Tandoori Chicken Sandwich
Tender, spicy tandoori chicken pieces tucked into toasted bread with a cooling mint-yogurt spread and crisp veggies. This fusion sandwich brings the best of Indian flavors to a classic lunch favorite, ready in about 35 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the curd, ginger-garlic paste, 2 tbsp lemon juice, tandoori masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt until smooth.
- c.Add the chicken fillets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 4-6 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Mint Yogurt Mayo
- b.While the chicken marinates, combine the mayonnaise, fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chili, the remaining 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and cumin powder in a small blender or food processor.
- c.Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Tandoori Chicken
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the marinated chicken fillets in the hot pan, avoiding overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary).
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through with a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- e.Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toast the Bread and Assemble
- b.Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
- c.On a clean pan or griddle over medium heat, place the bread slices butter-side down. Toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- d.To assemble, spread a generous layer of the mint yogurt mayo on the un-toasted side of all 8 bread slices.
- e.On 4 of the slices, layer with lettuce, tomato slices, sliced red onion, and the sliced tandoori chicken.
- f.If using, place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the chicken.
- g.Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, mayo-side down. Press gently to secure.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Slice the sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately with a side of chips or a simple salad.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender chicken, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
- 2Using thick Greek yogurt is key to a rich marinade that clings well to the chicken.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; this ensures it sears well rather than steams.
- 4For an authentic smoky flavor, use the 'Dhungar' method: place a small steel bowl with a hot piece of charcoal in the center of the marinating chicken, drizzle a little ghee over it, and immediately cover the bowl for 5 minutes.
- 5The mint yogurt mayo can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- 6If you don't have tandoori masala, you can make a blend with coriander powder, cumin powder, paprika, and garam masala.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 500g of paneer, cut into thick slices. Marinate and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Healthier SpreadHealthier Spread
For a lighter version, replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of thick Greek yogurt in the mint spread.
Different BreadDifferent Bread
Try using naan bread or a brioche bun instead of sliced bread for a different texture and experience.
Add insAdd-ins
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or pickled jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
The use of curd (yogurt) in the marinade introduces beneficial probiotics, which support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help boost overall immunity.
Frequently asked questions
A single Tandoori Chicken Sandwich contains approximately 700-850 calories, depending on the type of bread, amount of mayonnaise, and whether cheese is used. For a lower-calorie version, use whole wheat bread and substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.