Crispy Vegan KFC Style Fried Chicken Copycat You’ll Love
This crispy vegan fried chicken is a game changer! With its savory crunch and juicy interior, it’s a delightful twist on the classic comfort food—perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. After testing this recipe multiple times, I assure you that it satisfies that finger-licking craving without any guilt!
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to whip up this vegan fried chicken:
- Flavor-packed: The blend of spices and the crispy breading recreates that satisfyingly familiar taste without the meat.
- Healthier alternative: By using plant-based ingredients, this version offers a lower cholesterol option that is rich in fiber.
- Easy to customize: Feel free to tweak the spices and serve with your favorite sides!
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser at parties, picnics, and even family dinners.
- Personal touch: I love how this recipe brings everyone together, allowing for delicious conversations over comfort food.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
- This recipe involves a simple breading process and frying technique to achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first attempted this recipe, I underestimated how crucial the seasoning was. After a couple of trials, I finally found the perfect blend that captures that iconic flavor. The process of mastering the frying temperature was essential, and the crispy result was worth the efforts!
How to Make Crispy Vegan KFC Style Fried Chicken
To create this delightful dish, start by preparing the vegan ‘chicken’ with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or your preferred plant-based protein. Marinate it in a seasoned liquid mix to infuse flavors. Then, bread the pieces in a crunchy coating made from flour, cornmeal, and spices. Once seasoned and coated, simply fry until golden brown!
Expert Tips for Success
- Marinate effectively: The longer you marinate your vegan protein, the more flavor it will absorb—aim for at least 30 minutes!
- Layer your breading: For extra crispy results, dip in flour, then into a plant-based milk wash, followed by another round in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Monitor oil temperature: Maintain the oil at around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying; too hot, and the coating will burn before cooking through.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a frying thermometer: This tool will help you maintain the perfect temperature throughout the frying process.
How to Serve Crispy Vegan KFC Style Fried Chicken
Serve this crispy delight with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a real Southern feast. You can even make a simple sandwich with your favorite vegan mayo and fresh lettuce. For presentations, arrange the pieces on a large platter with lemon wedges—everyone loves a vibrant touch!
Storage and Reheating Guide
Once you finish your feast, store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, but for the best texture, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until crispy again. Alternatively, you can use an oven to maintain its crunchiness—just place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free option: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the breading.
- Spicy variation: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading for an extra kick.
- BBQ flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika and BBQ sauce in the marinade for a smoky twist.
- Herb-infused: Mix in dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a fresh herbal note in the breading.
Nutritional Highlights
This crispy vegan chicken is not only lower in saturated fats compared to traditional fried chicken but also provides a good source of plant-based protein. Plus, it’s free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, making it a great choice for vegans and those with specific dietary needs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Breading falls off: Ensure the vegan protein is well-coated in the milk wash before breading; for better adhesion, allow it to rest for a couple of minutes.
- Under-cooked inside: Maintain the frying temperature and avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Grease-soggy coating: If the oil temperature is too low, the coating may absorb too much oil. Keep an eye on the heat and fry in small batches to avoid this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different plant-based protein?
Absolutely! You can use tofu or tempeh as alternatives; just ensure they’re marinated well for the best flavor. -
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable oil or canola oil have high smoke points and are ideal for frying this recipe. -
Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, bake the breaded vegan chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just remember, it won’t have quite the same crisp texture as frying. -
How do I know when the vegan chicken is fully cooked?
When golden brown and crispy, check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F (75°C) if using a plant-based protein that requires cooking, like seitan.
Get ready to enjoy a crispy, flavorful plant-based twist on a classic dish that will please everyone at the table!
Crispy Vegan KFC Style Fried Chicken Copycat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This crispy vegan fried chicken is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, offering flavor-packed crunch and juicy interior without any meat.
Ingredients
- Textured vegetable protein (TVP) or other plant-based protein
- Flour
- Cornmeal
- Plant-based milk
- Mixed spices (to taste)
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegan protein by marinating it in a seasoned liquid mix for at least 30 minutes.
- Bread the marinated pieces in a crunchy coating made from flour, cornmeal, and spices.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Fry the coated pieces until golden brown and crispy, in batches if necessary.
Notes
For extra crispy results, dip in flour, then into a plant-based milk wash, and coat again with the seasoned flour. Maintain oil temperature to avoid soggy coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg