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:
PRINT
PIN
COMMENT
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
Karen says
Absolutely delicious! Hard to save any for later. This is a simple go-to in my house.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thrilled you enjoy it so much Karen!
Katharine in Wisconsin says
Sam, you did it again! As people who keep your Baked Tofu Bites in weekly rotation (couple of batches at least), these chickeny bites are fun, crispy, herby, and completely different tasting - you're so clever! There is just the two of us and we made the 4-person recipe last night and, well, let's just say, none made it to leftovers! Another deliciously delightful meal! Thank you! You give us all so much, Sam, and we are so grateful! And we eat so well!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Awww melt my heart. Thank you so much for your kind words Katharine!!! 🙂
Karen says
This is another recipe that is delicious and comes out so well. I have trouble setting some aside. It tends not to last a day if I only make one block. I just keep nibbling until they’re gone. So good!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you love them so much Karen!!
Joy says
The closest to chicken nuggets that you can get! The only downside is that they don't last long!
Lan says
Delicious Cooked in air fryer without oil and salt. Added dash of cayenne pepper(like a little spicy)
Mandy says
This recipe is so easy and delicious! I usually press my tofu, and upon realizing I forgot to press my tofu or marinate or any kind of prep or decide on a recipe to make with some vegan mac and cheese, I found this recipe with ingredients I already have and no pressing needed! Tofu turned out crispy and flavorful. I will make this again!
Jackie Waik-Atiya says
Love this recipe, I do the airfry version.
terry says
These are a game changer, I use them everywhere. I really like to just grab a few chuncks when I need a little pick me up. Awesomest recipe ever
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks Terry!
MS says
These are, hands down, the best thing ever! We literally do use them just about everywhere (they might not go in a protein shake! lol).
We've used them in wraps, on salads, as a snack food.. the possibilities are endless! They are so darned good, and so easy!!! Yummmmm!
Diane says
How far ahead can you prep these?
Lynne says
These were delicious! Thanks for another excellent recipe, Sam! Now it will be a tough choice between these and your Baked Tofu Bites -- which to make? I'll have to take turns. I doubled this recipe because it freezes well and these are wonderful for so many things. I trust your recipes enough so that I knew I could double it first time and would love it. You make it so much easier to eat vegan!! Thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
Aww, melt my heart. I am so happy you love my recipes so much and that I am helping to make it easier to be vegan!! That is my goal 🙂
juliec says
I'm happy to report that Trader Joe's Everything But The Leftovers seasoning works in place of poultry seasoning. They probably won't have it on the shelves again till next fall though. 😉 We loved this recipe! My tofu wasn't firm enough (which I knew going in, this is 100% my issue and not the recipe's but I had two packs that needed to be used up so I doubled the recipe and went ahead with it anyway) so it pretty much collapsed but still tasted fantastic. I have a feeling the leftovers won't last long. Thanks for the recipe, Sam!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Sounds terrific!
Carolyn says
Wow, I don't know how you do it. You consistently make easy and delicious recipes, something that isn't easy to do, or so I thought! I made these and put them into my favorite sweet and sour recipe. They held their texture and everything was delicious. Thank you!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We are so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Jennifer W says
My picky teen loved this and even requested it again! I call that a win! I do have to cook it way longer than the instructions say to get it crispy but it is very yummy! We serve it with roasted potatoes and barbecue sauce! So good!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
That is a total win! Amazing!
Lea says
Hi Sam!....I made this for dinner (as I said I would on Instagram) The only ingredient I didn't have was marjoram and I substituted oregano.....really good... Another keeper.... I am wondering what the benefit is to coating the tofu with the spices separately from the starch, flour and nooch?
Sam Turnbull says
So happy you enjoyed!! I just find it is difficult to evenly coat the tofu if you add everything at once. 🙂
Jane says
I made this as soon as I got home. I Loved it! Even better than the Tofu bites and so easy:)
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy to hear that Jane! Thank you for the review 🙂
Helen says
Oh heck yes! I have never become friends with tofu but this did indeed taste like chicken!!! I didn't have the poultry seasoning so followed the other poster's ingredients, and didn't have Italian herbs either (story of my life everytime I try to cook I don't have the correct ingredients) so I improvised.
It tastes like chicken and looks like chicken. Wow. Thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy you loved the recipe Helen! Thank you for the review 🙂
Sue says
Be careful Sam . keep this up and you might have to change the name of your blog!
thank for the recipe
Sam Turnbull says
Haah, right!?
Vampie says
These look amazing! Can't wait to try them
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! I hope you love them 🙂
Jess says
I have the same question, what can I replace poultry seasoning with?
Gayle says
Ingredients for poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons ground dried sage
1 ½ teaspoons ground dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground dried marjoram
¾ teaspoon ground dried rosemary
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Jess, you can find poultry seasoning here, or you can make your own. If you do not have poultry seasoning you could sub 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning with 3/4 teaspoon dried sage, 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper or a similar mix. I will add this to the recipe notes as well
Jane says
What is in poultry seasoning?
Wondering if I make it from ingredients that I already have as I don't generally have poultry to season 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Jane, you can find poultry seasoning here, or you can make your own. If you do not have poultry seasoning you could sub 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning with 3/4 teaspoon dried sage, 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper or a similar mix. I will add this to the recipe notes as well 🙂