If you’re craving the juicy, savory goodness of chicken patties but want to keep things vegetarian, this vegetarian chicken patties recipe is your new go-to! Perfectly spiced, delightfully textured, and packed with wholesome ingredients, these patties offer all the flavor and satisfaction without any meat.
Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian, flexitarian, or just looking to try something new, these patties are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. They make an excellent protein-packed snack, a filling for sandwiches, or a tasty addition to salads and wraps.
With pantry staples and simple fresh veggies, this recipe comes together quickly and can be customized to suit your taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet while enjoying the comfort of a classic favorite.
Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegetarian chicken patties are a delicious blend of plant-based ingredients that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional chicken patties, but with a healthier twist. Using a combination of chickpeas, jackfruit, and vital wheat gluten (or your preferred plant-based protein), the patties come out moist, flavorful, and satisfying.
They cook up with a crispy golden crust while remaining tender inside, making them ideal for sandwiches, burgers, or even as a protein-packed snack on their own. This recipe is also highly adaptable for dietary preferences—gluten-free options, vegan variations, and flavor tweaks are all possible!
Best of all, these patties freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead and enjoy quick meals throughout the week. If you love recipes like this, check out our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious and Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for more wholesome, meat-free meal ideas.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed) | 1 1/2 cups |
Young green jackfruit (canned in brine, shredded) | 1 cup |
Vital wheat gluten | 3/4 cup |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 |
Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
Nutritional yeast | 2 tbsp |
Vegetable broth (warm) | 1/2 cup |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp (for frying) |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (optional if baking instead of pan-frying)
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater (if you want to add fresh veggies like carrot or zucchini)
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas and jackfruit: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas and jackfruit. Shred the jackfruit thoroughly with your hands or a fork to resemble pulled chicken texture.
- Process the base mixture: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, shredded jackfruit, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined but not completely smooth—you want some texture for a realistic bite.
- Add vital wheat gluten and broth: Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Gradually mix in the vital wheat gluten and warm vegetable broth. Stir well until the dough starts coming together. If too sticky, add a bit more vital wheat gluten; if too dry, add a splash of broth.
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a firm patty about 3-4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
- Rest the patties: Place the patties on a plate or tray and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes to help the gluten bind and improve texture.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties carefully and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve or store: Once cooked, transfer patties to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve immediately or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These patties also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Tips & Variations
Try adding grated carrot or finely chopped mushrooms to the mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
For a gluten-free option, substitute vital wheat gluten with a mix of chickpea flour and ground oats, but note the texture will be softer.
If you prefer baking over frying, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the patties on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Experiment with spices like curry powder, cayenne, or Italian herbs to customize the flavor profile. You can also brush patties with BBQ sauce or your favorite glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for a tangy twist.
For more plant-based inspiration, explore our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor or try the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade to make delicious wraps with these patties.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Patty |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
Sodium | 250 mg |
Iron | 2 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian chicken patties are wonderfully versatile. Serve them in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a classic veggie burger experience.
They also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad and a dollop of vegan mayo or mustard for a light lunch.
For a heartier meal, slice the patties and add them to grain bowls with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and tahini dressing. Or use them as a filling for wraps using our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade.
If you like meal prep, these patties can be made in advance and frozen. Reheat in a skillet or oven and enjoy quick protein-packed meals any day.
For a fun twist, try them in a sandwich alongside the bold flavors of our Vegan Sisig Recipe: How to Make a Tasty Filipino Classic.
Conclusion
Making vegetarian chicken patties at home is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome meal packed with flavor and nutrition. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between taste and texture, delivering patties that are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
The use of chickpeas and jackfruit provides a delightful plant-based protein punch, while the spices elevate the flavor profile to something truly satisfying.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, packing lunches, or hosting friends, these patties will impress everyone at the table. Plus, they open the door to endless customizations and pairings, making each mealtime exciting.
Don’t forget to explore more exciting vegetarian and vegan recipes on our site to keep your menu fresh and vibrant!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Chicken Patties
Description: Delicious and protein-packed vegetarian patties that mimic the texture and flavor of chicken. Perfect for a healthy meal or snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Rehydrate TVP by soaking it in vegetable broth for 10 minutes.
- Drain excess liquid and squeeze out moisture from TVP.
- In a bowl, combine TVP, onion, garlic, carrot, soy sauce, and spices.
- Mix in breadcrumbs and parsley until mixture holds together.
- Form mixture into 8 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauce or in a bun.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 20 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Chicken Patties”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Delicious and protein-packed vegetarian patties that mimic the texture and flavor of chicken. Perfect for a healthy meal or snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup textured vegetable protein (TVP)”, “1/2 cup vegetable broth”, “1/2 cup finely chopped onion”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup grated carrot”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rehydrate TVP by soaking it in vegetable broth for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain excess liquid and squeeze out moisture from TVP.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine TVP, onion, garlic, carrot, soy sauce, and spices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in breadcrumbs and parsley until mixture holds together.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into 8 equal patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm with your favorite sauce or in a bun.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}