Chickens are often thought of as simple food sources, but they are intelligent, social, and full of personality. These feathered beings can remember and recognize up to 100 individual faces, including both other chickens and humans. They have complex social hierarchies, communicate with a wide range of vocalizations, and even display behaviors that suggest problem-solving and curiosity.
Chickens also form bonds with one another, showing empathy and cooperation. They can experience joy, frustration, and distress, proving that they are sentient individuals, not just meat on a plate.
Did you know that chickens can plan for the future, play games, and even dream during sleep? They’re smarter than you might think!
This reminder underscores why they deserve respect and compassion, rather than being reduced to nuggets, drumsticks, or marketing claims. Choosing plant-based alternatives allows us to honor their individuality and avoid contributing to their suffering.
Read on to learn more about five plant-based alternatives to 40 popular chicken dishes.
Roast Chick'n
Fried Chick'n
Chick'n Wings
Chick'n Nuggets
Chick'n Strips
Chick'n Tenders
Chick'n Patty
BBQ Pulled Chick'n
Chick'n Pot Pie
Chick'n and Dumplings
Chick'n Noodle Soup
Chick'n Caesar Salad
Chick'n Cobb Salad
Chick'n Alfredo Pasta
Chick'n Marsala
Grilled Chick'n
Chick'n Piccata
Chick'n Cordon Bleu
Chick'n Parmesan
Chick'n and Waffles
Chick'n Enchiladas
Chick'n Quesadillas
Chick'n Fajitas
Honey Chick'n
Butter Chick'n
Chick'n Tikka Masala
Chick'n Curry
Chick'n Vindaloo
Chick'n Biryani
Chick'n Korma
Teriyaki Chick'n
Lemongrass Chick'n
Sweet and Sour Chick'n
Orange Chick'n
General Tso’s Chick'n
Kung Pao Chick'n
Hainanese Chick'n Rice
Chick'n Satay
Chick'n Shawarma
Chick'n Gyro
1. 5 Vegan Roast Chicken Alternatives
Roast chicken is a classic comfort food—seasoned and slow-cooked until golden and juicy. But you don’t need poultry to enjoy the same cozy flavors.
To veganize it, try using hearty stand-ins like cauliflower, seitan, tofu, or even whole roasted cabbage. Marinate with herbs like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon for that traditional “Sunday roast” taste, then bake until crisp on the outside and tender inside. Pair with roasted veggies and gravy for the full effect.
Ready to dig in? Explore vegan roast “chicken” recipes today and bring the comfort without the cruelty!
Fried chicken is all about that crunchy, golden coating wrapped around juicy, flavorful meat. To veganize it, swap the chicken for seitan, oyster mushrooms, tofu, or cauliflower—coat in seasoned batter or breadcrumbs, then fry or air-fry until crispy. You’ll still get the crave-worthy crunch without the cruelty.
Chicken wings are a game-day classic—crispy skin, tender inside, and usually coated in spicy, tangy, or sweet sauces. To veganize them, swap the wings for cauliflower florets, oyster mushrooms, or seitan. Bake, fry, or air-fry until crisp, then toss in buffalo, BBQ, or garlic-parm-style vegan sauces.
Try vegan wings today. You’ll never miss the cluck!
Chicken nuggets are bite-sized pieces of breaded, fried chicken—perfect for snacking or dipping. To veganize them, use tofu, tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas as the base. Coat in seasoned breadcrumbs or panko, bake or fry until golden, and serve with your favorite sauces.
Try vegan nuggets today and enjoy all the crunch and comfort, completely plant-based.
Chicken strips are tender, elongated pieces of breaded and fried chicken—perfect for dipping or snacking. To veganize them, use tofu, seitan, or tempeh, coat in seasoned breadcrumbs or panko, then bake or fry until golden and crispy.
Try vegan chicken strips today and get all the crunch and flavor, totally plant-based!
Chicken tenders are juicy, tender strips of chicken, usually breaded and fried for maximum crunch. To veganize them, use tofu, seitan, or tempeh, coat in seasoned breadcrumbs or panko, and bake or fry until golden and crispy.
Try vegan chicken tenders today for all the flavor and crunch—100% plant-based!
Chicken patties are seasoned, ground chicken formed into a round, flat shape—perfect for sandwiches or burgers. To veganize them, use mashed chickpeas, lentils, tofu, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) as the base, mix with spices and breadcrumbs, then pan-fry or bake until golden.
Try these vegan chicken patties today for all the flavor and sandwich-ready goodness without any harm to actual chickens.
BBQ pulled chicken is tender, shredded chicken smothered in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce—perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls. To veganize it, use jackfruit, shredded seitan, or pulled tofu/tempeh as the base. Simmer or toss with your favorite BBQ sauce until soft, flavorful, and perfectly saucy.
Try vegan BBQ pulled “chicken” today and enjoy all the smoky, saucy goodness—100% plant-based!
Chicken pot pie is a comforting dish of tender chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce baked under a flaky crust. To veganize it, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas, and use plant-based milk or cream for the sauce. Add your favorite vegetables and bake under a vegan pastry crust until golden and bubbly.
Try vegan chicken pot pie today for all the cozy, savory goodness of this comfort food without any harm necessary.
Chicken and dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish of tender chicken simmered in savory broth with soft, fluffy dumplings. To veganize it, swap the chicken for tofu, seitan, or jackfruit, and use vegetable broth with plant-based milk or cream for the dumplings. Simmer until the flavors meld and the dumplings are pillowy and cooked through.
Try vegan “chicken and dumplings” today for all the cozy comfort—completely plant-based!
Chicken noodle soup is a cozy classic made with broth, noodles, vegetables, and chunks of chicken. To veganize it, swap the chicken for tofu, soy curls, or chickpeas, and use veggie broth as the base. Add carrots, celery, onions, and your favorite noodles for that comforting flavor.
Try a vegan chicken noodle soup recipe today and warm up with a bowl of plant-powered comfort!
Chicken Caesar salad is a crisp, creamy classic made with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, and Caesar dressing. To veganize it, swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, use dairy-free Caesar dressing, and top with crunchy homemade croutons and vegan parmesan.
Try vegan chicken Caesar salad today for a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic.
Chicken Cobb salad is a hearty salad loaded with chicken, bacon, eggs, cheese, avocado, and veggies, all drizzled with dressing. To veganize it, swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh, use smoky coconut bacon, chickpea “eggs,” dairy-free cheese, and a creamy vegan dressing.
Make any of these vegan chicken Cobb salads today for a colorful, protein-packed meal.
Chicken Alfredo pasta is a rich, creamy dish made with fettuccine, chicken, and a buttery Parmesan sauce. To veganize it, swap the chicken for soy curls, tofu, or mushrooms, and make the sauce with cashews, coconut milk, or dairy-free cream plus nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
Try some plant-based chicken Alfredo pasta recipe today for a decadent, plant-based comfort meal!
Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American favorite made with chicken, mushrooms, pasta, and a savory Marsala wine sauce. To veganize it, swap the chicken for seitan, tofu, or soy curls, and use vegetable broth with Marsala wine for the sauce. Toss with pasta and fresh herbs for a rich, plant-based twist.
Try vegan chicken Marsala today for a cozy, flavorful dinner!
Grilled chicken is a smoky, savory staple often marinated, then cooked over a grill or pan for juicy flavor. To veganize it, use tofu, tempeh, seitan, or cauliflower steaks, marinate well, and grill until charred and tender.
Try a vegan grilled “chicken” recipe today and enjoy all the smoky goodness, plant-based style!
Chicken piccata is a zesty Italian dish made with chicken cutlets simmered in a lemon, caper, and white wine sauce. To veganize it, swap the chicken for seitan, tofu, or cauliflower steaks, then cook them in the same tangy, buttery sauce with vegan butter.
Try vegan chicken piccata today for a bright, flavorful twist on the classic.
Chicken cordon bleu is a rich dish made with chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and baked or fried until golden. To veganize it, use seitan or tofu cutlets, stuff them with smoky vegan deli slices and dairy-free cheese, then bread and bake for that crispy, melty goodness.
Make vegan chicken cordon bleu today for a decadent plant-based classic.
Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American classic made with breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served over pasta or on a sandwich. To make it vegan, use seitan, tofu, or eggplant cutlets, coat them in breadcrumbs, bake or pan-fry, then top with dairy-free mozzarella and marinara.
Create vegan chicken Parmesan today for an unforgettable comfort food in your meal prep routine.
Chicken and waffles is a beloved soul food pairing of crispy fried chicken served atop fluffy waffles, often drizzled with syrup. For a plant-based version, use seitan, tofu, or oyster mushrooms for the “chicken,” coat and fry until crispy, and pair with egg-free waffles.
Make vegan chicken and waffles now for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Chicken enchiladas are a Mexican favorite made with tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and sauce, then baked until bubbling. For a vegan version, use shredded jackfruit, soy curls, or beans instead of chicken, add dairy-free cheese, and smother with enchilada sauce.
Create vegan chicken enchiladas today for a saucy, satisfying meal.
A chicken quesadilla is a Mexican-inspired dish made with tortillas filled with chicken and melted cheese, then grilled until crispy. To make vegan, swap the chicken for soy curls, jackfruit, or seasoned tofu, and use dairy-free cheese for that gooey melt.
Make plant-based chicken quesadillas today for a quick, cheesy, plant-powered bite.
Chicken fajitas are a sizzling Tex-Mex favorite made with marinated chicken strips, bell peppers, and onions, served with tortillas. To veganize them, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or seitan, season with fajita spices, and sauté with the veggies.
Create vegan chicken fajitas now for a colorful, flavorful plant-based meal!
Honey chicken is a sweet and savory dish made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky honey-based sauce. To make vegan, use tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave. Toss your plant-based “chicken” in the sauce and enjoy a crunchy, flavorful vegan twist.
Create vegan honey chicken today for a sweet, satisfying meal.
Butter chicken is a creamy, spiced Indian dish made with chicken simmered in a rich tomato and butter sauce. For a vegan version, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, and use plant-based butter and coconut or cashew cream.
Give a vegan butter chicken a chance today for a comforting, flavorful plant-based meal.
Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish featuring marinated chicken cooked in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. For a plant-based version, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, and use coconut or cashew cream instead of dairy.
Try vegan chicken tikka masala today for a rich, flavorful plant-based twist on the classic.
Chicken curry is a flavorful dish made with chicken simmered in a spiced sauce of onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. To veganize it, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, or seitan, and use coconut milk or plant-based yogurt for creaminess.
Try plant-based chicken curry today for a hearty, plant-powered meal full of warmth and spice.
Chicken vindaloo is a fiery Indian curry made with chicken, vinegar, garlic, and bold spices for a tangy, spicy kick. To make vegan, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas, and use plant-based yogurt or coconut milk if you want a creamy balance.
Try plant-based chicken vindaloo today for a spicy, flavor-packed plant-based meal.
Chicken biryani is a fragrant South Asian dish made with spiced basmati rice, marinated chicken, and aromatic herbs like saffron, cardamom, and cloves. To make it vegan, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas, and use plant-based yogurt in the marinade.
Make chick'n biryani today for a colorful, flavorful plant-powered feast.
Chicken korma is a creamy, mildly spiced South Asian curry made with chicken, yogurt, nuts, and aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon. For a plant-based version, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas, and use coconut or cashew cream instead of dairy.
Try vegan chicken korma today for a rich, comforting plant-based meal.
Teriyaki chicken is a Japanese-inspired dish made with chicken glazed in a sweet-savory sauce of soy, mirin, sake, and sugar. To veganize it, replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and simmer or pan-fry in homemade or store-bought vegan teriyaki sauce.
Try vegan teriyaki “chicken” today for a flavorful, umami-packed meal!
Lemongrass chicken is a fragrant Southeast Asian dish where chicken is marinated with lemongrass, garlic, soy, and spices, then grilled or pan-fried until tender and aromatic. To make it vegan, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and let it soak up the marinade so every bite bursts with citrusy, savory flavor.
Try plant-based lemongrass “chicken” today for a zesty, plant-based twist.
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese takeout favorite made with crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy sauce of vinegar, sugar, and ketchup or pineapple. To veganize it, use tofu, tempeh, or seitan instead of chicken, coat and fry (or bake) until golden, then stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and that irresistible sweet-tangy sauce.
Try some sweet and sour chick'n today for homemade version of your favorite takeout.
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made with crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet, tangy, and citrusy orange sauce. To make it vegan, swap the chicken for tofu, cauliflower, or seitan, crisp it up by baking or frying, then toss in homemade or store-bought orange sauce.
Try orange chick'n today for a zesty, takeout-style treat—100% plant-based!
General Tso’s chicken is a Chinese-American classic featuring crispy chicken tossed in a bold, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. To veganize it, use tofu, tempeh, cauliflower, or seitan—fry or bake until crisp, then coat in that sticky, flavorful sauce.
Try General Tso’s chick'n today for a takeout favorite that’s kinder, lighter, and just as crave-worthy!
Kung Pao chicken is a spicy Sichuan dish made with chicken, peanuts, chili peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce. To veganize it, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, seitan, or even cauliflower, then stir-fry with crunchy veggies, peanuts, and that fiery sauce.
Try plant-based Kung Pao chicken today for a bold, flavorful, plant-powered meal with plenty of kick.
Hainanese chicken rice is a beloved Southeast Asian dish featuring poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in its broth, plus dipping sauces on the side. For a plant-based version, replace the chicken with poached tofu, seitan, or king oyster mushrooms, and cook the rice in a rich vegetable broth infused with ginger, garlic, and scallions.
Create vegan Hainanese “chicken” rice today for a comforting, flavorful, plant-based classic!
Chicken satay is a Southeast Asian favorite made with skewered, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. To veganize it, use tofu, tempeh, or seitan—marinate in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, lemongrass, and spices, then grill or pan-fry until golden.
Try chick'n satay today for smoky skewers with that irresistible peanut punch.
Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern street food classic, made with spiced, marinated chicken slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in pita with veggies and tahini or garlic sauce. To make it vegan, swap the chicken for seitan, soy curls, or mushrooms, marinate in warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, then grill or roast until tender.
Try plant-based chicken shawarma today for a hearty, flavor-packed wrap without any animal harm.
Chicken gyro is a Greek favorite made with seasoned chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie, then wrapped in pita with tomato, onion, and creamy tzatziki. To veganize it, use seitan, soy curls, or mushrooms, marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs like oregano, then grill or roast until savory and tender.
Try a vegan chick'n gyro today for a fresh, flavorful, plant-based wrap.
With these vegan recipes at your fingertips, it’s clear that going plant-based doesn’t mean giving up your favorite comfort foods. From crispy tenders and saucy stir-fries to creamy pastas and global street food, plant-based “chicken” delivers all the flavor without the feathers.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these recipes prove that compassion and taste go hand in hand. Dive in, cook boldly, and savor every cruelty-free bite. Until next time!
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