Spicy Yogurt Chicken Bites (Print Version)

Tender chicken marinated in spiced yogurt, baked to golden crispiness with a flavorful punch.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Marinade

02 - 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp chili powder
09 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Coating

12 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
13 - 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
14 - Cooking spray or additional olive oil, for baking

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
02 - Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring full coverage. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
03 - Set oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
04 - Combine panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds (if using) in a shallow dish.
05 - Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
06 - Place coated chicken bites evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crisp, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
08 - Serve hot alongside a preferred dipping sauce such as tzatziki or ranch.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken incredibly moist even when baked at high heat.
  • You get restaurant quality crunch without deep frying or complicated techniques.
  • It works as a quick dinner or impressive party appetizer with almost no effort.
  • The spice level is completely customizable so everyone at the table stays happy.
02 -
  • Don't skip the marinating time or the chicken won't be as tender and flavorful.
  • Flip the pieces halfway through baking or the bottoms can get soggy instead of crisp.
  • If the coating isn't sticking well, pat the chicken dry slightly before dredging.
03 -
  • Marinate overnight if you have the time, the flavor deepens and the texture gets even more tender.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of cutting into pieces and losing all those juices.
  • Double the breadcrumb mixture if you're making a larger batch so you don't run out halfway through.
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