Vegan Chicken Wings Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Updated On: September 29, 2025

If you’ve ever craved the crispy, flavorful delight of chicken wings but want to keep your diet plant-based, you’re in for a treat! Vegan chicken wings combine all the best textures and tastes of traditional wings without any animal products.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, craving a tasty snack, or simply wanting to explore new vegan recipes, this recipe will satisfy your wing cravings with a fraction of the guilt. Using simple, wholesome ingredients like vital wheat gluten and chickpeas, these wings boast a meaty texture that soaks up your favorite sauces perfectly.

Plus, you can customize the heat and flavor to suit your taste buds, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Ready to learn how to make crispy, delicious vegan wings that even meat-eaters will love? Let’s dive into this easy, step-by-step recipe that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chicken wings recipe is a game changer for several reasons. First, it offers a satisfying, chewy texture reminiscent of real chicken wings thanks to the magic of vital wheat gluten, which is the base ingredient in seitan.

The wings are baked or air-fried to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior without deep frying, making them healthier and easier to prepare.

Secondly, the recipe is incredibly flexible. You can toss the wings in classic buffalo sauce, tangy BBQ glaze, or any sauce you fancy.

They’re perfect for any occasion — from casual snacking to festive gatherings. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy a plant-based diet without sacrificing flavor or fun.

Finally, this recipe is budget-friendly, uses pantry staples, and comes together quickly. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just beginning to explore plant-based cooking, these vegan wings will become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Vital wheat gluten 1 cup
Chickpea flour 1/4 cup
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Onion powder 1 teaspoon
Paprika (smoked or sweet) 1 teaspoon
Vegetable broth 3/4 cup
Soy sauce or tamari 2 tablespoons
Olive oil or avocado oil 1 tablespoon
Buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce (for tossing) 1/2 cup
Optional: ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Oven or air fryer
  • Brush or spoon for applying sauce
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper if using. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of spices.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and olive oil. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough in the bowl for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes elastic and springy. This step is crucial to develop the texture that mimics chicken.
  5. Transfer the dough to a cutting board and gently shape it into a log or rectangular block. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into “wing” sized pieces — roughly 1 to 1.5 inches wide and 3 inches long.
  6. Arrange the pieces on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the pieces over and bake for another 15 minutes until the wings are firm and slightly browned.
  7. Remove the wings from the oven and brush or toss them in your favorite buffalo or BBQ sauce. For extra crispiness, you can return them to the oven for 5-7 more minutes or place them in an air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes.
  8. Serve hot with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic wing experience.

Tips & Variations

For the crispiest wings, consider air frying the seitan pieces after baking. A quick spray of oil before air frying helps achieve that perfect crunch.

If you have gluten sensitivity, this recipe won’t work as it relies on vital wheat gluten for texture. Instead, try using cauliflower wings or jackfruit for a different but delicious vegan wing experience.

Want to switch up the flavors? Try these variations:

  • Asian-style wings: Toss baked wings in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger.
  • Buffalo garlic parmesan: Add garlic powder to your buffalo sauce and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Sweet and spicy: Mix BBQ sauce with sriracha or chili flakes for a sweet heat kick.

For more vegan comfort food inspiration, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving (4 wings)
Calories 190 kcal
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Fat 5 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 400 mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the brand of ingredients and type of sauce used.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan chicken wings are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a party appetizer with classic sides like celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing.

They also pair beautifully with homemade fries or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal.

For something different, try serving these wings with warm homemade tortillas from our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade and a side of spicy slaw for a vegan wing taco twist.

Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Our Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal has plenty of dishes that will complement your wings perfectly.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan chicken wings at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. This recipe not only satisfies those wing cravings but also introduces you to the wonderful world of seitan and plant-based cooking.

With simple ingredients and customizable flavors, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, these vegan wings are sure to impress. They offer a delicious alternative to traditional wings, combining taste, texture, and nutrition in every bite.

So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and enjoy the satisfying, crispy, saucy goodness that these vegan chicken wings bring to your table.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chicken Wings

Description: Crispy and flavorful vegan chicken wings made with cauliflower and a spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect as a plant-based appetizer or snack.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buffalo hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk plant-based milk, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a batter.
  3. Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, coating evenly.
  4. Place coated florets on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Mix buffalo sauce and melted vegan butter in a bowl.
  7. Toss baked cauliflower in the sauce mixture until well coated.
  8. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
  9. Serve hot with vegan ranch or celery sticks.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 24 g

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Marta K

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