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An extreme close-up shot of a single tandoori chicken bite, showing the vibrant red yogurt marinade and the charred edges after cooking.
FL Recipes

Tandoori Chicken Bites: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe

These Tandoori Chicken Bites are incredibly juicy, packed with bold Indian spices, and surprisingly easy to make in your oven, air fryer, or skillet. The perfect appetizer for any occasion!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Tandoori Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Baking Sheet, Air Fryer, or Skillet

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and vegetable oil until smooth.
  2. Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel and add them to the marinade. Toss well to ensure every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably 4-6 hours for best results.
  3. For Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra char.
  4. For Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Place chicken in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
  5. For Stovetop: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  6. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalProtein: 38gFat: 12gFiber: 1g

Notes

Marination is Key: Don't skip the marination time! This is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Whether baking, air frying, or pan-frying, cook in a single layer to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice char.
High Heat is Your Friend: A high temperature helps to replicate the tandoor oven environment, giving you that classic char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Keyword chicken appetizer,Indian chicken recipe,tandoori chicken bites

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