March 19th is a very important day, it’s National Poultry Day. While many may celebrate by making a dish using chicken or turkey, if you’re looking to leave meat off your plate, you can enjoy the day in a whole different way!
Chicken-based dishes were always a source of comfort for many of us, whether it’s chicken pot pie or chicken nuggets. Why not try recipes like this Jackfruit Pot Pie or these Crispy Tofu Nuggets instead? Whether you use meat-free chicken strips, tofu, or opt for veggies, it’s easy to recreate your favorite chicken dishes at home.
Check out what we did for last year’s National Poultry Day,These 25 Badass Recipes Don’t Need No Chickens in Them, then get ready to drool because we have 15 meat-free “chicken” recipes for you to try!
1.Chicken-Style Seitan
Seitan is practically a necessity for anyone learning about plant-based cooking and this recipe for Chicken-Style Seitanwill show you how to make your seitan feel and taste just like chicken. The seitan is simmered in broth to get a slightly softer texture than you’d get from baking or steaming it. This is the perfect building block for a myriad of tasty meals.
2.Chicken-less Burgers
These chickpea and wheat gluten-basedChicken-less Burgers are as easy as can be to make.You basically just throw it all in a bowl together and mash it up. Just be sure you don’t leave these burgers in the oven too long, or they’ll dry out. Enjoy!
3.Sweet and Sour ‘Chicken’
This Sweet and Sour “Chicken” is incredible. The mix of sweet and spicy is guaranteed to make you happy. It goes perfectly over some brown rice and satisfies that take-out craving without ever having to leave your house.
4.Fried ‘Chicken’
TVP, short for “textured vegetable protein,” is versatile, has a great “meaty” texture and is super easy to prepare. The TVP slices in this Fried “Chicken” are wrapped in rice paper wrappers which makesfor an awesome, crispy skin that is reminiscent of fried chicken. Depending on the size of your rice paper wrappers you’ll have more or less skin.
5.‘Chicken’ and Waffles With Spicy Maple Syrup
Say hello to the ultimate Southern comfort breakfast: “Chicken” and Waffles With Spicy Maple Syrup. Crispy vegan chickpea chicken on top off fluffy waffles topped with spicy maple syrup! The cutlets are made from a combination of chickpeas and vital wheat gluten, which gives it a satisfying, meaty texture. They’re paired with fluffy waffles and a spicy-sweet maple syrup that will have you licking your plate.
6.Beer Battered Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms
The only thing better than a hot dinner after a long day is one that’s quick and easy to make. This recipe for Beer Battered Chicken of the Woods Mushroomsis just that. If you’ve never tried Chicken of the Woods mushrooms before, they are large, wild-grown that are said to mimic the meaty texture and even the flavor of chicken. These beer battered mushrooms are filling and full of subtle flavor. Customize the recipe with whatever spices you like!
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7.Jackfruit Fried ‘Chicken’
The stringy texture of young jackfruit lends itself perfectly for emulating pulled pork or chicken recipes. In this Jackfruit Fried “Chicken”, jackfruit is marinated in a creamy soy milk marinade, battered in zesty breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection. Enjoy these with your favorite vegan mayonnaise or ranch dip.
8.Gluten-Free ‘Chicken’
Here’s a plant-based, faux meat that’s sure to be the basis for many vegan chicken recipes — Gluten-Free “Chicken.” From vegan chicken sandwiches to vegan chicken salad, this gluten-free meat alternative is sure to be a hit in your family.
9.No-Chicken Coronation Sandwich
This No-Chicken Coronation Sandwich is so easy to make and so delicious, it’ll become a staple in your lunchtime rotations. You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this, so even if you’re away at college, all you need is a mini-fridge and a can-opener on hand to make this easy and filling lunch. Serve this on sandwich bread or add it to your salads to give them a boost of flavor and protein.
10.High-Protein Tofu ‘Chicken’ Fillets
These High-Protein Tofu “Chicken” Filletsare really easy to make, super tasty, and made from tofu and chickpea flour, so they’re gluten-free. They’re soft on the inside and a bit crispy, outside, and the mushroom gravy works so well with it. Plus, the sweet potato mash provides delicious carb! This recipe takes about 35 minutes to make given you time everything well.
11.Spinach ‘Chicken’ Curry
You can find chicken curry on the menu of just about any Indian restaurant. ThisSpinach “Chicken” Curry captures those flavors perfectly. Filling, meaty, and perfectly spiced, this simple curry pairs well with steamed basmati rice and naan, so you can soak up every last drop.
12.Grilled Chicken of the Woods Sandwich
Chicken of the Woods is a mushroom also known by its fancy name, Laetiporus. It’s a bright orangey-yellow shelf mushroom with a texture similar to chicken and a soft, lemony scent. In this awesome Grilled Chicken of the Woods Sandwich, these tasty mushrooms are cooked in a cast iron skillet with seasoning until golden and crispy before being baked in the oven. You can assemble the sandwich any way you like — with vegan cheese, onions, greens, etc… You’ll be amazed by just how chicken-like this sandwich tastes.
13.Tofu ‘Chicken’
Nobody would believe that this Tofu “Chicken” is actually made from tofu! It’s made from yuba, also called tofu skins, a sheet of tofu that can be found at Asian supermarkets. It’s seasoned and marinated in savory spices of all kinds and then steamed to give it a soft texture. It can be eaten as is, grilled, or roasted.
14.‘Chicken’ Green Chili and Hominy Posole
This simple, flavorful, and robust “Chicken” Green Chili and Hominy Posoleis sure to become a cold weather favorite. However, it doesn’t rely on seasonal ingredients, so you can actually enjoy it any time the mood strikes. This posole incorporates oregano, fresh cilantro, and smoked paprika for a dish that is full of subtle and complex heat. Cinnamon stick adds a final, surprising touch of warmth and instead of serving warm tortillas on the side, they’re diced up and cooked right into the soup! It may not be traditional, but it is posole through and through.
15.Curried ‘Chicken’ Salad Sandwich
If you crave that classic chicken salad sandwich like you can get at a diner, then this Curried “Chicken” Salad Sandwichis a must-try. Vegan chicken strips are pan-seared and then combined with vegan mayonnaise, toasted cashews, golden raisins, and curry powder. Add some chopped celery to give it some crunch and serve with a big pile of diner-style fries.
Who would have thought it’s so easy to make plant-based versions of our favorites? Which of these recipes are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
Lead image source:Grilled Chicken of the Woods Sandwich
