Discover the mouthwatering magic of **Vegan Barbecue Chicken**, a savory plant-based twist on a classic favorite! This recipe combines the satisfying chew of homemade seitan, crafted from vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and tofu, with the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce. Infused with bold flavors like soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and paprika, these "chicken" fillets deliver an irresistible smoky-sweet bite. Pan-fried to perfection for a golden crust and then baked while basted in tangy barbecue sauce, this dish achieves a rich, sticky glaze that will leave everyone craving seconds. Ideal for grilling season or cozy dinners at home, these fillets pair perfectly with roasted vegetables, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. Ready in about an hour, this high-protein, vegan-friendly recipe is proof that plant-based dining can be both hearty and flavorful. It's the ultimate cruelty-free comfort food!
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a blender or food processor, combine the firm tofu, soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Blend until you have a smooth mixture.
Transfer the blended tofu mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and nutritional yeast. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes elastic and slightly firm.
Divide the dough into 6-8 pieces and shape each piece into a 'chicken' fillet.
Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the vegan chicken fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust.
Place the browned fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece generously with barbecue sauce on all sides.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping and basting with more barbecue sauce halfway through the baking time.
Remove from the oven and let the fillets rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.
Calories |
2006 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.1 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4900 mg | 213% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 200.4 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.3 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 113.6 g | ||
| Protein | 193.0 g | 386% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 967 mg | 74% | |
| Iron | 21.6 mg | 120% | |
| Potassium | 2620 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.