Hey there! Have you ever craved that savoury, chewy texture of chicken but wanted to stick to your plant-based lifestyle? I’ve been there, too. When I first transitioned to a vegan diet, I missed the versatility of chicken in my meals. That’s when I discovered seitan — and let me tell you, it changed everything!

Seitan is a game-changer, and today, I’m so excited to share my favourite recipe for vegan seitan chicken with you. Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the results are delicious. Let’s dive in, and I’ll walk you through every step to make your protein-packed seitan chicken.

What Is Seitan and Why It’s the Perfect Vegan Seitan Chicken

If you’ve never tried seitan, you’re in for a treat. Seitan, or “wheat meat” as some people call it, is made from vital wheat gluten — the protein-rich part of wheat. When I first heard about it, I’ll admit, I was sceptical. But after one bite, I was hooked.

Here’s why I think seitan is the ultimate chicken substitute:

Texture That Rivals Chicken: The chewy, fibrous texture of seitan is unbelievably close to real chicken. You can shred, cube, or slice it — whatever suits your dish.
Protein-Packed Goodness: I love how filling and nutritious seitan is. It’s packed with protein, so I never feel like missing out.
Flavour Customization: Seitan by itself is pretty neutral in flavour, but that’s the beauty of it! You can season it any way you like to match your cravings.
Versatile Uses: From stir-fries to soups to sandwiches, there’s no limit to what you can do with seitan.

For me, the best part is that I can make it from scratch at home. It’s fresher, tastier, and so much fun to make.

Essential Ingredients for Making Vegan Seitan Chicken

Before we get started, let’s talk about what you’ll need. I’ve experimented with a lot of combinations, and these are the ingredients I always come back to:

Vital Wheat Gluten: This magic ingredient gives seitan its meaty texture. You can easily find it at your local health food store or order it online!
Nutritional Yeast: This adds a subtle cheesy, umami flavour that tastes the next level.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: For that deep, savoury kick. I prefer tamari when I’m cooking gluten-free for friends.
Vegetable Broth: I like to use a flavorful broth to ensure every bite is delicious.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and poultry seasoning are my go-to for creating that classic chicken flavour.
Liquid Smoke (Optional): This is a must if you love a smoky flavour. I only use a few drops, but it makes a big difference.

These ingredients are easy to find; once you have them, you’ll make seitan chicken like a pro.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Seitan Chicken

Alright, let’s get to the fun part: making the seitan! Don’t worry if it’s your first time — I’ll walk you through every step.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk your vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and seasonings. This step ensures the flavours are evenly spread throughout the dough. I love watching the ingredients come together — it feels like the start of something amazing.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

Next, slowly pour in your vegetable broth and soy sauce. Stir it all together with a wooden spoon until the dough forms. It’ll look a bit sticky at first, but that’s normal!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Here’s where the magic happens. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. I like to think of this as giving the seitan a personality — the more you knead, the chewier it gets. But don’t overdo it, or it can turn rubbery.

Step 4: Shape and Simmer

Shape the dough into fillets, nuggets, or strips. Get creative! Then, bring a vegetable broth to a gentle simmer and add your seitan pieces. This step infuses them with flavour. Ensure the broth doesn’t boil — it’s all about that gentle heat.

Step 5: Cool and Prepare

Once cooked, let the seitan cool in the broth. I find this step helps lock in all those amazing flavours. Now, your seitan chicken is ready to use in any recipe you like.

Delicious Ways to Use Vegan Seitan Chicken in Recipes

Here’s your opportunity to get creative and make it uniquely yours! There are so many ways to enjoy your homemade seitan chicken. Here are some of my favourites:

Stir-Fries: Slice up the seitan and toss it into a stir-fry with your favourite veggies and sauce. It’s quick, healthy, and delicious.
Sandwiches: Grill or fry the seitan for a crispy, savoury vegan chicken sandwich. Add some lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo — perfection!
Curries: I love adding chunks of seitan to a creamy curry. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Soups and Stews: Shredded seitan works beautifully in hearty soups and stews. It adds protein and texture, making the meal feel complete.

I’d love to hear how you use your seitan — endless possibilities exist!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Seitan Every Time

Making seitan is part science, part art. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to help you get it just right:

Avoid Over-Kneading: While kneading is important for texture, overdoing it can make your seitan too tough. Aim for just enough to bring it together.
Use Flavorful Broth: Don’t skimp on the broth! A well-seasoned broth is the key to flavorful seitan.
Experiment with Seasonings: One of the best things about making seitan is how customizable it is. Mix in your favourite herbs and spices to give it your personal touch!
Store Properly: Store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer if you’re making a big batch. I like to keep mine in the broth to retain moisture.

Following these tips will make you a seitan-making master in no time.

FAQ Section About Vegan Seitan Chicken

What is a seitan made of?

Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten, the protein-rich part of wheat. Mixed with seasonings and liquid, it transforms into a chewy, meat-like texture.

Is seitan healthier than chicken?

It depends on your goals! Seitan is high in protein and low in fat, but it doesn’t contain the same nutrients as chicken, like B12 or iron. It’s a great option for a plant-based diet.

Can I freeze seitan chicken?

Yes! I do this all the time. Just pop it into an airtight container or freezer bag, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three months.

Why is my seitan rubbery?

This usually happens if you over-knead the dough or boil it instead of simmering. Be gentle, and keep the heat low for the best results.

How long does homemade seitan chicken last?

If stored in an airtight container fridge, seitan will last about 5-7 days. Keeping it in the broth helps it stay moist.

Conclusion Vegan Seitan Chicken

Making vegan seitan chicken at home has been such a rewarding experience for me, and I hope it will be for you, too. It’s easy, versatile, and incredibly delicious. There’s just something special about the feeling you get when you’ve made it all on your own.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive right in. I can’t wait to hear how your seitan turns out! Share your creations in the comments, or let me know if you have any questions. Happy cooking!