Looking for the perfect plant-based comfort food? These Vegan Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor!
Made from simple ingredients like tofu, breadcrumbs, and a dash of seasonings, these tenders have all the texture and taste of the real thing—without the meat.
Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, or just looking for a healthier twist on a classic favorite, these tenders are sure to impress.
I first tried this recipe on a lazy Sunday when I wanted something crispy but didn’t feel like heading out for takeout. To my surprise, they were even better than I expected—crispy on the outside, perfectly tender inside, and deliciously seasoned.
Serve them alongside tangy coleslaw and smoky elote for the ultimate comfort meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
I love how versatile these tenders are, too. Whether dipped in vegan ranch, tossed in buffalo sauce, or eaten plain, they always hit the spot. Plus, they make a great addition to salads, wraps, or even sandwiches.
Have you made these yet? Tell me how you like to enjoy them in the comments!
Why Is This Recipe So Special?
- Crispy and Flavorful: The perfect crunch with a juicy inside.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these tenders.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in no time for a hassle-free meal.
- Customizable: Spice them up with your favorite dipping sauces!
Vegan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor (optional)
- Large bowl (if not using food processor)
- Steamer Basket
- Large pot
- Instant-read thermometer (optional)
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten plus more for dusting
- 1 block 10.6oz/ 300g soft or silken tofu, (1 ¼ cups)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons vegetable broth powder vegetable instant stock mix powder, or 1 vegetable bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse vital wheat gluten, tofu, water, nutritional yeast, onion powder, vegetable broth powder, garlic powder, and salt until the dough forms a ball.
- Alternatively, mash tofu with a potato masher, then mix in the rest of the ingredients. Stir in vital wheat gluten to form dough.
- Dust a clean surface with vital wheat gluten, then shape dough into 6 ovals, each about 5″ x 6″.
- In a large pot with a steamer basket, bring water to a gentle simmer. Grease the steamer basket and place tenders inside.
- Cover and steam for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
- Let tenders cool and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 3-4 days.
- Once chilled, season and cook tenders as desired—pan-fry, grill, bread, or slice for various dishes.
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 159kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Calcium | 63g |
Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Chicken Tenders!
- Use Silken or Soft Tofu: Soft or silken tofu provides a smooth texture and helps bind the dough, making the tenders tender inside. Firm tofu might make the texture too dense.
- Pulse for a Better Texture: Using a food processor helps combine the ingredients evenly and creates a dough that’s smooth and cohesive. If you’re mixing by hand, be sure to mash the tofu thoroughly for an even consistency.
- Dust with Vital Wheat Gluten: Dust your work surface generously with vital wheat gluten to prevent the dough from sticking. This also helps maintain a nice texture while shaping the tenders.
- Shape Evenly: Shape the tenders into uniform sizes for even cooking. Make them slightly thicker in the center and taper at the ends for that classic tender shape.
- Steam, Don’t Boil: Steaming the tenders ensures they retain moisture and stay tender. Boiling could make them too soggy or rubbery. Make sure to cover the steamer basket to keep the steam in.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Flip the tenders halfway through the steaming process for even cooking and to prevent any stickiness on one side.
- Chill Before Cooking: Let the tenders chill for at least an hour before cooking to help firm up the texture. Chilling also helps them hold together better during frying or grilling.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Once chilled, you can pan-fry for a crispy exterior, grill for a smoky flavor, or even bread and bake for an extra crunchy crust.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs in the dough, like smoked paprika, cumin, or thyme, to customize the flavor of your tenders.
