Name: Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups vegan no chicken broth (e.g., Better Than Bouillon); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 5 cups vegan no chicken broth (for simmering); 1 cup unsweetened soy milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon oregano; Heat safe oil such as vegetable or peanut oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

If you have ever craved that crispy, golden, and utterly satisfying comfort food without compromising your vegan lifestyle, you are in for a treat! This Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe brilliantly replicates the crave-worthy texture and bold flavors of classic fried chicken using plant-based ingredients. It’s a joyful celebration of seitan magic, perfectly seasoned batters, and frying techniques that yield a crunchy exterior with a tender, savory inside. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just curious about plant-based cooking, this recipe promises to become a beloved staple on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two sections: on the left, there are several pieces of light beige, baked dough cut into small, uneven rectangular strips with a rough texture, placed on a dark surface; on the right, there are two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, with the top bowl containing a smooth, pale yellow batter, and the bottom bowl holding white flour with a slight indentation in the center, showing a soft, powdery texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building the chewy seitan base to crafting the flavorful breading that gives every bite that iconic crunch and zest. Make sure to gather these essentials to get started on your delicious journey.

Vital wheat gluten: The superstar protein that forms the chewy, meaty texture of the vegan fried chicken.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy, umami punch enhancing the overall savory depth.
Onion and garlic powders: Classic aromatic spices that bring warmth and complexity.
Black pepper and Cajun seasoning: Provide mild heat and a touch of Southern-inspired spice.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping everything balanced.
Vegan no chicken broth: Infuses the seitan with a rich, savory flavor reminiscent of traditional chicken stock.
Olive oil: Adds fat for tenderness and richness.
Unsweetened soy milk and apple cider vinegar: Combine to create a tangy buttermilk substitute essential for the batter.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Work together in the batter for perfect crispy coating.
Dried herbs (thyme, oregano) and paprika: Bring herbal and smoky notes that complement the savory base beautifully.
Heat-safe frying oil (vegetable or peanut oil): Critical for frying to a golden crisp without burning.

How to Make Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Seitan Chicken

Start by combining the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, spices, and salt in a large bowl, crafting the dry ingredient mix that will give our faux chicken its flavor. Slowly stir in the vegan no chicken broth and olive oil to form a sticky dough that’s begging to be kneaded. Knead the dough on a clean surface until it transforms into a springy ball — this kneading is what gives your seitan that lovely, chewy texture.

Step 2: Simmer the Seitan

Break or slice your dough ball into two portions for even cooking. Bring the broth to a gentle boil in a pot, then simmer your seitan pieces covered for about 25 minutes. This simmering step ensures the seitan absorbs moisture and flavor, resulting in a tender interior that mimics the juicy bite of traditional chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Battering Station

Create your wet batter by whisking together soy milk, apple cider vinegar, flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the dry coating ingredients, including flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, and garlic powder — this combination is the secret behind that ultra-crispy, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Bread the Seitan Strips

Slice the cooked seitan into strips, aiming for varied sizes to keep the texture interesting. Using one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet batter, dip each piece first into the dry mix, then the wet batter, and finally the dry mix again. This double-dip technique traps more coating for maximum crunch, and laying the breaded pieces on paper towels keeps things tidy for frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your frying oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit — investing in a thermometer guarantees the right temperature for crispy, non-greasy results. Fry the breaded seitan strips for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a gorgeous golden crust forms. Drain briefly on paper towels and get ready for a fabulous feast!

How to Serve Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe

A white plate filled with many golden brown crispy fried chicken strips, some pieces stacked on top of each other, showing a crunchy rough texture with one piece broken to show the white inside. Behind the plate is a bright yellow ear of corn lying on a white marbled surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and light herbal freshness to your plate, balancing the rich, crispy fried chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of vegan ranch dressing brings brightness and extra flavor to every bite.

Side Dishes

This Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy vegan mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, flaky vegan buttermilk biscuits, or smoky baked beans. These comforting sides not only complement the chicken but elevate the entire meal into a soul-satisfying experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your vegan fried chicken strips in a sandwich with pickle slices, vegan mayo, and leafy greens. Or present them on a large platter with dipping sauces like spicy buffalo, tangy BBQ, or garlicky aioli to encourage sharing and tasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of this delightful vegan fried chicken left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the coating dry and crisp is key, so place paper towels in the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked vegan fried chicken by placing the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until solid. Transfer to freezer bags or containers, and keep frozen for up to 2 months. This way, you have ready-to-fry morsels for a quick meal anytime.

Reheating

To regain that irresistible crunch, reheat frozen or refrigerated pieces in a hot oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free ingredients for this Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe?

Unfortunately, vital wheat gluten is essential here for the chewy texture of the seitan “chicken.” For gluten-free alternatives, consider experimenting with tofu or tempeh, but the texture will differ significantly.

What can I substitute for vegan no chicken broth?

If you don’t have vegan no chicken broth on hand, a vegetable broth seasoned with a bit of soy sauce or miso paste can add a similar savory flavor that enhances the seitan’s taste.

Is it necessary to double-dip the seitan pieces?

Double-dipping in wet and dry mixtures thickens the crust, making it crispier and more flavorful. While you could skip a step, you’ll notice a big difference in texture and coating adhesion.

Can I bake the vegan fried chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Baking at a high temperature (around 425 degrees Fahrenheit) on a greased sheet can give a crunchy result, though it might not be quite as crispy and golden as frying.

How spicy is this Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe?

The level of spice is mild and balanced thanks to the Cajun seasoning and black pepper. You can adjust by adding more spices or chili powder if you crave extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to indulge in the flavors and textures of a beloved classic with a compassionate twist. It’s fun to make, satisfying to eat, and impressive enough to share with family and friends. Give it a try and watch your plant-based meals reach delicious new heights!