Best Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe Seitan You’ll Love

Looking to indulge in the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken without compromising your vegan lifestyle? This best vegan fried chicken recipe using seitan is here to satisfy those cravings with a plant-based twist.

Seitan, often dubbed “wheat meat,” boasts an incredible meaty texture that perfectly mimics the chewiness and bite of traditional chicken. When combined with a flavorful marinade and a crunchy, seasoned coating, it transforms into a mouthwatering dish that even non-vegans will adore.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Plus, it’s packed with protein and free from soy, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.

Get ready to fry up some golden, crispy seitan fried chicken that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for dipping! You’ll want to bookmark this one and serve it alongside your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan fried chicken recipe stands out because it combines the best of texture, flavor, and nutrition. Using seitan as the protein base provides a chewy, satisfying bite that closely resembles traditional fried chicken.

The marinade infuses the seitan with a depth of savory spices, while the crispy coating adds that addictive crunch.

It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for sandwiches, salads, or simply served as is with a dipping sauce. Plus, it’s soy-free, gluten-friendly (if you use gluten-free seitan), and easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress both vegans and omnivores alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups seitan, cut into chicken-strip-sized pieces
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Equipment

• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Large skillet or deep frying pan
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Wire rack or paper towels (for draining)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plate or shallow dish (for coating)

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a vegan “buttermilk.”
2. Add spices to the marinade: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the “buttermilk.” Mix well.
3. Marinate the seitan: Place the seitan pieces into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor absorption.
4. Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, baking powder, dried thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly.
5. Coat the seitan: Remove seitan from the marinade one piece at a time, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thick layer. Place coated pieces on a plate.
6. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a small piece of flour sizzles immediately when dropped in.
7. Fry the seitan: Carefully add coated seitan pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and rest: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer cooked seitan to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve and enjoy: Pair your vegan fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, sides, or as a sandwich filling.

Tips & Variations

For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the seitan pieces by dipping them back into the marinade and then into the flour mixture a second time.

Try adding a teaspoon of nutritional yeast to the flour mix for an extra umami kick. You can also swap the dried herbs for fresh ones like rosemary or sage depending on your preference.

If you prefer baking over frying, place the coated seitan on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For a soy-free seitan option, make sure your store-bought seitan or homemade batch doesn’t include soy sauce or soy protein. Alternatively, explore recipes for soy free vegan recipes for more inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the brand of seitan and oil used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan fried chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with classic Southern-style sides such as mashed potatoes and vegan gravy or coleslaw for a comforting meal.

For a lighter option, slice the fried seitan over a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It also works amazingly as a sandwich filling—add vegan mayo, pickles, lettuce, and tomato on a soft bun.

Don’t forget to check out Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes if you want to serve a creamy side or Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love for more meal ideas.

Conclusion

This best vegan fried chicken recipe using seitan proves that plant-based eating can be indulgent, satisfying, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can bring the iconic comfort food to your vegan kitchen without sacrificing texture or taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with meat alternatives, this recipe offers a delicious introduction to seitan’s versatility. The crispy coating, savory marinade, and juicy interior make it a perfect centerpiece for family meals or gatherings.

Don’t hesitate to customize the spices and try different dipping sauces to make it your own.

Be sure to explore other mouthwatering vegan recipes like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to bake your own fresh buns.

Happy cooking and enjoy your crispy vegan feast!

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