Holy crispy goodness! 🍗 Get ready to sink your teeth into some seriously mouthwatering vegan fried “chicken” that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. I’ve teamed up with some of the most talented plant-based chefs to bring you 8 mind-blowing recipes that’ll satisfy your cravings without harming a single feather. Whether you’re craving classic Southern-style, spicy buffalo, or even a Korean-inspired twist, we’ve got you covered. These recipes are so easy and flexible, you’ll be whipping up crispy deliciousness in no time. So grab your apron, crank up the oil, and let’s get frying!
Seitan Fried Chicken
Video Recipe
Oh. My. Goodness. This seitan-based fried “chicken” is the stuff of legends.
To make it, you’ll start by kneading together vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and spices to create a dough.
After simmering the seitan in a flavorful broth, you’ll dip it in a mixture of plant milk and apple cider vinegar, then coat it in seasoned flour.
Finally, fry those bad boys up until they’re golden brown and crispy AF.
I swear, the first time I made this recipe, my non-vegan neighbor came knocking on my door asking what that heavenly smell was.
Needless to say, he was SHOOK when I told him it was 100% plant-based.
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the spices in your flour mixture. That’s where the magic happens!
Cauliflower Fried Chicken
Video Recipe
Cauliflower, you sneaky little veggie you. Is there anything you CAN’T do?
For this recipe, you’ll chop up a head of cauliflower into wing-sized pieces.
Dip them in a batter made from flour, plant milk, and spices, then coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs.
Pop those babies in the air fryer or oven until they’re crispy and golden.
I once served these at a Super Bowl party, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than my motivation on a Monday morning.
Even the die-hard meat-eaters were fighting over the last piece!
Want to kick it up a notch? Toss your fried cauliflower in some vegan buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
Tofu Fried Chicken
Video Recipe
Tofu haters, prepare to eat your words (and a whole lot of delicious fried “chicken”).
Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu to remove excess moisture.
Cut it into chunks, then marinate in a mixture of plant milk, apple cider vinegar, and spices.
Dredge in seasoned flour and fry until golden and crispy.
The first time I made this, I was skeptical. Tofu? As fried chicken? But holy moly, was I wrong.
The texture is SPOT ON, and the flavor is out of this world.
Remember, the key to perfect tofu fried chicken is getting that marinade to really soak in. Patience, young Padawan.
Oyster Mushroom Fried Chicken
Video Recipe
Mushroom lovers, this one’s for you! (And if you’re not a mushroom lover, trust me, you will be after trying this.)
Tear oyster mushrooms into chicken-sized pieces.
Dip in a batter made from flour, plant milk, and spices, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs.
Fry until crispy and golden.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a late-night Pinterest binge (don’t judge), and it’s been a game-changer ever since.
The texture of oyster mushrooms is eerily similar to chicken, and they soak up flavor like nobody’s business.
Pro tip: If you can’t find oyster mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms work great too!
Jackfruit Fried Chicken
Video Recipe
Jackfruit, you magnificent beast. Is there anything you can’t do?
Drain and rinse canned jackfruit, then shred it into chicken-like pieces.
Season with your favorite poultry spices, then dip in a batter and coat with seasoned flour.
Fry until crispy and golden.
The first time I tried jackfruit, I was like, “Nah, this can’t be vegan.” But it is, and it’s AMAZING.
The texture is spot-on, and it soaks up flavors like a champ.
Want to take it to the next level? Serve your jackfruit fried chicken with some vegan honey mustard sauce. chef’s kiss
Chickpea Fried Chicken
Who knew these humble little legumes could transform into crispy, delicious “chicken”?
Blend drained chickpeas with vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and spices to form a dough.
Shape into nuggets or patties, then dip in a batter and coat with seasoned flour.
Fry until golden and crispy.
I discovered this recipe during a desperate pantry raid when I was craving fried chicken but had no other meat substitutes on hand.
Let me tell you, it was a happy accident that’s now become a staple in my kitchen.
These are perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and freeze them for quick and easy dinners.
Soy Curl Fried Chicken
Soy curls, where have you been all my life?
Rehydrate soy curls in warm water or vegetable broth, then drain and pat dry.
Dip in a mixture of plant milk and apple cider vinegar, then coat in seasoned flour.
Fry until crispy and golden.
The first time I tried soy curls, I was like, “Meh, another soy product.” But then I fried them up, and HOT DAMN.
The texture is unbelievably chicken-like, and they soak up flavor like a sponge.
Want to make it gluten-free? Use rice flour or your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the coating.
Vegan Fried Chicken Sandwich
Because sometimes you just need a big, messy sandwich to stuff your face with.
Use any of the above “chicken” recipes to create a patty.
Fry it up, then serve on a toasted bun with vegan mayo, pickles, and lettuce.
I once made these for a group of non-vegan friends, and I swear I saw tears of joy in their eyes.
It’s THAT good.
Pro tip: Add a slice of vegan cheese and some buffalo sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.
So there you have it, folks! Eight crispy, delicious vegan fried “chicken” recipes that’ll make you forget all about the real thing.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dipping your toes into the plant-based world, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Remember, the key to great vegan fried chicken is all in the seasoning and technique.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and coatings until you find your perfect combo.
And hey, if you mess up on your first try, don’t sweat it.
Even Colonel Sanders probably had a few flops before he perfected his recipe (though I bet ours are way better, just saying).
So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and start frying!
Your taste buds (and the chickens) will thank you.
And who knows? You might just become the vegan fried chicken guru in your friend group.
Stranger things have happened, right?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk of fried “chicken” has made me hungry.
I’m off to raid my freezer stash. Don’t judge me.
Happy frying, my plant-based pals! May your oil be hot and your “chicken” always crispy. 🍗🌱