Why Should I Eat Vegan Chicken? 

There are plenty of ethical, environmental, and health reasons to choose vegan chicken over real chicken. 

  • Chickens are raised in extremely poor conditions. 
  • Poultry workers are exposed to toxic antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 
  • Chicken production has a large environmental impact, guzzling carbon, releasing greenhouse gasses, and polluting our waterways. 

Vegan chicken is the perfect plant-powered solution to the realities of the chicken industry. A way to enjoy all the benefits of chicken, with none of the cruelty. Vegan chicken is better for you, better for the planet, and better for our feathered friends. 

Be sure to check out our collection of vegan egg replacers as well! 

What Is Vegan Chicken Made Out Of? 

That all depends on the poultry substitute brand. Vegan chicken can be made from seitan or other forms of wheat protein, soybean protein, jackfruit, pea protein, and more. It might have other ingredients like spices, nutritional yeast, or vegetable oils added to make the texture and flavor more chicken-y.

Here at PlantX, all our vegan chicken substitute options are made with simple, natural, and non-GMO ingredients. 

Different Types of Vegan Chicken

One of the best things about vegan chicken is that it's extremely versatile. Succulent, savory, and delicious, vegan chicken can be a base for all kinds of recipes. Let’s take a look at some of the fabulous forms of plant-based chicken we’ve got in our cruelty-free coop! 

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Regular chicken nuggets are packed with a myriad of nasty added ingredients. These include sodium, antibiotics, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, additives, and parts of the chicken we’re sure most people would rather not think about, let alone eat… 

Guess what? Chicken nuggets taste even better when they’re 100% plant-based! Golden and crispy on the outside, flavorful and succulent on the inside, vegan chicken nuggets are one of our top plant-powered comfort food staples. Keep them in the freezer for those moments when you NEED crispy nuggets, stat!

Enjoy plant-based chicken nuggets with your favorite condiments, with fries or wedges, or stuff into a wrap with crunchy slaw, sriracha, and sliced avo. Bliss!

  • Simulate has an amazing range of vegan nuggets - choose from Original, Spicy, or even fun Dino-Shaped Nuggs, ideal for little plant-based people! 
  • Crafted with roast garlic and paprika, Field Roast’s flavorful Plant-Based Nuggets are made from super sustainable pea protein.
  • Made from fiber-rich jackfruit, Jack & Annie’s Crispy Jack Nuggets are low in sodium, low calories, and 100% delicious! 

Vegan Chicken Drumsticks

Smoky, juicy, and satisfying, there’s nothing like tearing into a vegan chicken drumstick, safe in the knowledge that the only thing that’s been harmed is a few soybeans! Vegan chicken drumsticks are a deliciously versatile option to keep on hand for those moments of craving.

Eat them with your fingers with dips in front of the big game. Or why not make a real feast and serve with mashed potatoes, veggies, and vegan gravy. With a pack of Be-Leaf’s Vegan Drumsticks or All Vegetarian’s Vegan Smoked Drumsticks in the freezer, you’ve always got the makings of a meal! 

Vegan Chicken Burgers 

Here at PlantX, we’re always on the lookout for plant-based BBQ options. Crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, vegan chicken burgers are a classic crowd-pleaser. Try Alpha Foods’ Chik’n Patties if you’re looking for something simple and delicious, or Hungry Planet’s Chipotle Chicken Patties if you’re after some Southern-style heat!

Plus, check out our range of vegan BBQ sauces to take your grill fest up a notch! 

Vegan Shredded Chicken 

Essential for vegan Mexican favorites, vegan shredded chicken is a great addition to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Usually made with jackfruit because of its naturally shredded meat-like texture, this vegan chicken substitute is packed full of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

Vegan Turkey Slices 

As well as vegan chicken, we’ve got other plant-based poultry substitutes like sliced vegan deli meats. Packed with protein, nitrate-free, and ready-to-eat, vegan turkey slices (like these from Unreal Deli) are a super handy sandwich filler to keep in the fridge. 

Layer vegan turkey slices on your favorite bread with vegan mayo, mustard, fresh veggies, or pickles and create a vegan hero that’s truly heroic!

Vegan Chicken - Top Picks 

Feeling spoilt for choice? Here are a few of our favorite vegan chicken products to get you started! Stock your refrigerator and freezer with a few of these tasty plant-based chicken alternatives and never be stuck for dinner ideas again. 

1. Yves Veggie - Vegi Oven Turkey Deli Slices

Packed with protein, iron, and vitamin B12, this vegan poultry substitute is made with soy protein and seasoned with deliciously savory spices. Fancy a vegan deli sub? No problem! 

2. Simulate - Original Plant-Based Chicken Nuggs

These classic vegan chicken nuggets are crisp and golden on the outside and satisfyingly succulent on the inside. Pure plant-based perfection. 

3. Daring Plant-Based Chicken Pieces 

These versatile chicken pieces are gluten-free, non-GMO, and deliver 14g of delicious plant protein per serving. Enjoy them in stir-fries, casseroles, pasta, salads, and more. 

4. Field Roast - Plant-Based Buffalo Wings 

Seasoned with onions, garlic, and sage, these tasty buffalo wings are made with high-protein seitan and Yukon gold potatoes. Bake or saute to crispy perfection and then slather in the accompanying buffalo sauce! 

5. Alpha Foods - Plant-Based Crispy Chik'n Patties

With plenty of plant-based protein and 0 cholesterol, bring these yummy chicken burgers out at your next BBQ. 

Vegan Chicken Recipes

Here are a few vegan chicken recipes to get you making your own hen-tastic dishes from scratch! 

1. Cauliflower Fish Wings

Umami, crisp and succulent, these plant-based chicken fish wings are made with fiber-rich cauliflower florets, a deliciously spiced batter, and ocean-fresh nori seaweed. 

2. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Another cauliflower classic, these spicy vegan chicken buffalo wings are perfect for enjoying with some creamy vegan ranch. 

3. Vegan Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Replace chicken shawarma with spiced tofu in this Middle Eastern-inspired vegan chicken recipe. 

4. General Tso’s Tofu

Move over General Tso’s Chicken, General Tso’s Tofu is where it’s at! This healthy vegan alternative to the Chinese takeout classic is packed with flavor, texture, and plant-powered nourishment! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vegan Chicken Gluten-Free?

Not all vegan chicken is gluten-free. That’s because sometimes it’s made with seitan (a protein derived from wheat flour) or has a crispy breadcrumb coating. However, here at PlantX, we like to make sure we can cater to all kinds of dietary requirements. That’s why we’ve got plenty of gluten-free vegan chicken options to choose from.

Is Vegan Chicken Highly Processed? 

Some vegan chicken products, such as vegan chicken nuggets, are highly processed. This is because it takes quite a few changes to transform plant-based ingredients into something that looks, tastes, and feels just like chicken! 

Just like any highly processed food, it’s best to enjoy this kind of vegan chicken in moderation. There are also plenty of high protein and low-fat vegan chicken alternatives such as tofu and seitan to enjoy! 

Does Plant-Based Chicken Taste Like Chicken? 

Just like real chicken, plant-based chicken has a mild, savory flavor and dense, chewy texture. And, just like real chicken, the real taste sensation comes from whatever spices you’re enjoying alongside the vegan chicken! 

Thanks to plant-based technology, there are plenty of impressively life-like vegan chicken options that will convince even die-hard McNugget fans! 

Is Plant-Based Chicken Healthy?

Plant-based chicken is a whole lot healthier than many mass-produced processed chicken products. Lower in cholesterol and saturated fats, and 100% free from harmful antibiotics, plant-based poultry substitutes are cleaner, greener, and leaner! Plus, they are usually still a great source of protein.

However, vegan chicken nuggets, vegan buffalo wings, and other fast-food substitutes are still what you might call vegan junk food - delicious, convenient but not the healthiest option. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruit, veggies, and whole grains alongside your vegan chicken treats.