Crispy, golden, and oh-so-satisfying—this Vegan Fried Chicken recipe is the plant-based twist you didn’t know you needed.
With a crispy coating that crackles with every bite and a juicy, tender inside, it’s everything you love about fried chicken, but completely vegan.
Made with simple ingredients like seasoned chickpeas, flour, and plant-based milk, this dish is a showstopper at dinner tables and potlucks alike.
I first made this recipe when I was craving comfort food but wanted to skip the meat. The texture and flavor blew me away! The crunchy coating seals in the flavors, while the chickpea filling is perfectly tender and holds its shape.
Pair it with creamy Mashed Potatoes and fluffy Cornbread for a down-home, vegan comfort meal that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.
This recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen. Whether you’re making a vegan-friendly feast or simply craving something hearty, this vegan fried chicken hits the spot every time.
What’s your favorite side to enjoy with this fried chicken? Let me know in the comments!
Why You Will Be Hooked?
- Crispy and Tender: The perfect balance of crunchy coating and juicy filling.
- Comfort Food: It’s everything you love about fried chicken, but plant-based!
- Family Favorite: A hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served as is!
Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Deep fryer or pan
- Shallow bowl
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or skimmer basket
- Paper towels
- Thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz container extra firm tofu
- 2 cups vegan chicken broth
For the buttermilk
- 3/4 cup soy milk plain flavored, (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Dry ingredients and spices
- 1/3 cup flour (or GF flour mix)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
For frying
- 2 cups oil
Instructions
- Freeze and thaw tofu overnight, then press and cut into 1-inch cubes. Marinate in vegan chicken broth.
- Prepare buttermilk by mixing soy milk, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, cornmeal, oregano, creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black, and white pepper in a separate bowl.
- Heat oil to 370°F (187°C) in a deep fryer or pan.
- Coat tofu cubes in buttermilk, then dredge in the dry flour mixture. Repeat for double coating.
- Fry tofu in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove tofu and drain on paper towels. Repeat until all tofu is cooked.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 276kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Calcium | 132g |
Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Fried Tofu!
- Press the Tofu Well: Freezing and thawing the tofu overnight enhances its texture, making it firmer and better at absorbing flavors. After thawing, press out as much water as possible for the best results.
- Double Coat for Crunch: For extra crispiness, coat the tofu cubes twice—first in the buttermilk and then in the dry mixture. This gives the tofu a thicker, crunchier outer layer.
- Let the Buttermilk Sit: The vinegar and hot sauce in the buttermilk will curdle the soy milk slightly, creating a tangy base that helps the flour coating stick better.
- Customize the Spices: Adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. Add smoked paprika for extra depth or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Use a Thermometer: Maintain oil temperature at 370°F (187°C) for the best fry. Too hot, and the tofu will burn; too cool, and it will absorb too much oil.
- Fry in Small Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the tofu cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
- Drain Well: Once fried, place the tofu on paper towels to drain excess oil, ensuring a crispy texture.
- Keep It Hot: Serve the tofu immediately for maximum crunchiness. Vegan fried tofu loses its crispiness as it cools.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different marinades or add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dry flour mixture for a unique flavor twist.
