, stretchable cheesy blanket.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Bread Swaps: No Hawaiian rolls? French baguette (split lengthwise), ciabatta, naan or even a focaccia are incredible substitutes.
Cheese Choices: Mix in some sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a deeper cheese flavor and extra golden topping.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for thick-cut mushrooms or paneer cubes marinated with the same spices.
Mild Heat: Reduce or skip the chili flakes and powder for a kid-friendly version, or dial it up with extra tandoori masala for spice lovers.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt, butter, and cheese. Tofu makes a fantastic chicken alternative.
Fresh Herbs: Finish with cilantro or mint for a fresh twist.

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own—you can really let your creativity shine.

How to Make Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the cubed chicken, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, spices, lemon juice, and (if using) tandoori masala in a large bowl. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—the longer, the more flavor!

Step 2: Cook and Smoke the Chicken

Heat your oil, butter, or ghee in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and most of the extra moisture is gone, about 5-8 minutes. For a genuine smoky aroma, place your smoking chips in a foil pouch with a small opening, heat on a burner until smoking, then nestle into the wok, cover, and let the smoke infuse for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Custard

While the chicken marinates, roast the garlic. Toss peeled cloves in olive oil, cover, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until soft and golden. Mash with a fork. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed garlic, melted butter, egg, milk, salt, paprika, and parsley until smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Bread

Lower the oven to 350°F. With a sharp knife, cut your roll sheet or bread into two large halves (think sandwich style). Dip the bread gentlly into the garlic custard mix, turning so every side soaks up that rich, garlicky flavor. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until toasted and golden.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Broil

Layer on the tandoori chicken and mozzarella cheese—be generous! I love making two layers for maximum gooeyness and flavor. Switch your oven to broil/grill and cook for 5-8 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Shower with fresh parsley, slice into portions, and serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistibly melty.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Marinate in Advance: If you can, marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Melted butter and eggs at room temp blend better for the custard.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, spread it out so it cooks evenly and browns nicely.
Watch the Broiler Closely: Cheese can go from golden to burnt fast, so keep an eye out in the last minutes.
Stovetop Smoker Alternative: If you don’t have smoking chips, try a few drops of liquid smoke stirred into the marinade.

How to Serve

This tandoori chicken garlic bread truly stands on its own—just slice it up and watch it disappear! If you’re looking to round out your meal, pair it with:

Crisp garden salad—for a fresh contrast
Cool raita—yogurt dip with cucumber and herbs tamps down the spice
Pickled onions or chutney—for a zesty companion
Hot chai or cold lemon soda—depending on your mood

Perfect as an appetizer, centerpiece, or fun dinner—this dish fits any occasion. It’s best enjoyed fresh while the cheese is melty and the bread still has that crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for 2-3 days, and the flavors only get deeper!

Freezing

For best results, freeze the unbaked, cheese-topped garlic bread. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When craving strikes, pop straight into a hot oven and bake until bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, use a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until hot and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch but the bread may soften.

Pro Tip: If prepping for a party, you can have everything assembled and ready to bake the day before.

FAQs

Can I skip the smoking step?

Absolutely! While the smoke adds that signature tandoori finish, the dish is still delicious if you leave this part out. The marinade and spices bring plenty of flavor on their own.
What’s the best bread to use if I can’t find King’s Hawaiian rolls?

Any soft, slightly sweet bread works wonderfully! A French baguette (split lengthwise), brioche, or a big loaf of challah are all fantastic options. Just make sure to slice it thick enough to hold all those toppings.
Can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Yes, and it’s easy! Cut the chili powder and chili flakes by half or leave them out completely. You can also add a dollop of plain yogurt or a mild cheese to tone down the heat.
Do I have to roast the garlic for the custard?

Roasting the garlic isn’t strictly necessary, but it mellows and sweetens the flavor, keeping the custard from being too sharp. If you’re in a hurry, use raw garlic but reduce the amount by half.

Final Thoughts

Tandoori Chicken Garlic Bread is the ultimate weeknight showstopper—easy, satisfying, and so much fun to share. With its bold spices, creamy layers, and perfect crispness, every bite is a little celebration. Gather your ingredients, invite experimentation, and make this kitchen-favorite ASAP—there’s just no reason to wait!