There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of fried chicken to wrap up a long day, and when that chicken is entirely plant-based, you’ve hit the jackpot! After years of searching for a recipe that would serve up the same crispy, savory goodness I craved from my takeout days, I finally stumbled upon this delightful twist: Vegan KFC Fried Chicken—copycat style!
Imagine biting into golden, crispy tofu that has marinated in rich, flavorful vegan broth, adorned with a blend of aromatic spices that transport your taste buds right to flavor town. This recipe has quickly become my go-to for potlucks and family dinners, proving that plant-based doesn’t mean flavorless.
If you’re ready to impress your friends or simply treat yourself to a guilt-free indulgence, grab your apron and join me in the kitchen. With just a few steps and some patience, you’ll be serving up a dish that’s not only mouthwatering but also heartwarming. Let’s dive in!
Why is this Vegan KFC Fried Chicken a Must-Try?
Crispy Perfection: This recipe guarantees a crunchy shell that rivals any takeout!
Flavorful Marinade: Tofu soaks up a savory broth for maximum flavor.
Easy Process: With simple steps, you’ll be a frying pro in no time!
Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the classic comfort of fried chicken without the guilt.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Serve this at your next get-together and watch it disappear!
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with your favorite sauces for endless variety.
For more delicious twists on classic dishes, check out my take on Vegan BBQ Ribs.
Vegan KFC Fried Chicken Ingredients
Dive into this tasty recipe with all you need to recreate that iconic crunchy delight with a plant-based twist!
For the Marinade
- Medium firm tofu (16 oz) – This is the main ingredient that provides texture and absorbs flavor.
- No-chicken bullion cubes – Offers a rich, savory broth for marinating your tofu.
- Water – Helps dissolve the bullion cubes to create your flavorful marinade.
For the Breading
- All-purpose flour – Provides the base for your crispy coating; you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Italian seasoning – Adds a burst of Italian flavor; feel free to use any herb blend you love!
- Paprika – Infuses a hint of warmth and a beautiful color to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Mustard powder – A secret ingredient that enhances the fried flavor profile.
- Garlic salt – Brings out the savory aspect of your dish beautifully.
- Celery salt – Adds a unique twist and complexity to the seasoning mix.
- Ginger – Gives an earthy spice note; you can swap fresh ginger for ground if you prefer.
- Black pepper – Simply elevates the overall flavor, adding a touch of heat.
- White pepper – Complements the black pepper and gives a nice flavor depth.
For the Buttermilk Substitution
- Unsweetened plant milk – Serves as the base for your vegan buttermilk; make it a creamy one for extra richness!
- Apple cider vinegar – Works wonders with plant milk to replicate the tang of traditional buttermilk.
For the Crunchy Coating
- Corn flakes – Provides that signature crunch; you can crush them for more even coating.
- Vegetable or canola oil – Necessary for frying; choose any neutral oil with a high smoke point for best results.
With these ingredients and a little love, your Vegan KFC Fried Chicken will delight everyone at the table. Ready to get frying? Let’s go!
How to Make Vegan KFC Fried Chicken
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Freeze the Tofu: Begin by freezing the entire package of medium-firm tofu. Once frozen, allow it to defrost. Repeat this freezing and thawing process twice to achieve maximum texture.
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Press the Tofu: Open the package, drain the liquid, and press the tofu between two cutting boards. This will help remove excess moisture; use a towel for any leftover liquid.
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Cut the Tofu: Break the tofu into medium-sized pieces, about 8-10 pieces. This will prepare them for the marinade and breading.
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Marinate the Tofu: Place the tofu pieces in a casserole dish and pour 2 cups of prepared vegan chicken broth over them. Allow the tofu to soak in the flavor for a while by setting it aside.
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Make Vegan Buttermilk: In a medium bowl, combine unsweetened plant milk with apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit to thicken, creating your vegan buttermilk.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another medium bowl, blend the all-purpose flour with all the spices listed. This is what gives your breading that signature zest!
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Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange the marinated tofu, buttermilk, and seasoned flour mixture in a line for easy breading. Don’t forget an additional plate for the breaded tofu!
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Bread the Tofu: Take each marinated tofu piece, squeeze out excess broth, dunk it in the buttermilk, and then dredge it in the seasoned flour. Place each piece on the plate.
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Add Corn Flakes: Crumble 1 cup of corn flakes into the seasoned flour mixture and stir to combine. This will add an extra crunch to your coating!
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Double Bread the Tofu: For an extra crispy texture, repeat the coating process. Dip each tofu piece in buttermilk again, then dredge in the flour-corn flake mixture.
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Heat the Oil: In a large, deep pan, heat the vegetable or canola oil to a temperature of 350-375°F. Make sure the oil is hot for perfect frying!
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Prepare for Frying: While the oil heats, line a plate with paper towels to drain the finished tofu, ensuring it stays crisp.
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Fry the Tofu: Once the oil is ready, carefully place the breaded tofu pieces into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 4-7 minutes. Flip as needed.
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Cool the Tofu: Using tongs, remove the crispy tofu and place it on the paper towel-lined plate to cool and drain excess oil.
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Serve and Enjoy: Pair your delicious vegan fried chicken with vegan ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate experience!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Vegan KFC Fried Chicken
Press Tofu Well: Ensure you remove as much moisture as possible from the tofu to achieve crispy fried chicken.
Double Coating: For an extra crunch, double dip the tofu in the buttermilk and breading mixture to create a thicker crust.
Oil Temperature: Always fry at 350-375°F to prevent greasy tofu. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating won’t crisp up properly.
Monitor Frying Time: Keep an eye on your tofu while frying; overcooking can lead to dryness. Aim for a golden color, about 4-7 minutes per batch.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice mix to suit your taste. Consider adding cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a unique flavor twist.
Serve Immediately: Vegan KFC Fried Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve it right away for maximum flavor and crunch!
What to Serve with Vegan KFC Fried Chicken?
Enjoy the bold flavors and crispy texture of your plant-based fried chicken by pairing it with sides that elevate the meal experience!
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Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the savory flavors of the fried chicken, making it a classic pairing for that summer cookout feel.
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Fluffy Biscuits: Light, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up any traces of sauce, adding a delightful softness to each bite.
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Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread: The slight heat from jalapeños in sweet cornbread complements the crispy tofu, creating a mouthwatering contrast that will surprise your taste buds.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Rich and creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting backdrop, enhancing every crispy bite while offering a heavenly texture contrast.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring a fresh crunch and beautiful colors to your plate, appealing to both the eyes and your appetite.
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Vegan Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans round out the meal with robust flavors, making it filling and savory for any hearty gathering.
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Sweet Potato Fries: These luscious fries offer a subtle sweetness and crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the seasoned tofu, ensuring a flavorful balance.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad adds a crisp, watery crunch, cleansing your palate between bites of fried goodness.
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Homemade Vegan Ranch Dip: Serve your fried tofu with a delicious vegan ranch for dipping—creamy and herby, it’s the perfect accompaniment to enhance your experience.
Vegan KFC Fried Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative and tweak this recipe to make it your own—your taste buds will thank you!
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a kick that will elevate your taste experience.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this crunch without worry.
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Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, into the breading for a fragrant and delightful twist.
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Sweet Pop: Mix in a sprinkle of sugar or maple syrup into the batter for a sweet and savory contrast that surprises the palate.
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Crunchy Alternatives: Swap corn flakes for crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture and flavor profile.
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Flavorful Marinades: Experiment with different vegan broth flavors, such as mushroom or vegetable, to enhance the depth of flavor.
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Hearty Additions: Fold in nutritional yeast or grated vegan cheese into the breading mix for a cheesy, umami-packed delight!
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Balsamic Twist: Replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar in the buttermilk for a tangy-sweet flair that will tantalize your senses.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) pieces are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the tofu in vegan chicken broth up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it absorbs maximum flavor. Additionally, you can bread the tofu and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days prior to frying, just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent moisture loss, keeping the coating nice and crispy. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat oil, fry the prepped tofu pieces until golden brown, and enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Ideal for busy nights, this method helps you enjoy tasty homemade fried chicken without the fuss!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan KFC Fried Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F to maintain its crunch.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the breaded and cooked tofu for up to 2 months. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, bake from frozen at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will help restore its delightful crispiness!
No Direct Sunlight: Keep your Vegan KFC Fried Chicken away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve its flavor and texture!
Vegan KFC Fried Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best tofu for this recipe?
Absolutely! Go for medium-firm tofu, as it strikes the perfect balance between holding its shape and absorbing flavors. Look for blocks that are firm with minimal water content. When pressed, it should yield a bit but not fall apart. Ensure the packaging is intact and check the expiration date to guarantee freshness.
What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
You can store leftover crispy tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 375°F. This method will keep it crunchy! Simply place the tofu on a baking sheet and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze Vegan KFC Fried Chicken?
Yes! For longer storage, freeze the breaded and cooked tofu for up to 2 months. Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, bake from frozen at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway to restore that delightful crispiness.
What if my tofu is too soft and falling apart?
Not to worry! To combat soft tofu, make sure you press it vigorously to remove excess moisture before marinating and breading. If it’s still too soft, consider using a firmer variety next time. You might enjoy using extra-firm tofu for a sturdier texture that holds up better during frying.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Great question! This vegan version is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, check the labels on corn flakes and bouillon cubes, as some brands contain allergens like soy or gluten. Always ensure that any ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe non-vegan?
Certainly! If you’re not opting for a vegan recipe, you can substitute the plant milk with regular milk and the no-chicken bullion with chicken broth. Just bear in mind that the flavors will shift a little, but you’ll still achieve that delightful crunchy texture everyone loves!
Vegan KFC Fried Chicken Copycat That Crisps to Perfection
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Freeze the Tofu: Begin by freezing the entire package of medium-firm tofu. Once frozen, allow it to defrost. Repeat this freezing and thawing process twice to achieve maximum texture.
- Press the Tofu: Open the package, drain the liquid, and press the tofu between two cutting boards to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the Tofu: Break the tofu into medium-sized pieces, about 8-10 pieces, for marinade and breading preparation.
- Marinate the Tofu: Place tofu pieces in a casserole dish and pour prepared vegan chicken broth over them. Allow soaking for flavor.
- Make Vegan Buttermilk: In a medium bowl, combine unsweetened plant milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit to thicken.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Blend all-purpose flour with spices in another medium bowl for the seasoning mixture.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Line up the marinated tofu, buttermilk, and seasoned flour mixture for easy breading.
- Bread the Tofu: Squeeze excess broth from marinated tofu, dunk in buttermilk, dredge in seasoned flour, and place on a plate.
- Add Corn Flakes: Crumble corn flakes into the seasoned flour mixture and stir to combine.
- Double Bread the Tofu: Repeat coating process by dipping tofu again in buttermilk and dredging in the flour-corn flake mixture.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large, deep pan to 350-375°F.
- Prepare for Frying: Line a plate with paper towels to drain finished tofu.
- Fry the Tofu: Carefully place breaded tofu into hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 4-7 minutes.
- Cool the Tofu: Remove crispy tofu with tongs and drain on paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pair with vegan ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.