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Best vegan chicken tenders recipe - ultimate nuggets

a plate full of Vegan chicken tenders - they are the ultimate guilt-free indulgence for both vegans and non-vegans alike. We’re talking the ultimate golden, crispy on the outside, perfectly dippable plant based chicken tenders! These delectable plant-based delights offer a fantastic alternative to traditional chicken tenders, packed with all the flavor and texture you crave, minus the animal products. They taste like classic chicken nuggets and no one will suspect it's a vegan meat substitute and not traditional chicken nuggets. 
Vegan chicken tenders are the ultimate guilt-free indulgence for both vegans and non-vegans alike. We’re talking the ultimate golden, crispy on the outside, perfectly dippable plant based chicken tenders! These delectable plant-based delights offer a fantastic alternative to traditional chicken tenders, packed with all the flavor and texture you crave, minus the animal products. They taste like classic chicken nuggets and no one will suspect it's a vegan meat substitute and not traditional chicken nuggets. 
Simone - Munchyesta.com
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 4 people

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240g) vital wheat gluten (for gluten-free: replace with chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend)
  • ¼ cup (30g) nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth (gluten-free: ensure it's gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free: ensure it's gluten-free tamari)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegan nuggets Breading:

  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (gluten-free: use gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten free crushed oat bran)
  • ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch (gluten-free: use gluten-free cornstarch)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

How to make the best vegan chicken tenders Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten (or chickpea flour/gluten-free flour blend), nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), and olive oil.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well to form a dough.
  • Knead the dough for a couple of minutes to develop the gluten (if using vital wheat gluten) or until well combined (if using chickpea flour/gluten-free flour blend).
  • Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed), cornstarch (gluten-free if needed), paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to create the breading mixture.
  • Divide the dough into small pieces and shape them into chicken tender-like shapes.
  • Roll each piece in the breading mixture until fully coated.
  • Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve the vegan chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, alongside a side salad, or in a wrap for a complete meal.
  • Enjoy your delicious vegan chicken tenders! Feel free to get creative with seasonings and dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Notes

 You can also easily bake these tasty plant-based chicken tender nuggets in an air fryer, or deep fry them in a fryer. 
Air fryer method: Just line an air fryer basket with baking paper, place the nuggets in a single layer, and bake the vegan nuggets for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and baked to a great crisp. Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
 
Vegan Buffalo Chicken - How to make these amazing plant based chicken tenders into the best vegan buffalo chicken
To turn your vegan chicken tenders into vegan buffalo chicken, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the vegan chicken tenders: Start by making the vegan chicken tenders using the recipe you have. Ensure they are fully cooked and have a crispy coating.
2. Make the buffalo sauce: In a saucepan, combine the following ingredients to make the buffalo sauce:
  •    1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot or your preferred brand)
  •    1/4 cup vegan butter or margarine
  •    1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  •    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  •    1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  •    A pinch of salt
3. Heat the buffalo sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the ingredients together. Heat the sauce until the vegan butter has melted and the mixture is well combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Coat the vegan chicken tenders: Once the buffalo sauce is ready, dip each cooked vegan chicken tender into the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. You can use tongs or a fork to handle the tenders and avoid getting messy.
5. Bake or broil the buffalo chicken tenders: Place the coated vegan chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish. Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can broil them for a few minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once the vegan buffalo chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot as a tasty appetizer or main course. You can garnish them with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness, if desired.
Remember, the buffalo sauce can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness. You can increase or decrease the amount of hot sauce or add additional spices to suit your taste. Enjoy your vegan buffalo chicken tenders with some vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo-style experience!