Healthy Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe – A Crispy Delight

When I first went vegan, I thought I’d have to give up my love for fried chicken. But then I found this amazing Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Imagine craving that crispy, savory goodness, but wanting to stick to your plant-based diet. Well, this recipe solves that problem. It’s all about capturing the essence of traditional fried chicken without compromising your values.

I went on a bit of a culinary adventure to perfect this recipe, trying out different ingredients, and guess what? Jackfruit turned out to be the hero.

This dish isn’t just a replacement for fried chicken; it’s a whole new experience. Let me show you how this recipe can satisfy your cravings while staying true to your vegan lifestyle, giving you a guilt-free, delicious meal.

What Is Vegan Fried Chicken?

Vegan fried chicken is a plant-based alternative to traditional fried chicken, designed to mimic the taste and texture of the real thing without using any animal products.

It often uses ingredients like jackfruit, tofu, seitan, or cauliflower as the base, which are then seasoned, battered, and fried or baked to achieve a crispy, flavorful crust.

This innovative dish is a testament to the versatility of vegan cooking, offering a cruelty-free option for those seeking the comfort and satisfaction of fried chicken. It’s a delicious, ethical choice for both vegans and curious foodies alike.

Quick Fact: Did you know vegan fried chicken can mimic the texture of real chicken so closely that even meat-eaters often can’t tell the difference? It’s a culinary marvel!

Recipe Directions

• To Prepare the Vegan Chicken: Begin by pulling apart the batch of vegan chicken (store-bought or homemade) into strips, wings, or tenders. If you’re using oyster mushrooms, tear them into wing-sized pieces or leave in chunky clusters for a varied texture. Set aside in a bowl.

To Fry The Chicken

• Prepare The Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of gram flour, 200 ml of plant milk, 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of sriracha. This mixture will act as your vegan “egg” coating.
• Prepare The Spiced Flour Mixture: In another medium bowl, combine 300 g of plain white flour, 3 tablespoons of corn flour, 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt, 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix well.
• Heat The Oil: Place a medium, high-sided frying pan over medium heat, or turn on a deep fat fryer. Heat the oil to 170°C, checking the temperature with a chef’s thermometer. Use vegetable or sunflower oil for frying.
• Coat The Vegan Chicken: Using a dedicated hand for each mixture to avoid clumping, coat each piece of vegan chicken first in the spiced flour mixture, then dunk into the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour. This double coating ensures a crispy exterior.
• Fry The Chicken: Carefully place the coated vegan chicken in the hot oil and fry for 2-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spider or slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on the kitchen towel. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
• Serve: Enjoy your vegan fried chicken hot, perfect as a main dish or a snack.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Buffalo Style: Toss in vegan buffalo sauce after frying.
• BBQ Glazed: Brush with vegan BBQ sauce and bake for a few minutes.

Add-Ons

• Vegan Buttermilk Ranch: Serve with a side of homemade vegan ranch.
• Coleslaw: A classic, tangy coleslaw complements the crispy chicken.

Toppings

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Cauliflower: With its meaty texture, cauliflower florets become incredibly crispy and satisfying when battered and fried.
• Mushrooms: Large varieties like portobello or oyster mushrooms offer a chewy, meat-like texture.
• Artichoke Hearts: Their tender yet firm texture makes them a great choice for mimicking chicken.
• Seitan: Though not a vegetable, this wheat gluten provides a protein-rich, chewy base that’s highly versatile.
• Tempeh: Fermented soybeans pressed into a firm block, tempeh can be sliced and marinated for a substantial bite.
• Eggplant: When thinly sliced, eggplant can soak up flavors well, offering a soft, yet satisfying texture.
• Jackfruit: Young green jackfruit has a stringy, meat-like texture, making it one of the best substitutes for a pulled chicken effect.

Quick Tip: For the crispiest vegan fried chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying and don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain a consistent temperature.

Best Side Dishes

1. Vegan Mac And Cheese Creamy, rich, and comforting, it’s a classic pairing that never disappoints.
2. Sweet Potato Fries Their sweet flavor and crispy texture make a delightful contrast.
3. Cornbread A sweet and savory vegan cornbread adds a comforting, traditional touch.
4. Coleslaw A tangy and crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the fried chicken.
5. Green Bean Almondine Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds offer a crunchy and nutritious side.
6. Collard Greens Slow-cooked vegan collard greens bring a Southern flair to the meal.
7. Potato Salad A creamy, tangy vegan potato salad is refreshing and satisfying.
8. Biscuits Fluffy vegan biscuits are perfect for dipping into gravy or sauces.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Roasted until crispy, they add a bite of bitterness to complement the dish.

How To Serve? 

• Classic Meal: Serve vegan fried chicken alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and gravy for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Sandwich Style: Create mouthwatering sandwiches by placing vegan fried chicken between two slices of bread or inside a bun, topped with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo.
• Salad Topper: Add sliced or diced vegan fried chicken to salads for a protein-rich and flavorful addition. Pair with fresh greens, vegetables, and your favorite dressing for a nutritious meal.
• Appetizer Option: Serve bite-sized pieces of vegan fried chicken as appetizers with dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard for a crowd-pleasing starter.
• Party Platter: Arrange vegan fried chicken on a platter with an assortment of dipping sauces and sides for a fun and festive party or gathering.

Quick Tip: For an extra crispy crust on your vegan fried chicken, let the battered pieces rest for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and crisp up perfectly.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: After cooking, allow the vegan fried chicken to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the vegan fried chicken up to the breading stage, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a quicker cooking process when ready to fry.

Fact: Vegan fried chicken uses innovative ingredients like jackfruit, which not only mimics the texture of chicken but also absorbs flavors well, making it a versatile culinary staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vegan Fried Chicken Difficult To Make At Home?

Not at all! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, creating delicious vegan fried chicken is a breeze. You’ll be enjoying a cruelty-free version of this classic dish in no time.

What Can I Use As A Plant-Based Protein In Vegan Fried Chicken?

Tofu, seitan, and jackfruit are popular choices. Tofu provides a soft and absorbent texture, while seitan offers a chewy, meat-like consistency. Jackfruit is known for its fibrous and shredded texture, making it a great chicken substitute.

Can I Achieve The Same Crispy Texture Without Deep-Frying?

Yes! While deep-frying yields a classic crunch, you can also bake or air-fry vegan fried chicken. Coat the plant-based protein with a light layer of oil and bake or air-fry until golden brown for a healthier alternative.

What Are Some Recommended Vegan Dipping Sauces For Fried Chicken?

Vegan barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, and vegan ranch dressing are popular choices. Experiment with your favorite plant-based condiments to find the perfect accompaniment to your vegan fried chicken.

How Can I Make Vegan Fried Chicken Gluten-Free?

Opt for gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in your batter. Use gluten-free plant-based proteins like tofu or explore other options such as chickpea flour for a tasty and gluten-free twist on this vegan comfort food.