Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns are your ticket to a world of amazing flavors right from your kitchen. Imagine the tender chicken marinated in spicy tandoori seasoning, hugging the soft and fluffy naan bread. It’s a combination that brings joy to your taste buds and warmth to your meals.
Whether you’re looking to spice up a family dinner or impress guests at a festive gathering, these buns are a sure hit.
If you love the flavors of Indian and Pakistani cuisine, you’ll find these naan buns irresistibly tasty. The smoky, delicious aroma of tandoori chicken coupled with the comfort of naan makes this a standout dish. When I first made them, the house was filled with the wonderful smell of spices, drawing everyone to the kitchen eagerly.
Each bite offers a taste of tradition and creativity.
Perfect for any time of day, these buns are not only delicious but also easy to make. I promise that once you try them, they will become a favorite in your kitchen, just like they’ve become in mine. Every time I make them, there’s a sense of joy and a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that goes into every bite.
Why You Will Love Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns
Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy naan bun filled with deliciously spiced tandoori chicken. These buns bring the rich, bold flavors of Indian cuisine straight to your table.
Each bun is a taste sensation, perfectly marrying the spicy, smoky goodness of tandoori chicken with the tender, pillowy naan.
What makes them special?
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite is bursting with classic Pakistani or Indian flavors. You’ll find hints of smoky spices that keep your taste buds tingling.
- Perfect Texture: The buns have a unique texture. They’re crispy on the outside, yet incredibly soft within, making every bite enjoyable.
- Versatile Meal: Tandoori chicken naan buns work for any meal. They’re great for lunch, a quick snack, or even dinner.
- Warm Garlic Butter: The addition of warm garlic butter enhances the flavors further. It adds a rich, creamy touch to complement the spicy chicken.
These buns not only taste amazing but also offer a mild heat that is just enough to be exciting without overpowering your palate.
Do you enjoy handheld meals? Tandoori chicken naan buns are not just tasty; they’re easy to eat, making them perfect for picnics or on-the-go lunches.
Their combination of taste and convenience means they win over anyone looking for flavorful yet simple meal options.
How To Make Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns
Creating Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns involves marinating chicken in a blend of spices, making a naan dough, and baking until perfect. These buns bring together the smoky flavors of tandoori chicken with the soft texture of naan, creating a delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the tandoori chicken, you’ll need:
- Chicken Breast Tenderloin or Chicken Tenders
- Yogurt
- Lemon Juice
- Ginger Garlic Paste
- Cumin Powder
- Coriander Powder
- Turmeric Powder
- Red Chili Powder
- Garam Masala
For the naan dough, gather:
- All-purpose Flour
- Active Dry Yeast or Instant Yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Warm Milk
- Water
- Oil
To enhance the flavor, include:
- Garlic Powder
- Minced Garlic
- Butter
- Pureed Tomato
- Red Onion
Instruments
To make these delightful buns, ensure you have:
- Mixing Bowls for marinating and dough preparation
- Measuring Cups and Spoons for accurate ingredient measurement
- Rolling Pin to flatten dough
- Oven set to 350°F for baking
- Baking Sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Basting Brush for buttering the buns
- Knife for chopping cilantro and onions
- Grill or Pan for cooking the marinated chicken
Step By Step Instruction
1. Marinate Chicken:
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili, and garam masala. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare Naan Dough:
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk and oil to form a dough. Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Grill or sear the marinated chicken until fully cooked. Cut into small pieces to use as filling.
4. Shape the Dough:
Divide the risen dough into balls. Roll each into a disc, approximately 3.5 inches in diameter.
5. Fill and Seal:
Place chicken filling in the center of each disc. Fold edges over the filling and seal securely, forming a bun.
6. Bake:
Place buns on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
7. Final Touch:
Melt butter with garlic powder. Brush over the baked buns for a flavorful finish. Optionally, top with chopped cilantro for garnish. Enjoy your homemade Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns!
Tips & Tricks
To perfect your Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns, use fresh spices for the best flavor. Spices lose their potency over time, so make sure yours are fresh for a rich taste.
For a smoky flavor, you can use wooden smoking chips or coal while cooking the chicken. This adds an authentic tandoori taste that many love.
When shaping your buns, an egg wash can give them a beautiful golden crust. Just brush a mix of egg and water on the buns before baking for that perfect shine. You can even sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra texture.
Baking your naan buns on a heated stone or using a clay oven can give them a better texture. It mimics traditional cooking methods and can make your bread softer.
Adding chili flakes to your chicken marinade or as a garnish can kick up the spice level if you like it extra hot. It balances well with the smokiness.
Remember to keep an eye on the heat. Cooking at the right temperature ensures your chicken stays juicy and your buns are nicely risen. Always preheat your oven for the best results.
Ingredient Substitute
When making tandoori chicken naan buns, you might not have every ingredient at hand. Here are some substitutes you can use:
Butter and Ghee: If you don’t have ghee, use unsalted butter or even garlic butter for a hint of garlic flavor. Melted butter works well too.
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese adds a mild creaminess. If unavailable, regular mozzarella cheese is a suitable substitute.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro is often used for garnish. In its place, you can try parsley for a different taste.
Plain Yogurt: Used for marinades, plain yogurt can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency. Sour cream is another option.
Spices: If you’re looking for heat, use cayenne or Kashmiri chili as a milder option. Shan tikka masala can replace chicken tikka masala for a unique twist.
Flour: For making naan, plain flour is essential. If you need an alternative, you could use whole wheat flour, though it might change the texture slightly.
Feel free to experiment with these options to customize your naan buns to your liking!
What To Serve With Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns
When you’re enjoying tandoori chicken naan buns, the right sides can really enhance your meal. Consider starting with a fresh cucumber salad. The cool, crisp bites provide a great contrast to the spicy flavors in your buns.
Adding a selection of chutneys can be a game-changer. Try mint or cilantro chutney for a refreshing taste. If you prefer something sweet, mango chutney delivers a delightful twist that pairs wonderfully with the tandoori spices.
For an extra burst of flavor and color, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or red onions over your naan buns. These toppings not only look appealing but also enhance the overall taste of your dish.
If you’re looking to incorporate these buns into a larger meal, think about serving them during iftar feasts. These gatherings during Ramadan offer a chance to combine various flavors, and your tandoori chicken naan buns will fit right in.
Don’t forget a side of coriander chutney. This flavorful addition adds a zesty element, blending beautifully with the other spices in your dish. You might also enjoy a small serving of raita, a yogurt-based side with a touch of cumin and fresh coriander.
Nutrition Fact In List Form
When you’re enjoying Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns, knowing the nutrition facts can help you make informed choices. Here’s a breakdown:
- Calories: Depending on the brand, naan can have different calorie counts. Some may have around 150 to 260 calories per piece.
- Carbohydrates: Naan bread is typically high in carbs. It often contains 64% to 81% of its macronutrient content.
- Fats: You might find that naan contains about 10% to 25% from fats.
- Protein: Generally, naan offers a modest amount of protein, roughly 9% to 11%.
- Size and Weight: The portion size varies, with pieces typically weighing between 50g to 85g.
Tandoori Chicken Naan Buns
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (for marinating and dough)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Oven (set to 350°F)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Basting brush (for buttering)
- Grill or pan (for cooking chicken)
- Knife (for chopping onions and cilantro)
Ingredients
- For the Tandoori Chicken:
- Chicken Breast Tenderloin or Chicken Tenders
- Yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Ginger garlic paste
- Cumin powder
- Coriander powder
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Garam masala
- For the Naan Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Warm milk
- Water
- Oil
- For Flavor Enhancement:
- Garlic powder
- Minced garlic
- Butter
- Pureed tomato
- Red onion
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili, and garam masala. Let chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Naan Dough: Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk and oil to form dough. Knead until smooth and let rise until doubled.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until fully cooked. Cut into small pieces.
- Shape the Dough: Divide risen dough into balls, rolling each into a 3.5-inch disc.
- Fill and Seal: Place chicken filling on each disc and fold edges over to seal into a bun.
- Bake: Place buns on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
- Final Touch: Melt butter with garlic powder and brush over buns. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal (depends on naan size)
- Total Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 3-6g
- Protein: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sodium: 400-600 mg
- Cholesterol: 35-50 mg
