Get ready to enjoy the ultimate plant-based comfort food with these Vegetarian Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders! Perfectly seasoned with a blend of pantry spices like garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne, these golden-brown tenders are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside—thanks to a clever combination of buttermilk and a flour-cornstarch batter. Made with high-quality plant-based chicken strips, this recipe delivers all the flavor and texture of classic fried chicken without the meat. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re ideal for satisfying cravings, impressing guests, or elevating game day snacks. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing, vegetarian-friendly treat!
Prepare the plant-based chicken strips by ensuring they are defrosted if frozen.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish.
Dip each plant-based chicken strip into the buttermilk, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off.
Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, pressing down to ensure the flour adheres well. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated strip on a wire rack. Repeat with all strips.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pan or deep fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Working in batches, carefully place the coated strips into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes or until they become a deep golden-brown and crispy. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan.
Transfer the fried tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Calories |
8664 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 881.1 g | 1130% | |
| Saturated Fat | 129.4 g | 647% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 538.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 7436 mg | 323% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.7 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.7 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 121.6 g | 243% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 584 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 17.2 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 1594 mg | 34% | |
*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.