If you've been craving that golden, crispy fried chicken flavor without the meat, you're in the right place. This vegan fried chicken recipe uses fried chicken mushrooms as the star ingredient, giving you the perfect meaty texture and rich umami flavor. While this recipe shines with fried chicken mushrooms, you can also try tofu or seitan for other plant-based fried chicken options.
Have you ever tried fried chicken mushrooms? Contrary to popular belief, they don't taste like chicken, but they have a meaty texture that's often compared to chicken, much like chicken of the woods, which makes them a perfect vegan fried chicken option!
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Ingredients for Crispy Vegan Fried Chicken
- Fried chicken mushrooms: While fried chicken mushrooms are often foraged, they can sometimes be found at farmers' markets. They have the perfect texture and a mild flavor that works beautifully in this recipe. If you can't find them, you can substitute oyster mushrooms.
- Flour: I used all-purpose flour in this recipe. Try substituting gluten-free flour, like chickpea flour, to make gluten-free fried chicken.
- Seasoning: I like to start with Creole seasoning and add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, cayenne, and a small amount of baking powder. Feel free to leave out anything you don't like!
- Herbs: Oregano, thyme, or basil would be great additions to the batter.
- Water: I kept it simple by adding water to the seasoned flour. You can also make vegan buttermilk by mixing 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of soy milk. Almond milk can also be used.
- Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, like peanut oil, canola oil, or tallow.
Other Plant-Based Options:
- Tofu - pressed and sliced into strips
- Seitan - pre-sliced or homemade
- Jackfruit - shredded for a pulled chicken style
*See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Crispy Vegan Fried Chicken
- Wipe the mushroom cap with a damp paper towel, then use a paring knife to clean between the gills.
- Slice larger mushrooms in half and leave the smaller ones whole.
Pro Tip: If you decide to give the mushrooms a quick rinse, make sure to dry them thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe. Otherwise, the water will cause the hot oil to pop while they are being fried. Another option is to use a mushroom cleaning brush to remove the dirt and debris.
- Whisk flour, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and baking powder into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add water (or plant-based milk) and mix to form a thick, smooth batter. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until a thermometer registers between 350°-375°F.
- Using tongs, dip fried chicken mushrooms into the batter and allow the excess to drop back into the bowl.
- Gently place battered mushrooms into the hot oil, working in batches. Fry for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain excess oil onto paper towels. Serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the mushrooms will steam instead of crisping up.
Looking for other delicious vegan recipes? If so, give this vegan protein soup a try. This gluten-free kale soup is prepared in an Instant Pot and is ready in just 30 minutes!
Air Fryer or Oven Option
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flip halfway.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once.
Tips for Extra Crispy Vegan Fried Chicken
- Double-dip with milk and flour/panko layers
- Let coated pieces rest 5-10 minutes before frying
- Use high-smoke-point oil (for example, tallow) for even crispiness
- Serve immediately for the best texture
Serving Ideas
- Vegan fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo
- Served with mashed potatoes and vegan gravy
- Dipping sauces: vegan ranch, buffalo, BBQ
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crunch.
FAQ
There are many vegan fried chicken recipes out there. Some use oyster mushrooms, while others use seitan or tofu.
There are a variety of chicken substitutes that are vegan-friendly. These include extra-firm tofu, seitan, plant-based meat, mushrooms, and potatoes.
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Mushrooms give the most meaty texture, but pressed tofu and seitan are excellent substitutes.
Disclaimer:
Fried chicken mushrooms are safe to eat when correctly identified, but if you're foraging, always double-check identification. When in doubt, use store-bought mushrooms.
Pro Tips
- For even a crunchier texture, add some panko crumbs to your flour mixture.
- Keep the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F when frying the mushrooms. If the oil temperature is lower, the mushrooms will be greasy, and if the temperature is higher, the 'fried chicken" will burn.
- When frying the mushrooms, don't overcrowd the pan. Adding too many mushrooms at once can lower the oil's temperature.
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Recipe
Crispy Vegan Fried Chicken | Easy Plant-Based Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces fried chicken mushrooms (or oyster mushrooms)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Wipe the mushroom cap with a damp paper towel, then use a paring knife to clean between the gills.
- Slice larger mushrooms in half and leave the smaller ones whole.
- Whisk flour, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and baking powder into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add water (or plant-based milk) and mix to form a thick, smooth batter. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until a thermometer registers between 350°-375°F.
- Using tongs, dip fried chicken mushrooms into the batter and allow the excess to drop back into the bowl.
- Gently place battered mushrooms into the hot oil, working in batches. Fry for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain excess oil onto paper towels. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For even a crunchier texture, add some panko crumbs to your flour mixture.
- Keep the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F when frying the mushrooms. If the oil temperature is lower, the mushrooms will be greasy, and if the temperature is higher, the 'fried chicken" will burn.
- When frying the mushrooms, don't overcrowd the pan. Adding too many mushrooms at once can lower the oil's temperature.
Hilda Sterner says
I hope you give this delicious vegan fried chicken recipe a try!