Name: Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 24 h
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 24 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package of medium firm tofu (16 oz); 2 cups water; 2 no-chicken bouillon cubes (or 2 cups vegetable broth); 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 tablespoon paprika; 1/2 tablespoon mustard powder; 1/2 tablespoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon celery salt; 1 teaspoon ginger; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk; 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 cup corn flakes; ~2 quarts vegetable or canola oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you have been craving that iconic crispy, juicy fried chicken flavor but want to keep things completely plant-based, look no further. This Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe takes humble tofu and transforms it into succulent, crunchy bites that capture all the magic of the classic dish without using a single animal product. Prepare yourself to impress friends and family with this unbelievably delicious vegan twist on a timeless favorite that proves comfort food doesn’t have to come at the expense of kindness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board on a white marbled surface holding various cooking ingredients arranged neatly. At the top left is a white bowl filled with white flour that looks soft and powdery. Next to it, slightly to the right, is a metal pot filled with light cream-colored milk. Beside the pot, to the far right, there is a small white bowl filled with yellow cornflakes. Below the flour bowl, near the center left, lies a square piece of light beige dough. Below the dough in the bottom left corner is a glass measuring cup containing amber-colored broth with little bubbles. Near the bottom right corner, there is a round white plate holding eight different dry spices, including green, red, yellow, brown, and beige powders, arranged neatly in small piles side by side. Next to that plate, on the right, is a small white spoon filled with ground black pepper. At the center of the board, just above the dough, is a small white bowl filled with clear honey or syrup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor that mimics traditional fried chicken so well. From the tofu’s meaty foundation to the precise blend of spices and the crunchy corn flakes, these ingredients come together simply yet brilliantly to achieve that irresistible crispy coating and savory depth.

Medium firm tofu (16 oz): The star of the show providing a chewy, protein-packed base that mimics chicken’s texture when prepared right.
Water (2 cups): Combined with bullion cubes to create a flavorful broth perfect for marinating the tofu.
No-chicken bullion cubes or vegetable broth (2 cubes or 2 cups): Adds that authentic, savory “chicken” flavor to the marinade for richer taste.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Essential for the seasoned coating that forms the crispy crust on the outside.
Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): Gives a subtle herbaceous note that elevates the overall flavor intensity.
Paprika (1/2 tbsp): Brings mild smokiness and beautiful color to the breading.
Mustard powder (1/2 tbsp): Adds sharpness and enhances the savory profile.
Garlic salt (1/2 tbsp): Infuses that rich garlicky punch along with the perfect seasoning balance.
Celery salt (1 tsp): Contributes a subtle bite and complexity reminiscent of classic fried chicken spice blends.
Ginger (1 tsp): Offers a hint of warmth and brightness in small but impactful doses.
Black pepper (1 tsp): Classic heat that ties all the seasonings together.
White pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds layered peppery spice with a slightly different aromatic quality than black pepper.
Unsweetened plant milk (1 1/2 cups): Used with vinegar to create a tangy vegan buttermilk that helps the breading adhere.
Apple cider vinegar (1 1/2 tbsp): Reacts with plant milk for that perfect “batter” acidity and tanginess.
Corn flakes (1 cup): Crushed into the breading mixture for added crunch that mimics the iconic KFC crispiness.
Vegetable or canola oil (~2 quarts): Needed for deep frying to achieve the perfect golden, crispy exterior.

How to Make Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Begin by freezing your whole package of medium-firm tofu. This crucial step changes the texture, making it more chewy and meat-like. Once frozen, thaw it completely and repeat freezing and thawing once more for best results. After the second thaw, drain as much moisture as possible by pressing it between cutting boards, then pat dry with a towel. Breaking the block into 8 to 10 large pieces ensures each “chicken” piece has a satisfying bite.

Step 2: Marinate for Flavor

Place the tofu pieces into a dish and pour over the vegan chicken broth, either made by dissolving no-chicken bullion cubes in hot water or using vegetable broth. Make sure all pieces are submerged and set the tofu aside to soak in those rich, savory notes. This step is key to infusing the neutral tofu with deep flavor before the breading process.

Step 3: Create Vegan Buttermilk and Seasoned Flour

Whisk together the unsweetened plant milk and apple cider vinegar to mimic the tangy, thick consistency of traditional buttermilk. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, garlic salt, celery salt, ginger, black pepper, and white pepper to build the iconic herb-and-spice profile reminiscent of KFC’s secret recipe.

Step 4: First Coat of Breading

Set up a breading station by arranging the marinated tofu, vegan buttermilk, and seasoned flour in a line. Take a tofu piece, gently squeeze out excess broth, dunk it in the vegan buttermilk, then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Lay the coated pieces on a clean plate to prepare for the next coat. This double coating ensures maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Add Corn Flake Crunch and Second Coating

Crush the corn flakes into the remaining flour mixture and stir to combine evenly. Then repeat the dipping process: tofu goes into the buttermilk again, followed by the flour and corn flake blend for that signature irresistible crunch. Ensuring every piece has a thick, textured crust makes all the difference.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep pan to 350-375°F. Carefully place tofu pieces into the hot oil and fry until each side is a beautiful golden brown, about 4 to 7 minutes total, turning as necessary. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. The result is a crispy, flavorful exterior that holds juicy, tender tofu inside—spot on for this Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe.

How to Serve Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe

A close-up view of many pieces of crispy fried chicken, each piece showing a rough, craggy, and golden-brown crust with a crunchy texture. The fried chicken pieces are piled closely together on a white marbled surface, with different shapes and sizes making the scene look full and rich. The crust has a mix of light and darker golden colors, showing the crispiness and cooked edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika over the fried tofu for added color and a fresh herbal touch. Serve with vegan ranch or your favorite dipping sauces like barbecue or hot sauce to amplify those bold flavors.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with sides like crispy french fries, creamy mashed potatoes with vegan gravy, or roasted corn on the cob to complete the nostalgic fried chicken meal vibe. A fresh coleslaw with vegan mayo balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe in a soft vegan bun with pickles and lettuce for a mouthwatering sandwich. Alternatively, chop the pieces and toss them into a salad or vegan buffalo sauce for exciting texture and flavor twists.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover fried tofu pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this dish even after the initial feast.

Freezing

You can freeze extra coated but unfried tofu pieces by laying them on a lined tray until frozen, then transferring into freezer bags. When ready, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.

Reheating

To maintain that crispy texture, reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes instead of the microwave. This keeps the coating crunchy and the tofu juicy, preserving the integrity of your Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe experience.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of medium firm?

Medium firm tofu works best because it has the ideal balance of firmness and moisture for this recipe. Firm tofu tends to be denser and less able to absorb the marinade, so the texture may not mimic fried chicken as closely.

Is it necessary to freeze and thaw the tofu multiple times?

Yes! Freezing and thawing the tofu twice changes its structure to become more sponge-like and chewy, which is key for that authentic chicken texture in this Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe.

Can I bake instead of deep-frying?

While deep-frying provides the best crispiness, you can bake the tofu pieces at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, they may not be quite as crunchy as the fried version.

What can I use instead of corn flakes?

Crushed gluten-free cereal or panko breadcrumbs can be good substitutes for the corn flakes to maintain that vital crunch in the coating.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicier?

This recipe has a mild spice level that’s accessible to most palates. Feel free to add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mix to kick up the heat according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Making this Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe is such a rewarding experience that pleases the eyes, taste buds, and conscience all at once. You’ll love how the tofu soaks up all those vibrant flavors and transforms into finger-licking good, crispy “chicken” pieces. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and share the joy of incredible vegan comfort food with the people you care about.