Who says you need meat to enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken? This vegan fried chicken recipe brings all the flavors and textures you crave, without any animal products.
Made with tender, seasoned seitan or tofu, coated in a perfectly spiced batter, and fried to golden-brown perfection, this dish is a plant-based game changer. Whether you’re a long-time vegan, a curious carnivore, or just looking for a new comfort food favorite, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
With a combination of well-balanced spices and a crunchy coating, every bite delivers that familiar fried chicken experience — but free from cholesterol and animal cruelty. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a weekend feast.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making this irresistible vegan fried chicken that will wow your taste buds and your guests alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan fried chicken is a delicious, guilt-free alternative to classic fried chicken. It’s packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside — the perfect combo.
Plant-based protein sources like seitan or extra-firm tofu make it hearty and filling, while the seasoned batter adds a mouthwatering crunch. Unlike traditional fried chicken, this version is free from cholesterol and animal fats, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish, snack, or party finger food.
It’s also a great recipe to impress meat-eaters who might be skeptical about vegan food — this fried chicken wins over even the toughest critics!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seitan or extra-firm tofu | 400 grams (about 14 oz) | Seitan for best texture; tofu for lighter option |
| Unsweetened plant-based milk | 1 cup (240 ml) | Almond, soy, or oat milk |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups (190 grams) | Use gluten-free flour if needed |
| Chickpea flour | ½ cup (60 grams) | Helps with binding and crispiness |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup (100 grams) | For extra crunch |
| Vegetable oil | For frying | Sunflower or canola oil recommended |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Enhances savory flavor |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | Deepens flavor profile |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Adds smoky undertones |
| Cayenne pepper | ½ tsp (optional) | For a spicy kick |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp | Herbal aroma |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Earthy flavor |
| Salt | 1 ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer
- Wire rack or paper towels
- Cooking thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife (if cutting tofu/seitan)
Instructions
- Prepare your protein: If using tofu, press it for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu or seitan into strips or nuggets about 2-3 inches long. Set aside.
- Make the wet marinade: In a bowl, combine the unsweetened plant milk with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk well.
- Mix the dry coating: In a separate large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, remaining garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
- Prepare the panko breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl to use for the final coating.
- Dip and coat: Starting with the tofu or seitan pieces, dip each piece into the wet marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dredge it into the dry flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Dip it again into the wet mixture, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. This double coating ensures a super crispy crust.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your frying pan or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature for the best results.
- Fry in batches: Carefully place coated pieces into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the pieces gently.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried pieces with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with all pieces.
- Serve immediately: For the crispiest texture, enjoy your vegan fried chicken hot, straight from the fryer.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, marinate your tofu or seitan overnight in the plant-based milk mixed with soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
You can swap seitan for jackfruit if you want a shredded texture, but keep in mind the coating may need to be adjusted. For a gluten-free version, use chickpea flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure your seitan alternative is gluten-free, such as extra-firm tofu or tempeh.
Try adding nutritional yeast to the dry coating for a cheesy flavor boost. Play with spices like cumin or coriander for a twist, or serve with vegan ranch or hot sauce for dipping.
Want more vegan comfort food ideas? Check out my Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for hearty dishes or the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade to make your own wraps!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 piece approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the brand of ingredients and frying method used.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan fried chicken pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a true comfort meal. You can also serve it on a soft vegan flour tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo for a scrumptious sandwich.
For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, vegan ranch, or spicy buffalo sauce to elevate the experience even more.
Conclusion
Making vegan fried chicken at home is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. This recipe delivers all the satisfying crunch and rich flavors of classic fried chicken without any animal products.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this dish is easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
By choosing plant-based ingredients, you’re embracing a healthier lifestyle and contributing to a more sustainable world, all while indulging in comfort food you love. Don’t forget to experiment with different spices and coatings to find your perfect version.
For more delicious plant-based recipes to complement this one, explore the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for unique flavor inspiration.
Enjoy cooking and sharing this crispy, juicy vegan fried chicken with your friends and family — it might just become everyone’s new favorite!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Fried Chicken
Description: Crispy and flavorful vegan fried chicken made with seasoned seitan and a crunchy coating. Perfectly spiced and fried to golden perfection.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine vegetable broth and soy sauce.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough for 3-5 minutes, then divide into 8 pieces.
- Steam seitan pieces for 30 minutes, then let cool.
- Prepare batter by mixing plant-based milk and flour.
- Dip seitan pieces into batter, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with black pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry seitan pieces until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 35g
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