Vegan Fried “Chicken” and Gravy

This Vegan Fried “Chicken” and Gravy recipe delivers all the crispy, savory goodness of classic fried chicken—without the meat! Made with tofu, seitan, or oyster mushrooms, this plant-based version is coated in a flavorful, crispy crust and served with rich, creamy vegan gravy. Perfect for comfort food cravings, this dish is sure to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & flavorful – A golden, crunchy coating with plenty of spices.
• Completely plant-based – A delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken.
• Customizable protein – Use tofu, seitan, or mushrooms for different textures.
• Rich and creamy gravy – Made with plant-based milk and seasonings.
• Perfect comfort food – Great for dinner, gatherings, or weekend treats.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Vegan Fried “Chicken”:

• Firm tofu (pressed), seitan, or oyster mushrooms
• Non-dairy milk (unsweetened)
• Apple cider vinegar (to make vegan buttermilk)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• Baking powder
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper
• Hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• Cooking oil (for frying)

For the Vegan Gravy:

• Vegan butter or oil
• All-purpose flour
• Vegetable broth
• Non-dairy milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Vegan Fried “Chicken”:

1. Press the tofu (if using): Wrap in a towel and press for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Tear into bite-sized pieces for a “chicken” texture.
2. Make vegan buttermilk: Mix non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the coating: In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices. In another, whisk together the vegan buttermilk and hot sauce.
4. Coat the tofu/seitan/mushrooms: Dip each piece into the wet mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Repeat for extra crispiness.
5. Fry: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Vegan Gravy:

1. Melt butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt vegan butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add broth and milk: Slowly whisk in vegetable broth and non-dairy milk until smooth.
3. Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, and black pepper. Simmer until thickened.

Serve:

• Plate the crispy fried “chicken” and drizzle with warm gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or coleslaw for a classic meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the batter.
• Gluten-free: Use chickpea flour or gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Baked option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Different proteins: Use jackfruit, tempeh, or store-bought vegan chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze fried pieces (without gravy) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

What’s the best substitute for chicken in this recipe?

Tofu, seitan, and oyster mushrooms all work well, each providing a different texture.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes! Try baking or air-frying instead of deep frying.

What’s the secret to crispy vegan fried “chicken”?

Using cornstarch in the coating and double-dipping for extra crunch.

Does the gravy taste like traditional chicken gravy?

Yes! The seasonings and vegetable broth mimic the umami flavor of classic gravy.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Almond flour won’t crisp up the same way. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead.

How do I make this without soy?

Use oat milk for the buttermilk, coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and skip tofu.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.

Can I add nutritional yeast for extra flavor?

Yes! Adding a tablespoon to the flour mixture gives it a cheesy, savory boost.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, cornbread, coleslaw, or sautéed greens make great accompaniments.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes! Coat the pieces and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.

Conclusion

Vegan Fried “Chicken” and Gravy is a mouthwatering, crispy, and comforting dish that proves you don’t need meat to enjoy classic fried chicken flavors. Whether you’re frying tofu, seitan, or mushrooms, this recipe delivers the perfect crunch with a rich, savory gravy. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a satisfying, plant-based meal!

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