The Crispiest Seitan Fried Chicken You’ll Ever Make
🥢 Introduction: Why Vegan Fried Chicken is a Must-Try
There’s something universally comforting about the crackle of perfectly fried chicken. But if you’ve chosen a plant-based lifestyle—or you’re just trying to cut down on meat—you might think that texture, that taste, that crunch, is forever lost. Think again. With this Vegan Fried Chicken made from seitan, we’re bringing back everything you love about classic fried chicken—minus the meat.
Whether you’re already a fan of tofu recipes, love experimenting with vegan foods, or are just entering the world of plant-based eating, this recipe is a revelation. Juicy, meaty seitan, seasoned to perfection, coated in a crispy, golden shell, and fried until crunchy—every bite is a flavor explosion.
This dish doesn’t just satisfy cravings. It’s a symbol of the evolution of vegan cuisine: inventive, delicious, and downright irresistible.
🌾 What Is Seitan, and Why It Works So Well
If tofu is the classic plant-based protein, seitan is its heartier cousin. Made from vital wheat gluten, seitan has a naturally fibrous, chewy texture that makes it the ideal stand-in for chicken, beef, and pork. When flavored and cooked correctly, it absorbs marinades beautifully and mimics the satisfying bite of meat better than most alternatives.
Seitan is:
- High in protein (over 20g per 100g serving)
- Low in fat
- Incredibly versatile
- Perfect for breading and frying
It’s no wonder it has become a staple in dishes like vegan fried chicken, vegan BBQ ribs, and even deli slices. In this recipe, we’ll transform a simple gluten dough into crispy seitan chicken strips you can’t stop eating.
🧄 Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need
This recipe includes three key phases: making the seitan, seasoning and marinating it, and breading + frying it to golden perfection.
🧑‍🍳 For the Seitan “Chicken”:
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (adds umami depth)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Âľ cup vegan chicken-style broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (adds saltiness and depth)
🥣 For Simmering the Seitan:
- 4 cups vegan chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
🥛 For Vegan Buttermilk Marinade:
- 1 cup unsweetened soy or oat milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp salt
🥄 For Vegan Egg Wash:
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 6 tbsp water
- (Let sit 5 minutes to gel)
🧂 Breading Station:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crisp)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
🛢️ For Frying:
- Enough canola, sunflower, or peanut oil to submerge the seitan
👩‍🍳 How to Make Vegan Fried Chicken — Step by Step
Let’s walk through each step of creating this glorious crispy seitan masterpiece.
1. Prepare the Seitan Dough
In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients: vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Add soy sauce and broth. Stir to combine, then knead the dough for 2–3 minutes until it becomes elastic. It should feel bouncy and slightly stretchy. Rest the dough for 5 minutes, then tear it into chicken tender-sized chunks. Don’t worry about uniformity—irregular shapes give it that homemade fried chicken feel.
2. Simmer the Seitan for Texture
In a large saucepan, bring the broth, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme to a gentle simmer. This is crucial. If the broth boils, your seitan will puff up and become spongey instead of meaty.
Simmer the seitan chunks gently for 30–35 minutes until firm. They will expand slightly. Remove, drain, and let cool completely before marinating.
Pro Tip: Letting seitan rest overnight in the fridge improves the texture dramatically.
3. Soak in Vegan Buttermilk
Mix non-dairy milk and vinegar to create “buttermilk,” then stir in hot sauce and salt. Place the cooled seitan pieces in the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
This step helps soften and flavor the seitan, much like traditional chicken marination.
4. Prepare Your Vegan Egg & Breading Stations
Mix flaxseed with water to create a thick, egg-like consistency. This helps the breading stick.
In a separate bowl, combine all breading ingredients and mix thoroughly. The cornstarch and baking powder ensure extra-light, crispy coating.
Set up your assembly line:
- Seitan
- Flax egg
- Breading
- Wire rack or tray
5. Double-Dredge for Crunch
Remove seitan from the marinade. Dip each piece into the flax egg, then dredge in the flour mixture. Repeat for a second coat: egg → flour again. This double-dip creates a craggy, golden crust that mimics the best fried chicken.
Lay the breaded seitan on a wire rack as you work to prevent sogginess.
6. Fry Until Perfectly Golden
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry seitan in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4–6 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
Air Fryer Option: Spray with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 mins, flipping halfway. Texture will be slightly drier but still delicious.
🍽️ How to Serve Vegan Fried Chicken
Once fried and rested for a few minutes, your vegan fried chicken seitan is ready to steal the show.
Pair with:
- Vegan fries and ketchup
- Mac & cheese (plant-based, of course)
- Southern-style coleslaw
- Biscuits and vegan gravy
- Buffalo sauce, maple syrup, or ranch dip
- Pickles and BBQ sauce in a sandwich
🧠Pro Tips and Tricks
- Let the seitan rest overnight before marinating for the best texture.
- Use cornstarch + flour for a light but crispy coating.
- Double dredging is key—don’t skip it!
- Add a pinch of MSG for that KFC-style umami (optional).
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or oven.
🌱 Variations
Gluten-Free Alternative:
Replace seitan with extra firm tofu or soy curls, and use gluten-free flour blend + breadcrumbs.
Spicy Option:
Add 1 tsp cayenne to the breading or use a spicy vegan mayo for dipping.
“Chicken” Sandwich:
Serve the seitan between toasted buns with pickles, vegan mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Saturated Fat: 1g
(Note: values will vary depending on oil absorption and portion size.)
đź’¬ FAQ: Your Vegan Fried Chicken Questions Answered
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 30–35 minutes. Spray with oil halfway through for color and crispiness.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze before or after frying. Reheat in oven or air fryer to crisp back up.
Does seitan taste like chicken?
With proper seasoning, seitan mimics the texture of chicken remarkably well and can absorb flavors beautifully.
Where do I buy vital wheat gluten?
Find it at health food stores, Whole Foods, or online from brands like Bob’s Red Mill.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use high-smoke-point oils like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil.
🧡 Why This Recipe Works
This vegan fried chicken isn’t just good for a plant-based alternative—it’s good, period. Crispy, juicy, and satisfying, it hits all the sensory notes of traditional fried chicken while being 100% cruelty-free.
- Satisfies cravings without sacrificing values
- Perfect for sharing—even meat eaters love it
- Versatile for sandwiches, bowls, and sides
- Fun to cook and endlessly customizable
đź“Ś Final Thoughts & Serving Inspiration
Make this once, and it will become part of your go-to plant-based rotation. Pair it with loaded vegan fries, dunk it in spicy BBQ, or serve over waffles for a Southern brunch twist. However you enjoy it, know that you’re biting into something deliciously ethical.
