Author: You won't be able to resist these delicious crispy vegan Chicken-Style Tofu Bites! Enjoy them as a savory snack with your favorite dip, or use them to elevate salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or simply savor them straight from the pan!
This recipe was inspired by my husband, Adam, who whipped up a batch of tofu bites for lunch the other day. One bite, and I was amazed by how much they tasted like roasted chicken! I knew immediately that I had to share this recipe with you. With Adam's initial measurements and a few tweaks of my own, we've crafted the perfect Chicken-Style Tofu Bites. These delightful nuggets are similar to my beloved Baked Tofu Bites, so if you're a fan of that recipe, you're sure to love this one too!
Why These Chicken-Style Tofu Bites Are a Must Make
- Awesome crispy-crusty exterior: The secret to this recipe lies in the combination of flour and cornstarch. While cornstarch creates a crispy exterior when baked, flour contributes to a more substantial crust. Together, they strike the perfect balance.
- Delicious: The coating is also generously seasoned with an array of spices to make it oh-so-deliciously addictive.
- Versatile: These tofu bites can be made in the oven or in your air fryer, and they can be used anywhere-on salads, pasta, in sandwiches, or enjoyed with a dip.
Ingredients for Chicken-Style Tofu Bites
- Extra-firm tofu: I prefer using extra-firm tofu in this recipe, but super firm tofu will work if that is available to you. Or in a pinch, firm tofu will work as well, it will just be a bit more tender. There is no need to press the tofu first as any extra moisture will evaporate when baked in the oven.
- Vegetable broth: To help the coating stick. You could also use vegan chickenless broth if you have that on hand.
- Olive oil: This makes the tofu crispy. If you are oil-free you can sub this with more vegetable broth.
- Spices: Nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This combo tastes amazing and makes the tofu taste like chicken.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: To coat the tofu and provide the crispy coating. If you are gluten-free you can sub the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
How to Make Chicken-Style Tofu Bites
- Prep the tofu: Tear it into pieces and add it to a bowl with the broth and olive oil. Toss to coat, then sprinkle with the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper and toss again. Now sprinkle with the flour, cornstarch, and nutritional yeast and toss a third time.
- Oven method: Spread the tofu onto a baking sheet and bake in a 400ºF oven for 17 - 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
- Air fryer method: Add the tofu to the air fryer basket and cook at 375ºF for 15 - 20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown.
Tips and Variations
- Make sure they're evenly coated before moving onto the next step: The seasonings and coatings are applied in 3 steps to make sure everything is evenly distributed!
- Don't crowd the air fryer basket: If you're using the air fryer, make sure the tofu is in a single layer and, ideally, that there's some space between each bite. Allowing the air to circulate around the bites of tofu is what makes it crispy.
- Give them a spicy kick: For spicy vegan chicken vibes, add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning.
How to Use + What to Serve With Tofu Bites
Dip them in your favorite sauce as a snack, use them to top pasta or salads, add to a sandwich, or eat them however you like!
Here are some ideas for sides to go with these chicken-style tofu bites:
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. They are delicious enjoyed cold or warm them up in the air fryer, a 350ºF oven, or the microwave.
More Tofu Recipes
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Chicken-Style Tofu Bites
You won't be able to resist snacking on these delicious vegan Chicken-Style Tofu Bites! The blend of seasonings in this recipe creates a crispy coating that bursts with flavor. Enjoy them as a savory snack with your favorite dip, or use them to elevate salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or simply savor them straight from the pan!
Servings:
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Ingredients
- 1 block (350 g/ 12.3oz) extra-firm tofu, drained (no need to press it)
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, (sub for more vegetable broth if oil-free)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 375℉ (190℃).
- Use your fingers to tear it into chunks about 1" in size. Some chunks will be bigger and others will be smaller and that's perfect! Tearing the tofu will make for the best chicken-like texture and also helps grip the sauce better. Add the tofu to a medium bowl and drizzle over the vegetable broth and olive oil and toss to coat. Now sprinkle over the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper and toss to coat again. Now sprinkle over the flour, cornstarch, and nutritional yeast and toss to coat a final time. The tofu will be covered in a thick pasty batter, it's ok if the mixture doesn't cling to the tofu evenly.
- Oven method: Spread the tofu evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 17 - 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. Air fryer method: Add your tofu to your air fryer basket and cook for 15 - 20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown.
- Use the tofu bites as desired. Dip them in your favorite sauce as a snack, use them to top pasta or salads, add to a sandwich, or use them however you like!Enjoy this tofu recipe hot. Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 -5 days. They are also delicious enjoyed cold!
Notes
Poultry seasoning: poultry is a seasoning blend that can be found in the spice section of most grocery stores. You can find poultry seasoning on Amazon here, or you can make your own. If you do not have poultry seasoning you could sub 1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning with
- ¾ teaspoon dried sage
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon dried rosemary, ⅛ teaspoon dried marjoram, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper or a similar mix.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving (recipe makes 4 servings) | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 3mg
Holly says
Delish
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks Holly! 😊
NICOLE says
The bites were crunchy and crispy. I loved the texture and taste, it went perfectly with roast potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and a mushroom gravy. I will definitely be making them again to have with salad too. Thanks for a great recipe! (really quick and easy)
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks Nicole! That meal sounds delicious. So glad you enjoyed the tofu bites 😊
Sheffield Vegan Blogger says
Great recipe 5 stars as always 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww thank you so much!
Mary Dixon says
Delicious and easy to make!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you enjoyed it, Mary! 😊
Bonnie says
This recipe for Chicken Style Tofu is beyond incredible. I followed the recipe exactly as written because I've learned to trust your judgement and you didn't disappoint. I could have eaten the whole thing right out of the oven but it was so good decided to make a Caesar Wrap as I had the ingredients on hand. Normally one wrap is all I can manage, but not this time, I made a 2nd! So, so good! Thank you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha, that's wonderful Bonnie!! I am so thrilled you enjoyed it and trust my recipes so much. Thank you for the review 🙂
Elizabeth says
This was so easy and SO good! This one is going into my regular rotation. Thanks you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it so much Elizabeth! 🙂
David J Montgomery says
in making this recipe my tofu broke down to a paste. I'm putting into a salad so it does matter to much but how can I prevent this from happening in the future?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Daivd! Did you use extra-firm tofu? Firm or medium tofu will be too soft and would definitely break down. Let me know 🙂
Marsha says
I've been looking for a tofu recipe that I really like, and I think this is it. I did add a little seasoning salt and a bit of crushed red pepper. I love the crispiness of it and might have cooked it a little too long, but it is still really good. Thanks for a really easy recipe that is easy to adjust with favorite seasonings and what's on hand.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We're so happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Angharad Downing says
Yummy! I sometimes just grab whatever seasoI have to hand and it’s always a quick and easy wining dish / snack 😋
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you enjoyed them!