Spicy Yogurt Chicken Bites (Printable)

Tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, baked crisp and golden with a zesty touch.

# What you 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 - Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.
02 - Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for enhanced flavor.
03 - Set the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
04 - In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds if using.
05 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
06 - Place coated chicken bites evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to promote crispiness.
07 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crispy, and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
08 - Serve hot accompanied by a preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken incredibly tender while the breadcrumb coating crisps up beautifully in the oven.
  • You can adjust the heat level easily, making it mild for kids or fiery for those who love a kick.
  • These bites work as a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a protein-packed snack.
  • Cleanup is minimal since everything bakes on one sheet.
02 -
  • Do not skip the marinating time, I tried rushing it once and the chicken was noticeably less flavorful and tender.
  • Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through baking or the underside will stay pale and soft instead of crisp.
  • If your oven runs hot, check the chicken a few minutes early to avoid drying it out.
03 -
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness, it is the only way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without cutting into every piece.
  • Let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before breading and baking, it helps them cook more evenly.
  • Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece so they stick during baking and create a thicker, crunchier crust.
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