Why You’ll Love Tandoori Chicken Bites Recipe

The yogurt‑based marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with warm, savory spices, producing juicy, flavorful bites.
The breadcrumb coating gives a satisfying crunch, balancing the soft, tender interior.
It’s easy and quick: you can go from raw chicken to a delicious plate of crispy bites in about 20 minutes (plus marination time).
Versatile — serve as finger food, snacks, with sauces, or as part of a larger meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless chicken — 500 grams
Yogurt or curd — 1 cup
Chilli powder — 1 tablespoon
Coriander powder — 1 teaspoon
Cumin powder — 2 teaspoons
Turmeric powder — 1 teaspoon
Pepper powder — ½ teaspoon
Garam masala powder — 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice — 1 tablespoon
Salt, to taste
Breadcrumbs — as needed (for coating)
Oil — for deep frying

Directions

In a bowl, combine yogurt, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, pepper, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
Add the cubed boneless chicken to the marinade and mix thoroughly so every piece is well coated.
Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight if time allows) — this lets the flavors develop and tenderizes the meat.
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and coat each piece evenly with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan. Once hot, carefully add the breadcrumb‑coated chicken pieces and deep‑fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil, then serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time (excluding marination): ~ 20 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking tray in a preheated oven at about 180 °C (350 °F) for 5–8 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Reheated chicken bites are also good when added to wraps, sandwiches, or salads.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

You should use boneless chicken pieces (breast or thigh) cut into bite‑sized chunks so they cook quickly and evenly.

Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

You could, but skipping the breadcrumbs means you’ll lose the crunchy coating. The texture will be softer and less crispy — still tasty, but not the same “bites” experience.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 to 3 hours is recommended. For deeper flavor and more tender chicken, marinate overnight if possible.

Can I bake instead of deep‑frying?

Yes — though the recipe as written calls for deep‑frying for maximum crispiness. If baking, the result will be less crunchy but healthier. You may want to brush the chicken pieces lightly with oil before baking.

How spicy will these bites be?

The level of spice comes mainly from the chilli powder and pepper. If you want a milder version, reduce the chilli powder or omit it entirely.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes — you can marinate the chicken a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to eat, coat with breadcrumbs and fry. This saves time on serving day.

What sauces or sides go well with this dish?

They pair well with yogurt‑based dips (like raita), mint or coriander chutney, ketchup, or a simple lemon wedge. They also go nicely with flatbread, rice, or fresh salad.

Can I make these in an air‑fryer or oven?

Yes. While deep frying gives the crispiest results, you can air‑fry or bake them for a lighter version. Just make sure to spray or brush some oil on the pieces so they crisp rather than dry out.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cut a piece in half — the inside should be opaque and no longer pink. The juices should run clear. If in doubt, you can use a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach about 75 °C (165 °F).

Will the coating stay crunchy?

If stored correctly (in an airtight container) and reheated properly (in an oven or air‑fryer rather than microwave), the coating can remain fairly crunchy when reheated.

Conclusion

Tandoori Chicken Bites are a flavorful, crunchy, and juicy snack or appetizer that’s simple to make yet deeply satisfying. With a spice‑infused yogurt marinade and breadcrumb coating, they deliver a wonderful contrast between tender chicken and crispy exterior. Whether you’re planning a casual get‑together, a cozy evening snack, or just craving something tasty, these bites are a fantastic choice. Enjoy cooking — and enjoy your meal!

Tandoori Chicken Bites

Why You’ll Love Tandoori Chicken Bites Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Storage/Reheating