Chicken Burger Recipe Vegan Style Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 7, 2025

If you’re craving the classic comfort of a chicken burger but want to keep it entirely plant-based, you’re in for a treat. This chicken burger recipe vegan reinvents the beloved favorite with wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients that deliver on flavor and texture.

Using a combination of chickpeas, vital wheat gluten, and spices, these vegan patties boast a satisfying bite and a savory depth that even meat lovers will appreciate.

Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ gathering, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and fiber. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and the versatility of these patties means they pair wonderfully with all your favorite burger toppings.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply exploring plant-based options, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chicken burger recipe stands out because it combines the best of texture, flavor, and health benefits. Unlike store-bought vegan patties that can sometimes feel dry or bland, these homemade burgers are juicy and flavorful, thanks to a blend of herbs, spices, and the magic of vital wheat gluten.

Additionally, the recipe is highly customizable. You can easily tweak the seasoning or add your favorite veggies to the mix.

It’s also budget-friendly, using pantry staples you might already have. Plus, it’s a great source of plant-based protein, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Burger buns (vegan-friendly)
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, vegan mayo, pickles, onion slices

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Frying pan or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse well. For cooked chickpeas, ensure they are soft but not mushy.
  2. Pulse chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a food processor and pulse a few times until coarsely mashed. Avoid pureeing into a paste; you want some texture.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Add wet ingredients: To the bowl, add the minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Combine chickpeas and dry mix: Add the pulsed chickpeas to the bowl and mix with your hands or a spoon until a dough forms.
  6. Knead the dough: Knead the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes elastic and stretchy. This step is crucial for developing the “meaty” texture.
  7. Shape the patties: Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty about 3/4 inch thick.
  8. Cook the patties: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and firm. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  9. Assemble your burger: Toast the vegan burger buns lightly, spread your favorite vegan mayo or sauce, add the patty, and top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion slices.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute vital wheat gluten with a mixture of cooked quinoa and ground oats, but note the texture will vary.

To enhance the “chicken-like” flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or a pinch of poultry seasoning to the dough. For extra moisture, fold in finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or shredded jackfruit.

If you want to make these patties ahead of time, you can shape and freeze them uncooked. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

For a spicy twist, mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 patty)
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fat 4 g
Fiber 6 g
Sodium 350 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan chicken burger pairs beautifully with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside some creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables.

You can also elevate your burger experience by adding a slice of vegan cheese or spreading some tangy barbecue sauce. Try it with homemade pickles or check out the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a spicy, crunchy topping.

Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Explore our hearty Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or indulge in a sweet treat with the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious vegan chicken burger from scratch is easier than you might think and incredibly rewarding. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between taste, texture, and nutrition, making it a fantastic addition to any plant-based cooking repertoire.

Whether you’re catering to vegan friends or simply want to add more variety to your meals, these burgers deliver satisfying flavor without any animal products.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a homemade burger that’s both wholesome and flavorful. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and sides to personalize your burger experience.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chicken Burger

Description: A delicious plant-based chicken burger that is juicy and flavorful. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 vegan burger buns

Instructions

  1. Rehydrate TVP in vegetable broth for 10 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, combine rehydrated TVP, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix thoroughly and form into 4 patties.
  4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  5. Cook patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  6. Toast burger buns lightly.
  7. Assemble burgers with patties and desired toppings.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 30 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Chicken Burger”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious plant-based chicken burger that is juicy and flavorful. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP)”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon nutritional yeast”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “4 vegan burger buns”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rehydrate TVP in vegetable broth for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine rehydrated TVP, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix thoroughly and form into 4 patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast burger buns lightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Assemble burgers with patties and desired toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X