Looking for a delicious, crispy, and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional chicken tenders? You’re in the right place!
These vegan chicken tenders are crafted to deliver the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply curious about trying something new, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
With a crispy golden crust and tender inside, they’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even game day snacks.
Using simple ingredients like vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and a blend of flavorful spices, these tenders are surprisingly easy to make at home. Plus, they can be baked or pan-fried according to your preference.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or pair them with a vibrant salad for a wholesome meal. Ready to dive in?
Let’s explore why you’ll absolutely love this recipe and how to make your own vegan chicken tenders from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan chicken tenders offer a mouthwatering, crispy exterior with a juicy, tender bite inside—just like traditional chicken tenders but 100% plant-based. The use of vital wheat gluten gives them that chewy, meaty texture, while chickpea flour adds protein and helps hold everything together.
They’re incredibly versatile! You can bake them for a healthier option or pan-fry for that extra golden crunch.
Plus, this recipe is allergy-friendly, soy-free, and packed with wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Everyone from vegan newbies to seasoned plant-based cooks will appreciate how easy and tasty these turn out.
Looking for more vegan recipe inspiration? Check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or try the flavorful Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for a tropical twist!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vital wheat gluten | 1 1/2 cups |
| Chickpea flour | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable broth (warm) | 1 cup |
| Nutritional yeast | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika (smoked or regular) | 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Olive oil (for frying) | 2 tbsp |
| Flour (for dredging) | 1/2 cup |
| Plant-based milk (unsweetened) | 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) | 1 cup |
| Ground flaxseed | 1 tbsp |
| Water (for flax egg) | 3 tbsp |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Frying pan or skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack (optional, for cooling)
- Fork or tongs (for flipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water. Stir well and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the warm vegetable broth and the prepared flax egg into the dry mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead the dough inside the bowl for about 3-5 minutes until elastic and slightly sticky.
- Shape the tenders: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tender strip, about 3-4 inches long and 1 inch wide. Place on a plate or tray.
- Set up breading stations: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, pour the plant-based milk. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- Bread the tenders: Dredge each tender first in the flour, then dip into the plant milk, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
- Cook the tenders: You have two options here:
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange tenders evenly. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Pan-fry: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm: Allow tenders to cool slightly before serving. They pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: For extra flavor, marinate the tenders in a mixture of soy sauce (or tamari), garlic, and smoked paprika for 30 minutes before breading.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if you want a gluten-free version; chickpea flour helps maintain structure.
Try coating tenders with crushed cornflakes or crushed nuts for a different texture and taste.
To make them spicy, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (2 tenders) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these vegan chicken tenders with classic dipping sauces like vegan ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard (using agave syrup for vegan sweetness). For a balanced meal, pair them with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables.
For a fun twist, try serving them in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo. If you love homemade bread, you might enjoy pairing this recipe with our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for a delicious handheld meal.
For a fully loaded comfort food experience, consider dipping these tenders into our Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a sweet treat afterward!
Conclusion
These vegan chicken tenders are a fantastic way to enjoy the nostalgic flavors and textures of classic chicken tenders without any animal products. They’re easy to make, full of protein, and customizable to your taste preferences.
Whether you bake or pan-fry them, they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for satisfying cravings or impressing friends and family.
Experiment with different spices and coatings to make the recipe your own, and don’t forget to check out other vegan delights on our site to keep your meals exciting. For more plant-based inspiration, be sure to explore our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or try out the hearty Copycat Vegan Recipes: Make Your Favorites at Home.
Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chicken Tenders
Description: Crispy and flavorful vegan chicken tenders made with seitan and seasoned breadcrumbs. Perfect as a snack or main dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In another bowl, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, and olive oil.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead dough for 3-5 minutes, then shape into tender strips.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with plant-based milk, and one with panko mixed with salt and pepper.
- Dip each tender first in flour, then milk, then panko, coating well.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry tenders until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 30 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Chicken Tenders”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Crispy and flavorful vegan chicken tenders made with seitan and seasoned breadcrumbs. Perfect as a snack or main dish with your favorite dipping sauce.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “3/4 cup vegetable broth”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “2 cups panko breadcrumbs”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “Oil for frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, and olive oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Knead dough for 3-5 minutes, then shape into tender strips.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with plant-based milk, and one with panko mixed with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip each tender first in flour, then milk, then panko, coating well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry tenders until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “20 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}
