Vegan Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This vegan fried chicken sandwich turns humble oyster mushrooms into a crispy, flavor-packed masterpiece with all the crunch and swagger of the classic sandwich shop favorite.

The mushrooms get seasoned aggressively, battered, and fried until the edges crackle while the centers stay juicy and tender, delivering that meaty bite soul food lovers crave without the meat.

Golden crunch, hot grease poetry, and plant-based soul on wax

This vegan fried chicken sandwich hits like the first bass drop in a late-night DJ set - crispy, juicy, unapologetically Southern, and ready in under an hour.

Fried oyster mushrooms stand in for the bird, soaking up Cajun seasoning and locking into a crackly crust that solves the eternal problem: how do you get real-deal fried chicken vibes without the chicken? The answer lives right here - technique over tradition, flavor over fear.

For more plant based recipes try this vegan collection of classic recipes. For a crispy delicious version of the traditional, try the best fried chicken sandwich, ever or super crispy Southern fried chicken!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• That deep, shatter-crisp crust that sings when you bite it
• Oyster mushrooms bringing tender pull-apart texture like dark meat
• Fully vegan, vegetarian fried chicken energy - no compromises, no apologies
• Built for a vegan fried chicken sandwich, but flexible enough to remix
• Weeknight-friendly with weekend-level flavor

Key Ingredients & Their Flavor Role

No reason why strictly vegetarian sandwiches shouldn't mimic classic fried chicken closely. All the ingredients are the same, but to make this fried chicken vegan, you'll have to replace the chicken with oyster mushrooms.

• Oyster mushrooms - The star vocalist. Meaty, fibrous, and juicy, they mimic fried chicken’s tear-and-pull bite better than any plant-based impostor.
• Flour - The backbone of the crust. Gives structure and that classic Southern fried chicken shell.
• Corn starch - The secret snare drum. Lightens the breading and creates extra crunch with a glassy finish.
• Cajun seasoning - The hook. Smoky, peppery, herbal heat that brings New Orleans swagger to this vegetarian fried chicken moment.

How To Make Extra Crispy Fried Vegan Chicken (step by step)

This recipe calls for the same approach used to cook traditional Southern fried chicken.

Prepare the Mushrooms

Cut mushrooms into the desired size and shape for patties. Set aside.

Make the Fried Chicken Seasoning Blend

Mix all the dry spices together in a small bowl or ramekin.

Make The Breading

Mix the flour, starch, and 2 tablespoon of the spice mix together in a large shallow bowl. Set aside.

Make the Wash

In a separate medium bowl mix together the vodka, water, and a ¼ cup of the dry breading mix. Set aside.

Fry the Mushrooms

Pre-heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F.

Dip the mushrooms in the vodka wash and cover all sides well.

Add the wet mushrooms to the flour mixture and cover all sides.

Add the mushrooms to the hot oil and fry the coated mushrooms in batches for 3-4 minutes per side. Mushrooms will float when they are done.

Remove mushrooms and drain the excess oil either on a paper towel-lined plate or wire-rack lined baking sheet.

Assemble the Fried Oyster Mushroom Sandwich

Spread mayonnaise generously on the bottom bun. Top with pickles, slaw, and fried mushroom patty. Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve with Vegan Fried Chicken

Pair this sandwich with collard greens slaw for a bitter, soulful counterpoint that cuts through the crunch and fat. A side of crispy cajun fries keeps the comfort-food theme rolling.

Keep the full menu vegan and serve with vegan mac and cheese and fried okra for full Sunday-dinner-on-a-Friday energy. Pickled okra also works well.

For added flavor top with this tasty roasted red pepper sauce.

Cooking Tips and Considerations For Making Vegan Fried Chicken

Adjust the wash to the desired level of consistency. Add more water/vodka or flour to thin/thicken the wash as preferred.

Seasoned breading and wash makes for maximum flavor

My preferred oil is peanut oil. It's high heat and has both a cleaner and neutral taste. Canola oil is a solid choice. Vegetable oil can also work.

Doctor up some vegan mayo with your favorite hot sauce for additional flavor and a spicy kick. Chipotle mayo makes for a great compliment.

Want it extra Nashville hot? Brush the fried mushrooms with chili oil + cayenne for a fiery Southern remix rooted in Black Southern hot chicken culture. Checkout this guide for seasoning fried chicken for other ideas.

Ingredient Substitutions & Recipe Variations

No oyster mushrooms?
Use king trumpet mushrooms instead. It delivers a similar meaty texture, though it will be slightly firmer and less feathery.

No Cajun seasoning?
Use Old Bay instead. It delivers a comparable savory-spice balance, though it will lean more herbal than smoky.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Vegan Fried Chicken)

Where Can You Find Oyster Mushrooms?

Oyster mushrooms aren't likely to be in traditional mainstream grocery stores. You'll need to go to a Whole Foods or Specialty type grocery store. My local Central Market has them. They ain't cheap and will run you around $10 per pound.

Are There Alternatives to Oyster Mushrooms?

Not really in terms of making this recipe. Portobello mushrooms are likely your best bet given its shape and meatiness, but even still, portobello mushrooms work better with grilling and sauteing vs. fryers. Oysters are optimal if you can find them. They are indeed worth the effort.

Beats and Eats (music pairing with this chicken sandwich)

This vegan crispy chicken sandwich is funky, classic, new school, etc. all rolled into one. It requires music that encompasses all that and then some. Nick Grant's "Cupid Is A Woman" brings it and fits the bill completely.

Make Vegan Fried Chicken

If you’re looking for an amazing vegan fried chicken recipe, look no further! This dish is crispy, flavorful, and sure to please even the most die-hard meat eaters. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking!

If you make this super crispy vegan fried chicken recipe or other tasty recipes on the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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