City Chicken Recipe Vegan Style Made Easy and Delicious

City chicken is a nostalgic dish originally created as a budget-friendly alternative to chicken, typically using pork or veal formed onto skewers and baked or fried. However, for those following a plant-based lifestyle or simply wanting a delicious vegan twist, a vegan city chicken recipe offers all the hearty flavors and satisfying textures without any animal products.

This recipe uses flavorful seitan or tofu combined with a crispy breadcrumb coating and a tangy tomato-based sauce, giving you that classic comfort food feel in a cruelty-free way.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring meatless options, this vegan city chicken will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. It’s perfect for family meals, potlucks, or simply when you want a cozy, filling dish.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and can easily be customized to suit your taste buds. Get ready to enjoy a classic reimagined with compassion and creativity!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan city chicken recipe is a perfect blend of crispy, tender, and flavorful all in one bite. The seitan or tofu base mimics the meaty texture of traditional city chicken, while the herb-seasoned breadcrumb crust adds a delightful crunch.

The tomato gravy is rich, tangy, and comforting, bringing the whole dish together beautifully.

It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce meat consumption without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

This recipe is also highly adaptable, making it a fantastic canvas for your favorite herbs and spices. Whether you’re cooking for vegans, vegetarians, or omnivores, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 12 oz seitan (store-bought or homemade) or firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
• 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (at least 3 for breading stations)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Wooden skewers
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Brush for oil (optional)
• Medium saucepan (for tomato gravy)
• Whisk or spoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the seitan or tofu: Cut the seitan or pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. If using tofu, make sure it’s well-pressed to remove excess moisture for better texture.
2. Assemble the breading stations: In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, pour the plant-based milk. In the third, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the cubes: Dip each cube into the flour, shake off excess, then into the plant milk, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy crust, repeat the milk and breadcrumb step once more.
4. Skewer the cubes: Thread 3-4 breaded cubes onto each wooden skewer, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
5. Fry the skewers: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the skewers in the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6. Prepare the tomato gravy: While frying, in a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 tsp maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Bake the skewers: Transfer the fried skewers to the lined baking sheet. Spoon some tomato gravy over the top and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the seitan/tofu to heat through thoroughly.
8. Serve warm: Remove from the oven, drizzle with more tomato gravy if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute seitan with extra firm tofu and use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the tomato gravy.

Try marinating the tofu or seitan cubes in soy sauce and smoked paprika for 30 minutes before breading for deeper flavor.

You can also experiment with different dipping sauces such as vegan ranch or spicy mustard for a fun twist. For a lighter option, bake the breaded skewers instead of frying, brushing them lightly with oil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan city chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables for a comforting meal. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli also adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich tomato gravy.

For a more indulgent twist, serve alongside garlic bread or a warm vegan biscuit to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re looking to keep things light, quinoa or brown rice make excellent grain options that complement the dish’s flavors perfectly.

Don’t forget to check out some other great recipes on our site, like the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a hearty vegetable side, or the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add a tangy kick to your meal.

Conclusion

This vegan city chicken recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the nostalgia and hearty satisfaction of a classic dish while embracing a plant-based lifestyle. With its crispy coating, tender seitan or tofu interior, and bold tomato gravy, it offers a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve at gatherings. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe means you can tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Give it a try and discover how easy and rewarding vegan comfort food can be!

For more creative vegan and plant-based dishes, don’t miss our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe that’s perfect for wholesome family dinners.

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