Vegan Chicken Breast Recipe That Tastes Just Like Real Meat

Are you craving the familiar taste and texture of chicken breast but want to keep your meals completely plant-based? Look no further!

This vegan chicken breast recipe offers a deliciously satisfying alternative that’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to reduce meat consumption. Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor, this recipe mimics the juicy, tender qualities of traditional chicken breast without compromising on nutrition or taste.

Whether you’re preparing a hearty dinner or a quick meal prep, these vegan chicken breasts will become your new favorite protein source. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why this recipe stands out, list all the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. We’ll also share tips, variations, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions to help you get the most out of your plant-based cooking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chicken breast recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses simple, accessible ingredients like vital wheat gluten, which is the star component of seitan—a popular plant-based protein known for its meaty texture.

The recipe brings together a balance of spices and umami-packed seasonings to create layers of flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.

Second, the texture is remarkably close to that of real chicken breast, which makes it perfect for sandwiches, salads, stir-fries, or even grilling and baking. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite chicken dishes without any animal products.

Lastly, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to scale up or down, making it suitable for weekly meal prep or special occasions. If you enjoy dishes like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or want to try a new protein option alongside our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals, this vegan chicken breast is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten – the main protein base for the vegan chicken
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast – adds a cheesy, savory flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for depth and aroma
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – enhances the savory notes
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – adds subtle smokiness
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth – for moisture and flavor
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option) – umami boost
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for richness
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – tenderizes the texture
• Optional: 1 teaspoon liquid smoke – for an extra smoky flavor

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Steaming basket or large pot with a lid
• Foil or parchment paper
• Skillet or grill pan
• Tongs
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until well blended.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke if using.
3. Form the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork or spoon until a dough starts to form. Then, use your hands to knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes elastic and springy.
4. Shape the vegan chicken breasts: Divide the dough into 2-3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a breast-like oval, about 1/2 inch thick. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or parchment paper to help it hold its shape while cooking.
5. Steam the seitan: Place the wrapped pieces in a steaming basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 30 minutes. Check water levels to avoid drying out, and add more water as needed.
6. Cool and unwrap: Allow the steamed vegan chicken breasts to cool slightly before unwrapping. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
7. Cook for serving: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan and cook the vegan chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
8. Serve and enjoy: Slice, dice, or serve whole with your favorite sides or sauces. These breasts are excellent in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pasta dishes.

Tips & Variations

“For an even juicier texture, try marinating the steamed vegan chicken breasts in your favorite barbecue or teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before pan-frying.”

• Add herbs: Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, or sage to the dry ingredients for an herby twist.
• Make it gluten-free: While vital wheat gluten is essential for the classic texture, you can experiment with chickpea flour or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a gluten-free version, though texture and flavor will differ.
• Spicy version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry mix for a kick.
• Use a slow cooker: After shaping, you can simmer the vegan chicken breasts in vegetable broth on low for 1.5 hours instead of steaming for a different texture experience. Check out more Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan chicken breast is incredibly versatile. Serve it sliced over a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or layer it in a sandwich with vegan mayo, lettuce, and tomato for a satisfying lunch.

You can also dice it and toss it into stir-fries or pasta dishes for added protein.

For a comforting dinner, try pairing it with roasted vegetables and a creamy sauce like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. Or, use it as a filling for wraps, tacos, or even vegan chicken nuggets by cutting into bite-sized pieces and breading before frying.

Conclusion

This vegan chicken breast recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the taste and texture of chicken while sticking to a plant-based lifestyle. With its satisfying chew, rich flavor, and easy preparation, it’s perfect for anyone looking to add more plant protein into their diet without compromising on taste or culinary creativity.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with meat alternatives, this recipe offers a delicious foundation that you can customize and enjoy in countless dishes. Don’t forget to explore other exciting plant-based recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to round out your culinary adventures.

Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious, wholesome vegan chicken breasts!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Chicken Breast Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and juicy vegan chicken breast made from seitan, perfect for plant-based meals. Easy to prepare and great for grilling or baking.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten”, “1/4 cup chickpea flour”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “2 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tbsp olive oil”, “1 tbsp nutritional yeast”, “1 tsp garlic powder”, “1 tsp onion powder”, “1/2 tsp smoked paprika”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1/2 tsp black pepper”, “1 cup vegetable broth (for simmering)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, mix 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 the dough for 5 minutes until elastic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Divide dough into 4 pieces and shape into chicken breast-like forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring 1 cup vegetable broth to a simmer in a pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add shaped dough pieces and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove and let rest before using in recipes.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “25g”, “fatContent”: “4g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12g”}}