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Vegan KFC Fried Chicken (Copycat) Recipe

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4.4 from 14 reviews

This Vegan KFC Fried Chicken is a delicious plant-based twist on the classic fried chicken favorite, using medium-firm tofu marinated in a savory vegan chicken broth and coated in a crispy seasoned flour and cornflake breading. Perfectly deep-fried to golden brown perfection, this recipe offers a satisfying crunch and bold flavors without any animal products, making it an ideal comfort food for vegans and those looking to enjoy a healthier take on fried chicken.

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1 package of medium firm tofu (16 oz)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 no-chicken bullion cubes (or 2 cups of vegetable broth)

Breading

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Vegan Buttermilk

  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Crispy Coating

  • 1 cup corn flakes

Frying

  • ~ 2 quarts of vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

  1. Freeze and thaw tofu: Freeze the entire package of medium-firm tofu and then thaw it completely. Repeat this freeze-thaw cycle twice to improve the texture for a meatier bite.
  2. Drain the tofu: Once fully thawed after the second time, open the package and drain all liquid. Press the tofu between two cutting boards to remove excess moisture, then pat dry with a towel for best results.
  3. Break tofu into pieces: Tear the tofu into medium-sized pieces, approximately 8-10 chunks per block, allowing natural tearing for texture.
  4. Marinate tofu: Place tofu pieces in a casserole dish and pour vegan chicken broth over them, ensuring complete submersion. Set aside to marinate while prepping the breading station.
  5. Make vegan buttermilk: In a bowl, combine unsweetened plant milk with apple cider vinegar and mix. Let it sit briefly to create a tangy vegan buttermilk substitute.
  6. Prepare seasoned flour: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and all the spices: Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, garlic salt, celery salt, ginger, black pepper, and white pepper.
  7. Set up breading area: Arrange bowls and plates in a line: marinated tofu, vegan buttermilk, and seasoned flour. Reserve an additional large plate for breaded tofu pieces.
  8. First breading: Squeeze excess marinade from each tofu piece, dip into buttermilk, then dredge in the seasoned flour, fully coating it. Place coated tofu on the reserved plate. Repeat for all pieces.
  9. Add corn flakes: Crumble 1 cup corn flakes by hand into the seasoned flour mixture and mix well to combine the crunchy texture evenly.
  10. Second breading: Dip each tofu piece again in the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour and corn flake mixture for added crispiness. Place all fully coated tofu pieces on the plate.
  11. Heat oil: In a large, deep pan, heat approximately 2 quarts of vegetable or canola oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C) for deep frying. Line a plate with paper towels to drain fried tofu.
  12. Fry tofu: Carefully fry the tofu pieces in batches, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4-7 minutes. Drain on the paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  13. Serve: Enjoy your vegan fried chicken immediately with vegan ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Freezing and thawing tofu firms up its texture, making it more suitable for frying and mimicking the bite of chicken.
  • Be sure to press out as much moisture as possible from the tofu to help the breading stick better and prevent sogginess.
  • If you don’t have no-chicken bullion cubes, vegetable broth works perfectly as a marinade.
  • Crumbling corn flakes into the flour adds extra crunch and mimics the iconic KFC crust texture.
  • Maintain the frying oil temperature to ensure crispy, evenly cooked tofu without absorbing too much oil.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer to retain crispiness.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/vegan-kfc-fried-chicken-copycat-recipe/