Whether you’re going vegan for the animals, the planet, or just for a fun dietary challenge, giving up chicken can be tough. Luckily, the plant-based market is booming with meat alternatives, and chicken is no exception. So, let’s get clucking and try some of the best vegan chicken substitutes on the market.

Why Go For Vegan Chicken?

If you’re not vegan but are intrigued by the idea of meatless chicken, there are plenty of reasons to give it a go.

• Animal welfare: Reducing demand for chicken helps reduce the number of birds raised and killed for meat.
• Environmental sustainability: Raising chickens for meat contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Health benefits: A plant-based diet has been linked to lower risks of heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

Plus, you get to experiment with delicious vegan chicken alternatives!

Soy-Based Vegan Chicken

Perhaps the OG of plant-based meat alternatives, soy-based chicken has been around for decades. While it may not perfectly replicate the taste and texture of real chicken, it’s a solid option for various dishes.

Soy-based chicken has a firm and fibrous texture that closely resembles shredded chicken. It has a mild flavor profile, making it a versatile option for various recipes. Soy chicken absorbs marinades well, so don’t be afraid to get creative with sauces.

Seitan-Based Vegan Chicken

If you’re looking for a meaty, chewy texture that closely mimics the bite of traditional chicken, seitan-based chicken is the way to go. Made from wheat gluten, seitan has a savory and umami-rich flavor profile that adapts well to various seasonings.

Mushroom-Based Vegan Chicken

For a vegan chicken substitute that’s a bit more earthy and nutty, give mushroom-based chicken a try. Shiitake, oyster, and portobello mushrooms can be combined to create a tender and juicy texture that captures the juiciness of cooked chicken.

Jackfruit-Based Vegan Chicken

This tropical fruit may be a surprise entry on this list, but jackfruit has gained popularity as a meat alternative due to its shredded and stringy texture that mimics pulled chicken. Jackfruit is mild and slightly sweet, making it a great base for savory marinades and sauces.

Choosing the Right Vegan Chicken Substitute

When selecting a vegan chicken substitute, consider how you’ll be using it in your recipes. If you plan on breading and frying the chicken, a soy-based option may be your best bet for achieving a crispy texture. For shredding and using in salads and sandwiches, jackfruit and soy chicken are both good options.

Ultimately, the best vegan chicken substitute for you depends on your personal taste preferences. Do you want a meaty texture, or would you prefer a more delicate flavor? Experiment with different types to find your favorite.

Vegan Chicken Tenders and Nuggets

If you’re craving the classic chicken nugget or tender, look no further than these vegan versions. Use your preferred soy or seitan-based chicken for best results.

Ingredients

• 1 lb vegan chicken substitute, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, almond, etc.)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In another shallow bowl, whisk together plant-based milk.
5. Dip each piece of vegan chicken in the milk, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place breaded chicken on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Vegan Chicken Salad and Sandwiches

Shredded soy or jackfruit chicken is a delicious and easy addition to salads or sandwiches. Simply shred your preferred vegan chicken substitute and mix it into your favorite greens, veggies, and dressing. For sandwiches, try slathering on some vegan mayonnaise and adding sliced veggies for a satisfying plant-based meal.

Vegan Chicken Stir-Fries and Curries

Soy, seitan, or jackfruit chicken are all great options for stir-fries and curries. Simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it in a pan with your preferred seasonings, vegetables, and sauces. For a more authentic texture and flavor, use seitan-based chicken. If you prefer a tender and juicy texture, consider mushroom-based chicken.

Get creative with your vegan chicken dishes! Experiment with different sauces, seasonings, and vegetables to find your new favorite plant-based meal.

top 10 vegan chicken recipes

Top 10 Vegan Chicken Recipes You’ve Gotta Try

Say goodbye to boring salads and sandwiches with these delicious vegan chicken recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for wings, tenders, or a full-on dinner, we’ve got you covered.

1. Vegan Chicken Tenders with BBQ Sauce

These crispy vegan chicken tenders are smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce for a delicious plant-based spin on a classic dish. Serve them up with some vegan coleslaw and baked beans for a satisfying vegan barbecue.

Ingredients

• 1 lb vegan chicken tenders (such as Gardein)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread vegan chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Heat BBQ sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add cooked vegan chicken tenders to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce.

2. Vegan Chicken Wings

These vegan chicken wings are a game-changer. Made with seitan, they have a chewy and meaty texture that perfectly mimics the taste and feel of real chicken wings. Toss them in your favorite sauce and enjoy these plant-based wings with some celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs seitan, cut into wing-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as soy milk)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Your favorite BBQ, buffalo, or wing sauce

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In another shallow bowl, whisk together plant-based milk.
4. Dip each seitan wing in the flour mixture, then coat in the plant-based milk, and then coat again in the flour mixture.
5. Fry seitan wings in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Drain seitan wings on paper towels.
7. Heat your favorite sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Add cooked seitan wings to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce.

3. Vegan Chicken Parmesan

This vegan take on a classic Italian dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Breaded and fried vegan chicken cutlets are topped with tomato sauce and vegan mozzarella cheese, making for a delicious plant-based meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb vegan chicken cutlets (such as Gardein)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as soy milk)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded vegan mozzarella cheese (such as Daiya)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In another shallow bowl, whisk together plant-based milk.
5. Dip each vegan chicken cutlet in the milk, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place breaded chicken cutlets on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Heat oven to broil.
9. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
10. Place cooked vegan chicken cutlets on top of the sauce.
11. Top each cutlet with 1/4 cup marinara sauce and 1/4 cup shredded vegan mozzarella cheese.
12. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
13. Repeat with remaining vegan chicken cutlets, sauce, and cheese.
14. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

4. Vegan Chicken Caesar Salad

Who needs real chicken when you have crispy, delicious vegan chicken tenders? Toss them on top of a bed of romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a satisfying plant-based twist on a classic salad.

5. Vegan Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Spread some basil pesto on sliced bread, add cooked vegan chicken strips, and top with tomato slices, vegan mozzarella cheese, and more basil for a delicious and easy vegan chicken sandwich.

6. Vegan Chicken Stir-Fry

Soy, seitan, or jackfruit chicken are all great options for stir-fries. Simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it in a pan with your preferred seasonings, vegetables, and sauces. For a more authentic texture and flavor, use seitan-based chicken. If you prefer a tender and juicy texture, consider mushroom-based chicken.

7. Vegan Chicken Curry

Make a delicious and spicy vegan chicken curry by cooking seitan or jackfruit chicken with your favorite curry powder, coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Serve it over rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

8. Vegan Chicken Fried Rice

Stir-fry soy or seitan chicken with vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and green onions, and cook it in rice for a delicious and easy vegan chicken fried rice. Don’t forget to add soy sauce for extra flavor.

9. Vegan Chicken Tikka Masala

Marinate seitan or jackfruit chicken in a mixture of yogurt, garam masala, paprika, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice, then grill or broil it until charred and tender. Serve it over rice with a creamy tomato-based tikka masala sauce for a delicious and spicy vegan meal.

10. Vegan Chicken Alfredo

Coat cooked vegan chicken tenders or strips in a creamy and delicious vegan Alfredo sauce made with vegan butter, plant-based milk, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Serve it over pasta for a satisfying and indulgent vegan meal.