Author: Craving that delicious, juicy, and tender bite of chicken-but 100% plant-based? These 26 vegan chicken recipes deliver all the texture, flavor, and protein-packed goodness you love, without the meat. Whether you're looking for crispy fried vegan chicken, saucy stir-fry dishes, or juicy grilled alternatives, this roundup has something for everyone.
From seitan and tofu to soy curls and jackfruit, these recipes use the best plant-based ingredients to recreate everything from chicken wings to shredded chicken-perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more.
If you're new to making vegan chicken, don't worry! Below, I'll go over the best ingredients for plant-based chicken so you can choose the right option for your cooking needs. Then, dive into 26 incredible recipes that will make you wonder why you ever needed chicken in the first place! (Hint: you don't, plants are better). 😉
Best Ingredients for Vegan Chicken
Making vegan chicken starts with choosing the right base. Here are some of the best plant-based options to recreate the texture and flavor of chicken ⬇️
- Seitan (Wheat Protein) - The Most Chicken-Like Substitute
- Seitan, also known as wheat gluten, is one of the most realistic vegan chicken substitutes because of its meaty texture and high protein content. It's made by kneading wheat flour or vital wheat gluten with seasonings, then cooking it by steaming, frying, or simmering. Seitan is one of the most protein-packed vegan options, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts! Seitan can be a little more time-consuming to make than the other chicken recipes here, but if you are up for a challenge it can be the most rewarding! Learn all my best tips in my free masterclass Seitan 101.
- Best For: Fried vegan chicken, vegan chicken breasts, grilled chicken, or shredded chicken.
- Tofu - A Versatile & Affordable Option
- Tofu is an easy, budget-friendly way to make vegan chicken and is my everyday go-to. Tofu on its own is mild (just like unseasoned chicken!), but it transforms beautifully with the right seasoning and cooking methods. It's all about seasoning and cooking it to get the most chicken-like texture. I recommend starting out with my fan-favorite tofu bites recipe.
- Best For: Vegan chicken nuggets, baked chicken bites, and stir-fry dishes.
- Soy Curls - A Quick & Easy Alternative
- Soy curls are made from whole soybeans and have a naturally chewy, meaty texture when rehydrated. They soak up marinades beautifully and cook quickly, making them great for fast weeknight meals. They can be purchased at health food stores or online. Try my soy curl tacos which I make for guests often!
- Best For: Vegan chicken stir-fries, tacos, fajitas, and sandwiches.
- Jackfruit - The Best for Shredded Chicken
- Jackfruit is a fruit that when harvested when it's young and green, has a stringy, pull-apart texture, making it one of the best choices for shredded vegan chicken. It's a low-calorie, whole-food option that's great for lighter meals. Since it has a mild taste, it absorbs seasonings well. Just make sure to use young green jackfruit in brine or water (not the sweet kind in syrup). Try my pulled jackfruit sandwiches.
- Best For: Vegan shredded chicken, BBQ chicken, and pulled chicken sandwiches.
- Mushrooms - Juicy and Delicious
- Certain mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms, have a naturally fibrous texture that mimics shredded chicken. They're also great for adding umami-rich flavor to plant-based dishes. Try my Buttermilk fried oyster mushrooms (it tastes like KFC)!
- Best For: Vegan chicken tacos, stir-fries, and shredded chicken recipes.
- Cauliflower - A Surprisingly Crispy Option
- Cauliflower may not seem like a typical vegan chicken substitute, but when battered and baked or fried, it creates crispy, juicy bites that are perfect for wings and nuggets. You will love my Buffalo Cauliflower recipe!
- Best For: Vegan chicken wings, buffalo cauliflower, and crispy bites.
- Store-Bought Vegan Chicken - The Ultimate Convenience
- If you're short on time, there are plenty of store-bought vegan chicken brands that work well in these recipes. Some top brands include Gardein, Beyond Meat, and Tofurky. You may need to adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Best For: Quick and easy vegan chicken meals when you don't want to cook from scratch.
Now onto the recipes! Click the photo or title of the recipe to take you directly to the recipe post with the full instructions and step by step photos.
Now onto the recipes! 🔽
Vegan Hot Honey Chicken: "I just made this and it was delicious! Definitely going to reuse that hot honey sauce for other things. yummy!" -Kai
Vegan Marry Me Chicken: "This came out delicious! Gonna make this again and again." -Eva
Vegan Chicken Wings: "This recipe rocks!!! It is THE BEST seiten recipe I have tried." -Amy
Vegan Fried Chicken: "Very addictive. Absolutely delicious." -Jane
Easy Vegan Orange Chicken: "Absolutely fantastic!! Made it and LOVED IT. Better than an authentic take out and so much healthier. Perfection." -Kate
2-Ingredient Vegan Chicken: "This was AMAZING! What a wild ride to make this. I followed the instructions to a T and it came out perfectly." -Sarah
Vegan Chicken Tacos: "These were soooooo good." -Jim
Vegan Sheet Pan Fajitas: "Such a fast recipe with great flavor!!! Thanks for another keeper, Sam!" -Karen
Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip: "This is so good! I'm made it for the Super Bowl last weekend and again today because I was craving it all week." -Bonnie
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: "Sam - these we're absolutely amazing!! Hands down THE best crispy cauliflower recipe I've tried (and there have been a few)." -Gwen
Quick & Easy Vegan Chicken: "This vegan chicken delivers amazing flavor and a perfect texture. A must-try for a fast, delicious, and versatile meal I was amazed by how easy this recipe was to follow I made the most delicious vegan chicken." -Damilia
Chicken-Style Tofu Bites: "The closest to chicken nuggets that you can get! The only downside is that they don't last long!" -Joy
Vegan Chicken Nuggets: "I just made these for the first time tonight and my husband and I both loved them. They were very tasty and love the crunch that the air fryer gave them!" -Christine
Vegan Chicken Breasts: "I've made these so many times, and every time they come out great. They can be added to so many dishes." -Hazel
Vegan Chicken Caesar Salad: "This was such a good salad! ...The dressing was so flavorful and really made the salad." -Michelle
Vegan Chicken Caesar Wrap: "Fantastic recipe! This was my first time trying both the bites and the Caesar dressing. Both are perfect." -Kirsten
Vegan Chicken Salad: "Just made this! Delicious!" -Peter
Vegan Buffalo Chicken: "This was delicious and so easy to make!" -KG
Vegan Jerk BBQ Chicken: "I love this!!!! I used my "jerk chicken" to top a salad (with your ranch dressing). It was wonderful." -Joanne
Vegan Lemon Garlic Chicken: "Tried this today over baked potatoes - fabulous!! thank you so much!!" -Robin
Vegan Satay Skewers: "Best soy curl recipe I have ever tried. It was absolutely delicious!" -Karlee
Vegan Sticky Teriyaki Chicken: "Delicious and easy! Good go-to recipe for the future." -Debbie
Vegan Butter Chicken: "This recipe is outstanding! Absolutely delicious!" - Hoda
Vegan Shredded Chicken: "WOWEE!! This is hands down the best tofu I've ever eaten!" -Melissa
Crispy Lemon Chicken: "I made this for dinner last night. It was so good that i couldn't stop eating it!" -Shannon
Vegan Almond Rosemary Lemon Crusted Chicken: "Loved this recipe! I made it with garlic mashed potatoes." -Brittany
So there you have it-26 incredible ways to make and enjoy vegan chicken! Whether you're craving crispy, saucy, grilled, or tender bites, these plant-based recipes bring all the flavor and texture you love-without the chicken.
If you try any of these recipes, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
Katey says
I've made so many of these and all are delicious! The soy curl tacos are a regular 'go-to' meal, and the lemon garlic soy curls are one of those things that I make, and then end up making again very soon because they are so excellent, I want them again (and there are never enough leftovers!)
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! I love that! So happy you love the recipes Katey!