Best plant based chicken nuggets (vegan recipe)
The best plant based chicken nuggets recipe a.k.a. Super crispy chickpea nuggets – If you’re looking for super crunchy and deliciously tasty plant based chicken nuggets, then these Super Crispy Chickpea Nuggets are for you. They have an amazing firm, yet succulent texture and an amazing crispy coating. I like to use almond flour for the coating when I’m making my Gluten free version, and bread crumbs if I know no one has gluten intolerance. Both versions are amazing. I just like mixing it up and enjoying the different tastes.
Let me tell you, plant-based chicken nuggets made from chickpeas are incredibly delicious and oh-so-satisfying. These little nuggets pack a flavorful punch that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
Firstly, chickpea nuggets offer a delightful crispy texture that is just out of this world. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden nugget with a mouthwatering crunch. It’s like a party in your mouth!
But it’s not only about the texture, my friend. Chickpea nuggets are bursting with amazing flavors. They are like little flavor bombs! With the right blend of herbs, spices, and seasonings, these nuggets can be anything from mildly savory to boldly spicy. You can play around with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences and create your own unique culinary sensation.
More reasons why you’re going to love these tasty crispy Plant Based Chicken Nuggets
And let’s not forget about the nutritional benefits! Chickpeas are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. So you can feel good about indulging in these nuggets while also nourishing your body.
But what truly sets chickpea nuggets apart is their versatility. They can be the star of your meal or a delightful addition to your dishes. Toss them in a salad, stuff them in a wrap, or serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce. The possibilities are endless!
So, my friend, get ready to fall head over heels in love with chickpea nuggets. Their irresistible texture, delicious flavors, and incredible nutritional benefits will make each bite a true delight. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Enjoy!
Table of content
- Plant based chicken nuggets ingredients – no tofu
- How to make Plant based chicken nuggets
- How to bake copycat chick-fil-a nuggets in air fryer
- How to deep fry plant based chicken nuggets
- How to add extra flavor to vegan chicken nuggets
- Delicious ways to serve plant based nuggets
- FAQs and storage
I adore eating, snacking and dipping foods in things. If I could eat 24/7 I would be a very happy woman…and that’s why I like creating healthy vegan snack recipes that I can eat guilt free. These vegan Super Crispy Chickpea Nuggets are one of my favorite healthy dipping recipes. They are super tasty and really healthy too – it’s a win-win that won’t challenge the waistline (because I like to snack 24/7 I have to think about these things. Sigh). Anyway, these easy nuggets are my go-to vegan football Sunday snacks, my must serve Vegan Super Bowl snack, my favorite to-go quick and healthy lunch and they also work as appetizers. The possibilities are endless, but they’re all so tasty.
Because these vegan chickpea nuggets are healthy and loaded with protein, they are also the ideal snack for kids. These nuggets are always a crowdpleaser, so prepare to make plenty if you’re serving them around kids.
The best vegan Football snacks
For me, football season calls for easy vegan finger foods – and especially vegan chicken nuggets. I adore munching on these easy, crispy and crunchy nuggets during super bowl and it’s become a staple in my home. Everyone loves these realistic texture nuggets, because they not only taste amazing, they are also delicously crispy on the outside and ideal to scoop up bbq sauce. It’s not just one of the best kid-friendly meals and plant-based alternatives to classic chicken nuggets, they’re also a crowd pleaser plant-based chicken nuggets recipe for adults! They’re the real thing, classic flavored, beyond meat, plant-based chicken nuggets that can pass any taste test with a 5 star rating!
What we’re working with today to make the best copycat chick-fil-a nuggets recipe
Ingredient list for Vegan Chicken Tenders:
1. Chickpeas: The chickpeas serve as the base ingredient and provide a protein-rich and hearty texture to the chicken tenders. Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and makes the best meaty real chicken nuggets textured vegan nuggets – and they’re easy to get at any grocery stores. Cook your own dry chickpeas or take my favorite shortcut and use a can of ready cooked chickpeas.
2. Salt and Pepper: The pinch of salt and pepper add flavor and enhance the overall taste of the chicken tenders. Salt and pepper enhance the natural flavor of these tasty nuggets.
3. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a delicious garlic flavor to the chicken tenders. Alternatively, you can season with vegan poultry seasoning to get that real chicken nuggets taste using only one seasoning.
4. Onion Powder: Onion powder contributes a savory onion flavor to enhance the taste of the chicken tenders.
5. Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy and umami flavor, adding depth to the taste and giving the vegan chicken nuggets recipe a classic nuggets taste the whole family will enjoy.
6. Bread Crumbs or Almond Flour: Bread crumbs or almond flour act as binders and help to create a crispy coating for the chicken tenders.
Ingredients list for Coating:
1. Bread Crumbs or Almond Flour: Bread crumbs or almond flour are used for the coating, giving the chicken tenders a crispy and crunchy texture. Alternatively, you can use corn starch or yellow corn flour as a replacement for the almond flour. If you don’t need a gluten-free coating you can use all purpose flour, wheat flour, or panko breadcrumbs to create a golden-brown breadcrumbs crust.
2. Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a slight crunch to the coating.
3. Salt and Pepper: The pinch of salt and pepper in the coating enhance the overall seasoning of the chicken tenders.
By combining these ingredients and following the recipe, you’ll create delicious vegan chicken tenders with a flavorful and crispy coating. Enjoy your tasty plant-based meal!
Delicious nuggets Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Drain the water from the chickpeas and pour the chickpeas into a food processor. Ad the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast and a tablespoon bread crumbs or almond flour.
- Process until everything is combined.
- Pour the ½ cup almond flour, salt, pepper and sesame seeds into a bowl and mix to combine.
- Use a spoon to scoop up the chickpea mixture. Roll the mixture into small balls and press them into flat nuggets.
- Gently roll each nugget in the almond flour mixture, until they are completely coated.
Lay the nuggets on a baking sheet covered in baking parchment and bake them in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes, before flipping them over and cooking for 10 more minutes. - Take the nuggets out of the oven and let them cool at least 10 minutes before eating.
Serve with a sauce of your choice and enjoy.
Notes
This recipe turns out best if you use canned chickpeas. If you prefer using dry chickpeas, simply add 2-3 tablespoons of either almond milk, coconut milk, coconut oil or olive oil to get the best texture.
How to bake copycat chick-fil-a nuggets in air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the coated vegan copycat chick-fil-a chicken nuggets in pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with more cooking spray to promote browning.
- Cook the nuggets in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets! They go great with your favorite dipping sauce.
How long to cook chicken nuggets
The cooking time for chicken nuggets can vary depending on the size and thickness of the nuggets and the cooking method you choose. Here are some general guidelines:
Vegan chicken nuggets recipe Oven-Baking:
1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the packaging or recipe. It’s typically around 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
3. Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
4. Flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Deep-Frying deliciously tasty impossible chicken nuggets:
1. Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to around 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully drop the plant based chicken nuggets into the hot vegetable oil, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer or pot.
3. Deep Fry the nuggets for about 3-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary based on the size of the nuggets and the temperature of the oil.
4. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the cooked nuggets from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Always refer to the recipe you’re following for precise cooking times and temperatures, as they may vary depending on the specific brand or homemade recipe you’re using. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the internal temperature of the vegan chicken nuggets reaches a safe minimum of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
What’s great about these vegan copycat chick-fil-a nuggets
- Very easy to make plant based chicken nuggets
- Delicious, crispy and sure crowd pleasers
- Simple ingredients and budget friendly vegan nuggets
- Meal prep friendly and full of vegetable protein
- Vegan, Gluten free and soy free
- Great as appetizers, finger food and party food – plus lunch and snacks
Flavor variation – how to jazz up plant based chicken nuggets
This recipe is so amazing because it’s very versatile. You can add any spices or flavors you like. I like to ad a little nutritional yeast to bring it a little extra cheesy flavor, but you can easily just leave that out if you prefer. Use a little barbeque seasoning and dip in barbeque sauce, ad fresh herbs or a little pinch of chili. There’s no going wrong. I like to mix up the flavors, adding fresh parsley or smoked paprika depending on my mood that day.
Meal Prep
These vegan chickpea nuggets are also meal prep friendly. They are great served both hot and cold and can be frozen and reheated later. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
How to serve plant based chicken nuggets
There are many delicious ways to serve plant-based chicken nuggets. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
1. Classic Dipping Sauce: Serve the plant-based chicken nuggets with classic dipping sauces such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a tangy vegan ranch dressing. These familiar flavors complement the nuggets well. Or try a simple vegan mayo or homemade vegan aioli.
2. Buffalo Style: Toss the nuggets in a spicy buffalo sauce for a tangy and fiery twist. Serve them with vegan blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping for delicious dipping options for a plant-based diet.
3. Sweet and Sour: Coat the plant-based nuggets in a sweet and sour sauce made with ingredients like pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and sweetener of choice. Serve them with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
4. Caesar Salad Wraps: Chop the plant-based nuggets into smaller pieces and use them as a protein-packed topping for a Caesar salad. Wrap the salad in a tortilla or lettuce leaves for a refreshing and satisfying wrap.
5. Veggie Nuggets Platter: Create a colorful and diverse platter by pairing the plant-based chicken nuggets with an assortment of roasted or raw veggies, such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Serve with a flavorful vegan dip or hummus.
6. Slider Sandwiches: Place the plant-based nuggets between small burger buns or slider rolls. Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite vegan condiments to create delicious mini sandwiches.
More delicious ways to serve plant based chicken nuggets
7. Asian-inspired Stir-fry: Incorporate the plant-based chicken nuggets into an Asian-inspired stir-fry. Sauté them with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots, along with a flavorful stir-fry sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.
8. Nacho-Style: Transform the plant-based nuggets into a loaded nacho dish. Arrange them on a bed of tortilla chips and top with vegan cheese, black beans, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños. Bake until the cheese melts, and serve with your favorite vegan sour cream.
Feel free to get creative and explore different flavor profiles and serving ideas based on your preferences. The versatility of plant-based chicken nuggets allows for a wide range of delicious and satisfying meal options. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite combinations!
Delicious dips and sauces to serve with no tofu plant based chicken nuggets
1. Vegan Aioli: This creamy and flavorful sauce adds a tangy and garlicky kick to your vegan chicken nuggets. Its smooth texture and zesty taste make it an excellent accompaniment.
2. Low Carb Vegan Keto Dip: If you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this dip is a fantastic choice. It combines savory flavors with a creamy base, ensuring your vegan chicken tenders are packed with deliciousness without compromising your dietary goals.
3. Peanut Sauce: This rich and nutty sauce adds an incredible depth of flavor to your plant based chicken nuggets. Its combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
4. Vegan Queso: Indulge in the creamy and cheesy goodness of vegan queso paired with your chickn nuggets. This dairy-free alternative is made with plant-based ingredients and delivers a satisfying and savory taste.
5. Beetroot Hummus: Elevate your dipping game with this vibrant and flavorful hummus. The earthy sweetness of the beetroot complements the crispy vegan chicken tenders, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
6. Barbecue Sauce: Classic and irresistible, barbecue sauce is a crowd-pleaser when served with vegan chicken tenders. Its smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
7. Ketchup: Sometimes, simplicity is key! Traditional ketchup is a versatile option that pairs well with vegan chicken tenders. Its tanginess and familiar taste are a timeless choice for dipping.
These dips and sauces are the perfect accompaniments to enhance the flavors and textures of your vegan chicken tenders, providing you with a delectable and satisfying meal. Enjoy the combination of deliciousness and plant-based goodness!
Delicious serving ideas for plant based chicken nuggets and chickn nuggets
Chickpea FAQs
Chickpeas are not typically considered keto-friendly due to their relatively high carbohydrate content. While chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, they also contain a significant amount of carbohydrates, which can impact ketosis.
In a standard serving size of 1 cup (164 grams) of cooked chickpeas, there are approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, including both dietary fiber and sugars. This higher carbohydrate content can make it challenging to fit chickpeas into a strict ketogenic diet, which typically requires very low carbohydrate intake.
However, it’s important to note that individual dietary needs and preferences can vary. Some individuals following a more liberal or modified version of the ketogenic diet may be able to incorporate small portions of chickpeas into their meals while staying within their daily carbohydrate limits.
If you’re following a strict ketogenic diet, it’s generally recommended to focus on lower-carbohydrate foods such as non-starchy vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, and healthy fats. These foods are typically more compatible with achieving and maintaining ketosis.
As always, consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance based on your specific nutritional needs and goals.
Carbs and chickpeas
Chickpeas are not considered low carb. They contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, which makes them less suitable for low-carb diets, including ketogenic diets.
In a 1 cup (164 grams) serving of cooked chickpeas, there are approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates include both dietary fiber and sugars. While chickpeas are a good source of fiber and offer other nutritional benefits, their carb content is relatively higher compared to foods that are typically considered low carb.
If you’re following a low-carb diet, it’s generally recommended to focus on foods that are lower in carbohydrates, such as non-starchy vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, and healthy fats. These foods can help you maintain a lower carbohydrate intake while still meeting your nutritional needs.
However, it’s worth noting that individual carbohydrate tolerance can vary, and some people following a less strict low-carb approach may be able to incorporate small portions of chickpeas into their meals without significantly impacting their carbohydrate intake.
As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice based on your specific dietary needs and goals.
Chickpeas and gluten
Yes, chickpeas are naturally gluten-free. They do not contain gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and some other grains. Chickpeas are a legume and are not related to gluten-containing grains.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be enjoyed by individuals who follow a gluten-free diet or have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. They can be used in various recipes, including salads, soups, stews, and as the main ingredient in dishes like hummus or falafel.
It’s important to note that while chickpeas themselves are gluten-free, certain processed products or dishes that contain chickpeas as an ingredient may not be gluten-free. Always check food labels and ingredients lists, especially for packaged or processed foods that may have added ingredients. If you have specific dietary concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for guidance.
FAQs about plant based chicken nuggets
Yes, vegan chickpea nuggets can be a healthy option. Chickpeas are packed with protein, fiber, and various nutrients. Baking or air frying the nuggets instead of deep frying them can also reduce their fat content.
Yes, chickpea nuggets can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs as a coating. You can also use alternative binders such as ground flaxseed or cornstarch instead of flour.
To achieve crispiness, it’s important to bake or air fry chickpea nuggets at a high temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) for longer cooking time, flipping them halfway through. Using a flour or breadcrumb coating can also help create a crispy texture.
Freezing nuggets and more
Yes, you can freeze cooked chickpea nuggets. After baking or air frying them, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer until heated through.
You can add various herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance the flavor of your chickpea nuggets. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, or nutritional yeast. Experiment with seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Vegan chickpea nuggets can be served as a main dish or as a snack. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, vegan ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or tahini dressing. They can also be served with a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave us a review below and let us know how it turned out 🙂
Super Crispy Chickpea Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 15oz can Chickpeas Drained
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of Pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1 tbsp Bread Crumbs or Almond Flour
For the Coating
- ½ cup Bread Crumbs or Almond Flour
- 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Drain the water from the chickpeas and pour the chickpeas into a food processor. Ad the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast and a tablespoon bread crumbs or almond flour.
- Process until everything is combined.
- Pour the ½ cup almond flour, salt, pepper and sesame seeds into a bowl and mix to combine.
- Use a spoon to scoop up the chickpea mixture. Roll the mixture into small balls and press them into flat nuggets.
- Gently roll each nugget in the almond flour mixture, until they are completely coated. Lay the nuggets on a baking sheet covered in baking parchment and bake them in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes, before flipping them over and cooking for 10 more minutes.
- Take the nuggets out of the oven and let them cool at least 10 minutes before eating. Serve with a sauce of your choice and enjoy.
Notes
Recipe originally published January 31, 2020
Recipe updated July 19, 2023
Can I freeze these??
Yes. I like to make extra and freeze them for another day :). You can take them directly from the freezer and reheat in the oven. No need to thaw first
Okay thank you, also how many calories are in 4
There are just around 160 calories in 4 nuggets 🙂
can you make these in the airfryer?
Hi,
yes, these crispy chickpea nuggets can be made in an air fryer. The cooking time should still be around 20-minutes, but may need to be adjusted a little to make sure all the nuggets become deliciously crispy 🙂
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a blender should work just as well 🙂
I love this recipe!! I made it for my family last night and everyone enjoyed it. It’s perfect for my gluten free husband! Thank you!!
Hi! I found mine to be pretty crumbly, it may be because I used dry chickpeas that were cooked but were not sitting in liquid. Is there a binding agent or just add some water to the food processor before combining them?
Hi, thank you for trying my recipe. Yes, it’s a good idea to add a little extra liquid to the recipe if you’re not using canned chickpeas. You can add a couple of tablespoons water if you prefer, but for the best results it’s better to add a couple of tablespoons of either almond milk, coconut milk, olive oil or coconut oil… That should make the nuggets less crumbly 🙂
Hi can this be fried?
Hi, I haven’t tried frying them, but it should work fine 🙂
Just fry until golden brown (should take around 2 minutes, and place the nuggets on a piece of kitchen paper to remove excess oil
Let me know how it goes 🙂
Fab recipe! My kids love these! They’re my go-to vegan nuggets 🙂
These are my family’s favorite nuggets recipe! The kids love them more than the ones I can get from the store 🙂