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!
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). The secret to this updated version 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. The coating is also generously seasoned with an array of spices to make it oh-so-deliciously addictive. These tofu bites can be made in the oven or in your air fryer. You will want to bookmark this recipe, because this is one to come back to over and over again!
Ingredients:
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 alternatively use vegan chickenless broth if you have that on hand.
Olive oil: to help make 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:
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!
These Chicken-Style Tofu Bites are…
- Delicious- you won’t be able to stop snacking on them!
- Easy to make
- Perfect to use anywhere- on salads, pasta, in sandwiches, or enjoyed alone with a dip
What to serve with these tofu bites:
Easy Vegan Potato Salad
Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
The Best Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Broccolini
Quick Roasted Cauliflower
Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad
The Best Vegan Greek Salad
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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Instructions
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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℃).
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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.
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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.
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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!
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