Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Vegan Chicken Nuggets that you can prepare at home. This recipe offers a crispy texture and flavorful taste, perfect for dipping!

Ingredients

For the Vegan Chicken

• 1 block extra-firm tofu (14.5 ounces)
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Breading

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 cups cornflakes (or panko breadcrumbs)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Oil spray (for baking or frying)

Optional Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup vegan mayo
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu

• Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes.
• After pressing, break the tofu into bite-sized pieces by hand for irregular edges, which helps with flavor absorption.

2. Marinate the Tofu

• In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least 10 minutes.

3. Prepare the Breading Station

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking.
• Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with plant milk, and another with crushed cornflakes mixed with smoked paprika and salt.

4. Bread the Tofu

• Remove a piece of marinated tofu, dip it into the flour, then into the plant milk, and finally roll it in the cornflake mixture to coat well.
• Place each coated nugget on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Cooking Options

Baking:

• Spray the nuggets lightly with oil.
• Bake for about 15 minutes, flip them over, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

Frying:

• Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Fry nuggets in batches for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

6. Serve

Serve your crispy vegan chicken nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them plain!

This recipe is versatile; feel free to adjust spices or try different coatings based on your preferences! Enjoy your homemade vegan chicken nuggets!

Creative Dipping Sauces for Vegan Chicken Nuggets

1. Vegan Chick-fil-A Sauce: A sweet and creamy blend of vegan mayonnaise, mustard, BBQ sauce, agave nectar, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Perfect for dipping!.
2. Vegan Honey Mustard: Combine equal parts agave syrup and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy dip.
3. Garlic Aioli: Blend vegan mayo with garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a rich and flavorful sauce.
4. Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
5. Spicy Peanut Sauce: Mix peanut butter with soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha for a creamy and spicy dip.

Alternative Plant-Based Proteins

Instead of tofu, you can use various plant-based proteins to make vegan chicken nuggets:

• Seitan: Offers a chewy texture similar to meat.
• Chickpeas: Mash or blend chickpeas to create a base for nuggets.
• Tempeh: Provides a nutty flavor and firm texture.
• Store-bought options: Brands like “Tofurky” or “Daring” offer pre-made vegan chicken pieces that can be breaded and baked or fried.

Baking Instead of Deep-Frying

To make vegan chicken nuggets without deep-frying:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Coat the nuggets in your chosen breading mixture.
3. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Spray lightly with oil to promote crispiness.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, flip them over, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

Best Store-Bought Vegan Chicken Options

Some popular store-bought vegan chicken options include:

• Beyond Meat Chicken Tenders
• Gardein Crispy Chick’n
• Daring Original Plant Chicken Pieces
  These products provide convenient alternatives that can be prepared quickly and are widely available in grocery stores.

Gluten-Free Vegan Chicken Nuggets

To make gluten-free vegan chicken nuggets:

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
• Ensure that any sauces or marinades used are also gluten-free (like tamari instead of soy sauce.

With these ideas, you can enjoy delicious vegan chicken nuggets tailored to your dietary preferences!