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This image shows a top-down view of crispy vegan fried chicken served on a white round plate, garnished with chopped cilantro, ready to enjoy.

Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe

This vegan fried chicken offers a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, flavorful interior using tofu as the star ingredient. Perfect for satisfying cravings, it mimics the classic dish while being entirely plant-based and customizable for your spice preferences.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • cast-iron skillet
  • freezer
  • wire cooling rack or large plate
  • Large mixing bowl
  • paper towel
  • medium mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

Breading

  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1½ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning blend
  • 1½ tbsp Italian seasoning apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • ½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ tbsp cayenne pepper

Tofu Chicken

  • 1½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 package of firm tofu
  • neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Freeze and thaw a 16-ounce package of firm tofu twice.
    This image shows tofu being placed in the freezer, later thawed to enhance texture for the vegan fried chicken recipe.
  • After the second thaw, drain, press, and break the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
    This image shows tofu being pressed with a heavy object to remove excess water, preparing it for the vegan fried chicken recipe.
  • Marinate in 1 ½ cups vegetable broth with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce.
    This image shows tofu cubes soaking in a marinade of unsweetened non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl, infusing the tofu with tangy and creamy flavors before cooking.
  • Mix 1 ½ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk and 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
    This image shows tofu being placed in the freezer, later thawed to enhance texture for the vegan fried chicken recipe.
  • In another bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, and seasonings: onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
    This image shows tofu pieces being dredged in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating for a crispy finish.
  • Dip tofu pieces in the milk mixture, dredge in the seasoned flour, and repeat for a double coating.
    This image shows a bowl of plant-based milk being combined with vinegar, creating vegan buttermilk for coating the tofu.
  • Heat ½-inch neutral oil in a skillet to 350-360°F.
    heating-half-inch-neutral-oil-in-black-skillet-vegan-fried-chicken
  • Fry tofu for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden.
    frying-tofu-until-golden-in-black-skillet-vegan-fried-chicken
  • Drain on a rack or paper towels.
    draining-golden-tofu-on-rack-vegan-fried-chicken

Notes

  • Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 350-360°F for even frying and minimal greasiness.